2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $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 flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, featured Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its high price, the King Ranch's visual differentiation was subtle, marked by emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment, offering a stylish design and high-quality materials that gave it a luxury feel. The CX-5 was available with a turbocharged engine providing impressive power and boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, a strategic move by Mazda to transition its loyal customers. The CX-5 exuded quality and sophistication across its lineup, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature model featuring Rhodium White metallic paint, Caturra Brown Nappa leather upholstery, and a rear bumper guard, bringing its MSRP to $41,655. The CX-5's appeal lay in its refined driving experience and luxurious interior, though it faced challenges with its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and frustrating infotainment system.

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 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's base model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model offered a turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, with 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's updates included increased structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, though fuel efficiency dropped to 21.4 mpg during testing. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, offering a firm, connected ride with responsive steering and brakes, making it a joy to drive.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage space, with limited pockets, shelves, and cubbies. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's updates included improved front seat comfort and support. All versions had a height-adjustable driver's seat, with power adjustment available on higher trims. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were lacking. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the CX-5's smaller size resulted in limited in-cabin storage and cramped rear seating. The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, less than many rivals.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was lacking, often failing to recognize destinations and commands. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system had a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward. The user experience was often confusing, requiring multiple steps to execute commands. Despite this, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It featured 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 had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The safety tech operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity was occasionally frustrating.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's i-Activsense tech included most driver assistance features as standard, with additional features on the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The tech operated smoothly, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The lane-departure warning system offered audible and tactile alerts, and the adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.