2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, closely resembling Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than truly premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth, sleek lines that gave it a slippery appearance even when stationary. While not flashy, the CX-5's design was stylish and consistent across its trim levels. The base model featured automatic LED headlights, a rear roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims like the GS added leatherette seats, a power liftgate, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model boasted premium features like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling offerings from luxury brands. The CX-5's interior materials were well-executed, providing a premium feel that was above average for a compact crossover.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a well-matched driving experience. While CVTs often have a reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to create a responsive system that mimicked a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its lightweight design contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-5's FWD models with the non-turbo engine were the most fuel-efficient, achieving 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The turbocharged engine provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, but the CX-5's stiff suspension and less-than-ideal seat bolstering detracted from the overall driving experience. Despite this, the CX-5's AWD system kept it firmly planted on the road.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The CR-V provided excellent head- and legroom, thanks to its optimal seating position and low cowl. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor allowing for flexible storage options. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered up to 1,110 litres of cargo space, making it easy to accommodate various needs. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and large door pockets, added to the CR-V's practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5, while stylish, had some limitations in terms of interior space. The seating position and comfort level were typical for an SUV of its size, but rear legroom was limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants. The CX-5 offered 875 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the segment. Despite this, the CX-5 featured straightforward climate controls and a well-designed interior, although the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up valuable space.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, even with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the CR-V was equipped with multiple USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims, providing ample connectivity options.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning and scrolling made it difficult to use, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The infotainment controls were positioned awkwardly, making them hard to reach for shorter drivers. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5's infotainment system offered a larger display than the CR-V's.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, offering forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had less effective halogen headlights. A recall for a rear subframe failure affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional features like a head-up display and 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 buyers.