2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the popular XLT version. The U.S.-spec King Ranch model, not available in Canada, was used for testing, with the Platinum trim being the closest Canadian equivalent. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to the "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally hinting at the base trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle changes, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. New seats improved comfort, and the CX-5's driving position became sportier. Prices ranged from $30,500 to $43,650, with the turbocharged engine available for an additional $2,200 on the Sport Design grade. The test vehicle, a U.S. equivalent of the Sport Design, featured the turbo engine, optional Soul Red paint, and a package with roof rails and crossbars, totalling $46,175.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg and burning as little as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,540 kg with a fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST version.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5's entry-level engine was a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It featured a revised 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged engine, offering 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, also came with the revised transmission and AWD, burning 9.8 L/100 km. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) provided Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The CX-5's improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning resulted in a quieter, smoother ride with enhanced driving dynamics. The 2022 model eliminated body roll and provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical pockets and cubbies. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 528 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,132 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings, offering a sportier driving position and improved comfort. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but featured heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small centre armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 offered 871 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,680 litres, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought, while the smaller screen integrated well with the interior. The test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The outdated Sync 3 system lacked effective voice recognition, making it difficult to operate features using spoken commands. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, lacking touch-sensing and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services were standard, with a two-year trial subscription for new owners. The GT and higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately. The lack of a touchscreen and advanced voice recognition limited the system's usability, requiring smartphone integration for intuitive assistance.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centring assist occasionally disengaged on sharper curves.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 included the i-Activsense package with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature trim featured Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, with blind-spot warnings displayed in the head-up display. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.