2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium better than its competitors with the 2020 CX-5. This model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance. Modifications were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle in Signature trim costing $38,680, including destination charges. The CX-5's "Kodo" styling themes made it look appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious feel. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often makes a vehicle seem premium.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid looked much like its gas-only counterparts, with "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, sophisticated LED fog lights, and a different rear bumper. Inside, it had unique instrumentation showing battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The paddles on the steering wheel managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard AWD, prices ranged from $30,560 to $36,350. The test vehicle in Touring trim, with extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint, cost $37,920, including destination charges. The cabin featured Ivory leather, presenting a rich two-tone contrast against the black upper panels and carpets. However, all CR-V Hybrids had fake wood that looked nothing like the real thing.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine, paired with AWD, provided a healthy amount of power for a compact crossover SUV, accelerating with authority despite a 3,825-pound curb weight. However, the turbo engine was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for the naturally-aspirated engine with AWD. The test vehicle averaged 22.1 mpg. The CX-5 Signature was engaging to drive, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, but excessive body motions when cornering detracted from the driving experience. Despite this, the steering and brakes were up to the task, making the CX-5 a delight in typical driving situations.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, pairing a 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, there were three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight of 194 pounds, carried low in the vehicle, reduced its center of gravity and improved weight distribution. It retained the standard CR-V AWD model's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line, had plenty of power, and handled predictably, though it occasionally droned under acceleration. On the testing route, it returned 33.7 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined and the 39.7 mpg achieved by a RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped than its competitors, making it less competitive in terms of practicality and utility. However, Mazda focused on an upscale cabin and a generous list of standard equipment to de-emphasize this drawback. Every version of the CX-5 had a stylish interior, with clear gauges and elegant metallic accents. Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more. The front seats were comfortable, but rear passengers might complain about legroom. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The supportive front seats provided hours of comfort, with the driver's seat offering 12-way power adjustment. Heated front seats were standard, and the available leather was soft and high in quality. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which was the only comfort-related complaint. The rear seat room was remarkable, with ample space for adults and good leg support. The rear seat also featured air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. Interior storage space was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up center console space. Cargo space measured 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, though this was less than the standard gasoline CR-V Touring and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which conveyed an upscale impression but could be frustrating to use. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen that responded to touch only when the vehicle wasn't moving. Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification were included. Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grand Touring trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. Signature trim added a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription. Interaction with Mazda Connect was through the touchscreen, center console controls, steering wheel controls, or voice-recognition technology, none of which were ideal. For 2021, Mazda planned to update the system, but operational issues persisted.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned for the 2017 model year, looked modern but performed poorly. The 7-inch touchscreen was small for the segment, and the lack of a tuning knob impacted user experience. The system took a long time to start, and the voice-recognition technology was ineffective. The navigation map display was cluttered, and HondaLink connected services were minimal. The CR-V Hybrid offered quick-charging ports for the rear seat, but the front ports were less powerful. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with Touring trim but took up center console space. The Touring's nine-speaker premium audio sounded good, and the system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 also had standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, with adaptive headlights available on Grand Touring trim. 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.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, a collection of advanced driving-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems worked smoothly and accurately, though the CR-V's technology was not as advanced as some competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.