2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles that many automakers favored. Instead, it presented a smooth, sleek design that appeared almost slippery even when stationary. While it didn't aim to be a showstopper, it took Mazda's familiar design language in a stylish direction. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more advanced lighting features.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design ethos, managed to incorporate a sense of style. The kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines added flair to its otherwise clean flanks. The Elite trim level, which we tested, featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey's interior was designed with family comfort in mind, offering quality leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage spaces. The Magic Slide second-row seats and a comfortable third-row seat made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most efficient FWD model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged AWD model managed 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The CX-5's sporty driving style was engaging, but its stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. Its EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg in combined driving. During our test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While the Odyssey's brakes could heat up and produce pedal vibration during extended downhill driving, it remained quick and responsive in various driving conditions. However, it lacked the sporty driving character of the CX-5.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior design was functional and stylish, with good headroom in both rows but limited legroom for rear passengers. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. Climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. However, the larger shifter and infotainment system controls could be less intuitive for shorter drivers. Cargo space was limited, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an onboard vacuum cleaner. Storage space was impressive, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for child seating and access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats expanded the cargo volume to 144.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less so. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites made it less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for some of the system's shortcomings.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, but its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, it offered an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services. CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies were available on Touring and Elite trims, providing rear-seat monitoring and an in-vehicle public address system. The rear-seat entertainment system, standard on Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch display and various media inputs. However, the system felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda backed the CX-5 with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, sometimes issuing invalid warnings or taking ill-advised actions. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.