2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its lack of distinctive styling, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was marked by a few unique elements, such as the grille and some chromed plastic features, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find more vibrant colours like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale materials as you moved up the trim levels. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were noted for offering more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a more refined and premium appearance, with updates like new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The top Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing its upscale appeal. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the seating. Despite its snug back seat, the CX-5 offered a sportier driving position and a more natural relationship to the controls, contributing to its premium brand aspirations.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It delivered smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossovers. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience but lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, similar to most competitors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged version delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive contributed to a more responsive performance. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered different driving modes, further improving the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accommodating various loads. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured different tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more comfortable furnishings. The driving position was sportier, and the front passenger seat was height-adjustable on most trims. The back seat remained snug, but features like heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. While the control layout was initially frustrating, users could acclimate to the centre console controls. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying audio setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with wireless phone charging available on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made it less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Mazda Connected Services. The GT trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, providing a satisfactory audio experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims. These included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 also prioritized safety with its i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.