2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors were a standout, making it easy to load children into car seats even in tight parking spaces. The Odyssey offered a spacious and comfortable third-row seat, accommodating additional passengers like grandparents or carpool groups without hassle. Its cargo space was impressive, with the ability to fold down seats for maximum storage, rivaling even large SUVs. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey maintained a sense of style, particularly in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels and quality interior materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 was a compact crossover SUV that exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication. It was stylishly designed and constructed with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The CX-5 offered two engine options, including a turbocharged variant that delivered impressive power. While its back seat and cargo area were smaller compared to some competitors, the CX-5 made up for it with its engaging driving dynamics and refined ride quality. The interior featured comfortable seating, especially in the Signature trim with Nappa leather upholstery, but the infotainment system was a point of contention due to its non-intuitive controls.

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. It was a front-wheel-drive vehicle, lacking the all-wheel-drive option available in some competitors. The Odyssey's EPA fuel economy was estimated at 22 mpg in combined driving. While it didn't offer hybrid options like the Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes were prone to overheating on downhill grades, leading to pedal vibration and noise.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with a firm and connected ride quality. The CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving for the turbo variant, though real-world testing showed slightly lower results. The vehicle excelled on twisty roads, offering a sporty and engaging drive.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a low step-in height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The minivan offered ample storage space, including a handy floor tray and numerous compartments. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and safety. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area behind it offered 32.8 cubic feet of space, expandable to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while stylish, had limitations in interior space. The front seats were comfortable, especially in higher trims with Nappa leather, but the rear seat and cargo area were cramped compared to rivals. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior materials were top-notch, but the lack of intuitive technology and limited storage space were drawbacks.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims included navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technologies. However, the infotainment system felt outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command capabilities. The rear-seat entertainment system was basic, with a single 10.2-inch display and media playback options.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics, but its Mazda Connect infotainment system was frustrating to use. The lack of a touchscreen and intuitive controls made it challenging to operate while driving. Despite this, the system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system in higher trims. The vehicle also included helpful features like a surround-view camera system and parking sensors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement and could be overly sensitive. The Odyssey received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The system operated smoothly and accurately, enhancing the driving experience. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night.