2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly revolutionary or eye-catching. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither drawing undue attention nor causing embarrassment to its driver. The MDX featured Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that bore the prominent Acura logo, creating an expressive front face. The MDX's exterior was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with precise paint and chrome finishes, a testament to Acura's attention to detail. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and straightforward design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that contributed to a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in executing a premium concept, offering captivating style and substance. The CX-5 received updates for the model year, including more standard equipment, improved cabin aesthetics, and noise reduction measures. Its turbocharged engine gained torque, and AWD models featured a new off-road traction assistance. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and distinctive. Inside, the CX-5 Signature trim boasted premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast against the predominantly black interior. Despite its compact size, the CX-5's interior exuded style and sophistication, with thoughtful details and upscale materials.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The standard model featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX demonstrated impressive straight-line performance, with its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhancing cornering agility through torque vectoring. This system directed power to the outside wheel during turns, improving handling and stability. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long journeys.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged version, available in GT Turbo and Signature trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine provided robust acceleration, though it was less fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement by stabilizing the SUV during cornering. However, the CX-5's high centre of gravity led to excessive body motions during spirited driving, detracting from its overall driving experience. Despite this, the CX-5's steering and brakes offered a satisfying driving experience in typical conditions.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered practicality akin to minivans, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row down. The MDX featured a flexible interior with ample storage options, including a large glove box, centre console with USB and power jacks, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while more upscale, had a more compact interior compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It offered 875 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,687 litres with the rear seats folded. The CX-5's interior featured stylish gauges, metallic accents, and standard heated front seats. Higher trims added features like power-adjustable seats, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. Despite its smaller size, the CX-5's interior exuded style and sophistication, with thoughtful details and upscale materials.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, with trim levels organized into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Elite Package offered an Active Damper System, surround-view camera, and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in GX trim. It included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and a surround-view camera. The system could be controlled via touchscreen, centre console, steering wheel, or voice recognition, though the latter was less effective. Mazda planned to update the system for 2021, addressing some operational issues.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's ACE Body Structure enhanced crash protection. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual tests.