2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of eight models, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty look to the XLT version. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, it didn't visually stand out much from other trims. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long, tall hood and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, making it feel somewhat inconsistent for its near $60,000 price point.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the Signature trim remained luxurious with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, offering improved comfort. Mazda simplified its trim levels, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S ranged from $25,900 to $33,950, while the 2.5 Turbo started at $36,400. Our test vehicle, the 2.5 Turbo, included optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and roof rails, totaling $39,445. The CX-5's interior remained upscale, with premium materials and a sporty driving position. However, the control layout and infotainment system were less intuitive, requiring acclimation.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust and capable, with the King Ranch handling off-road terrain well despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The sport-tuned Explorer ST offered enhanced driving dynamics with performance brakes and red brake calipers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo, running on premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. Our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The 2.5 Turbo trims and the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 CX-5 benefited from increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, offering a quieter and smoother ride with improved driving dynamics. The CX-5's handling was sure-footed, with reduced body roll and a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a premium brand vehicle.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage in the front door armrests and dashboard. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings. The new seats offered better support and a sportier driving position. All trims except the base included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. Our 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but included heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was less intuitive, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin, wireless smartphone charging, and door armrest trays. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim added wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less effective, struggling with navigation and music requests. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the vehicle. An available rear-seat entertainment system included dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services, with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard starting with this trim level.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year’s model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly, though it occasionally issued unnecessary warnings to hold the steering wheel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The standard i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5 S Premium trim added adaptive headlights, while the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. Traffic Jam Assist was also available on the Signature trim. The i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, with some delay in recognizing vehicles that had merged ahead.