2020 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier versions were upgrades of a commodity car rather than truly premium products.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in executing a premium concept, offering captivating style and substance. Mazda's commitment to building better cars was evident in the CX-5's standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and modifications to reduce noise and vibration. The SUV's turbocharged engine saw an increase in torque output, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling themes, remained appealing and distinctive, with an upscale look that many automakers struggled to achieve. Inside, the CX-5's interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all grades, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain was well-suited to the CR-V. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggish response, Honda's engineers managed to make it feel quick, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight, ranging from 1,521 kg for the FWD LX model to 1,641 kg for the AWD Touring and Black Edition models, contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. FWD models achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while AWD models managed 8.1, making the CR-V one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in its class.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque as standard in the GX, GS, and GT trims. It used a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, but its fuel efficiency was lower, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. 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 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The seating position provided excellent visibility, and the cargo compartment matched the Tiguan in volume despite the CR-V's shorter length. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and a two-position load floor, added to its practicality. The CR-V offered 1,065 litres of cargo space in the Touring and Black Edition trims and 1,110 litres in other grades, making it easy to accommodate various needs.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped compared to competitors like the CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, Mazda focused on creating an upscale cabin with a generous list of standard equipment. The CX-5 featured stylish gauges, metallic accents, and heated front seats as standard. Higher trims added features like power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, even with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, including high-powered ones in the backseat, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring and Black Edition trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering an upscale impression but requiring acclimation. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and a surround-view camera system. Interacting with Mazda Connect involved using the touchscreen, centre console controls, or voice-recognition technology, which could be frustrating.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams were standard, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring were available on higher trims. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with LED headlights improving nighttime visibility on higher trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive ADAS package, including smart city brake support, 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 testing parameters.