2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV that balanced sportiness with subtlety. Its design avoided excessive blacked-out trim or aggressive performance cues, instead opting for a refined look that suggested sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX was not designed for off-roading, as evidenced by the absence of rugged features like oversized skid plates or fender flares, emphasizing its role as a daily driver and road-trip companion. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, offered a sporty interior with features like simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing its athletic appeal. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, focusing on smooth, sleek lines that gave it a sophisticated appearance. The exterior design remained consistent across most trim levels, with features like LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels standard on the base model. Higher trims, such as the GS and Kuro Edition, added premium touches like leatherette seats, a power liftgate, and unique paint options. The CX-5 Signature trim, which was our tester, offered a premium experience with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and 19-inch gunmetal wheels. The interior materials were of high quality, providing a luxurious feel that rivaled more expensive brands. However, the CX-5's design did not significantly differentiate itself from other Mazda models, maintaining a sense of brand uniformity.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the standard torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine's output to the rear wheels, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, contributing to its sporty handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers in the A-Spec trim resulted in some body motion on uneven roads, and the transmission did not match revs when using paddle shifters in Sport or Sport+ mode.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the turbo engine came standard with AWD. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied depending on the drivetrain, with the FWD model being the most economical. The turbo engine provided ample power and an engaging driving experience, especially in Sport mode, but the CX-5's stiff suspension could be uncomfortable on rough roads. The CX-5's sporty driving style was enjoyable, but the seats lacked sufficient bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV, making it a practical choice for families. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had a recline angle that could be uncomfortable for passengers. The RDX's cargo space was competitive, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Additional storage compartments under the cargo floor provided useful organization options. Despite its spaciousness, the RDX's storage solutions could be improved, particularly the accessibility of the centre console tray.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, with good headroom in both rows but limited legroom for rear passengers. The CX-5 featured two full LATCH connections for child seats, though they were not the easiest to use. The climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly, while the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up significant space in the centre console. The CX-5's cargo space was slightly below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. A power liftgate was available, adding convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI mirrored the screen's layout, making it more intuitive than similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi tethering, and available navigation. The A-Spec trim boasted a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal, and Acura could benefit from integrating more user-friendly controls.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was not as modern or user-friendly as expected. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favourites made it less convenient, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or centre console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to use their smartphones for entertainment. While the infotainment system had its drawbacks, the inclusion of smartphone integration helped mitigate some of the issues.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Additional features like a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.