2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, added a sporty flair. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less competitive against similarly priced vehicles from luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in delivering a premium experience, both in style and substance. Mazda's commitment to quality was evident in the CX-5's captivating design and upscale interior. The 2020 model year saw improvements in standard equipment and cabin aesthetics, enhancing its appeal. The CX-5's interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather and real wood, creating a luxurious atmosphere. While the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast, the overall design was elegant and sophisticated. Mazda's focus on continual product improvement and attention to detail made the CX-5 a standout in its class.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its handling and ride quality. The ST trim's suspension and steering, tuned by Ford Performance, offered a nimble and precise driving experience. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a hybrid option with a net 318 hp. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher cost.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version, delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The CX-5's turbocharged engine provided strong acceleration, though it was less efficient than the naturally aspirated version. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced its driving dynamics, but excessive body motions detracted from the overall experience. Despite this, the CX-5 remained engaging to drive, with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a first-class feel. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, though the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. The Explorer's cargo space was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second row, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and well-appointed, with heated front seats standard across all trims. The GS trim added power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel, while the GT trim included ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, enhancing its luxury appeal. However, the CX-5's interior was more cramped than competitors, with limited rear legroom. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat and 1,687 litres with the back seat folded, making it less practical than some rivals.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Keyless entry, remote start, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system lacked innovation, with limited customization options and an unfinished feel. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but was less effective than competitors' systems.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on GX trim. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The GT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and a colour 8-inch touchscreen. The Signature trim included a surround-view camera system. While the system conveyed an upscale impression, it required acclimation and had operational issues. The voice-recognition technology was unreliable, and the centre console controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment. The package included smart city brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure 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 testing parameters.