2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. However, the interior's resemblance to a minivan and the exterior's lack of flair did not do the Pilot any favours.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth, sleek lines that gave it a sophisticated look. The CX-5's exterior remained consistent across most trims, with the Kuro Edition adding unique styling elements. The Signature trim, which we tested, offered a premium feel with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim. The interior materials were of high quality, and the overall design was well-executed, providing a more upscale experience compared to the Pilot.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with athletic handling, thanks to its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.0 L/100 km, and the test vehicle averaged 10.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, standard on the Signature trim, provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode. The CX-5's AWD system ensured stability, but its stiff suspension could be less comfortable on rough roads. Fuel efficiency varied, with the turbo engine achieving 9.8 L/100 km combined, slightly less efficient than the Pilot.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on the Black Edition, offering comfort and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a stylish and functional interior, though rear legroom was limited. It featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter, which took up space. Cargo capacity was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with seats folded. While the CX-5's design was appealing, it lacked the spaciousness of the Pilot.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like wireless phone charging and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the system's interface was less intuitive, and voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was less user-friendly. The lack of tuning knobs made it challenging to navigate, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The screen's position was less accessible, but steering wheel controls helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display and surround-view camera. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, making it a safe choice for buyers.