2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular compact crossover SUVs on the market today. Both are safe, fuel-efficient, have interiors that look and feel upscale, seat 5 comfortably and have great driving dynamics. Deciding which one is better suited for your needs can be challenging. Both vehicles perform well and are at the top of the compact SUV ranking. Let's take a closer look at these compact crossover SUVs.
Recently Redesigned
Both the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5 were fully redesigned in the 2017 model year and have had minor upgrades done since, The 2021 Honda CR-V has an updated exterior and its suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver-assistance features is now standard. Plus, it now has a turbocharged engine that's more fuel efficient and powerful than before. The CR-V was named 'Best Compact SUV for the Money' in 2020 and the 2021 model is even better. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has more standard safety technology, new engine options and a new 10.25-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system. It features both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Plus, the CX-5's refined interior makes it a challenger for the compact SUV segment's top spot. It has sporty handling, turbocharged engine option, a terrific safety score and a long list of excellent standard features.
Engine And Powertrain
The base model 2021 Honda CR-V has a 190-horsepower, 1.5-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 179 pound-feet of torque. It works in tandem with a continuously variable transmission. Front wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel-drive is an option. There's also a 212 horsepower CR-V Hybrid with a gas-electric powertrain and a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive comes standard. The hybrid version offers a smoother and more refined driving experience.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder base engine producing 186 pound-feet of torque and an optional 250-horsepower, 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Both of the engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-Wheel drive comes standard, but buyers can opt for All-Wheel drive.
The Interior
The cabin of the 2021 Honda CR-V is spacious and luxurious. Standard features include a 5-inch audio display, automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and the option to add HD Radio, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo and two rear USB ports. Buyers can get cloth or leather upholstery and the Honda CR-V features a maximum cargo space of 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It has an optional power liftgate and hands-free liftgate. With its quality faux-wood accents and brushed-satin finishes the cabin has a very tasteful and contemporary look and feel.
The interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a study in elegance and comfort. It can hold luggage for the entire family without impacting rear visibility. Plus, it has two sets of LATCH connectors to secure child safety seats. Its high, commanding driver seating position gives great visibility in all directions. There's comfortable seating for 5 and it feels like you are in a luxury vehicle. The cabin has high-end materials and excellent amenities all over. It has wood trim, Nappa leather upholstery, Bluetooth, Navigation, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, HD Radio, a four-speaker stereo, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Mazda Connected Services. A rotary knob on the center console controls the system.
Safety Features
The 2021 Honda CR-V has good safety and driver assistance features. Its standard safety features are automatic high-beam headlights, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation system, lane keeping assist system, a collision mitigation braking system and other elements of the Honda Sensing Suite. The CR-V's driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and lane keep assist. Other available driver assistance features are a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.
The safety features on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 earned high ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. The CX-5's standard safety features include: Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure warning, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights and a rearview camera. Other available advanced safety features are adaptive headlights, head-up display, driver attention monitoring, reverse automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking camera system and traffic sign recognition.
Performance
The 2021 Honda CR-V has peppy acceleration, superb fuel economy, a well-balanced ride, poised, composed handling and a refined, sophisticated, driving experience. It has confident highway manners, responsive steering and a turbocharged engine that boasts smooth power delivery. It has easy acceleration and its CVT simulates the stepped gear changes of a traditional automatic transmission. The SUV drives with composure, is easy to handle, has a responsive brake pedal, a quiet cabin and gives pleasant long or short commutes. Its nicely assisted steering gives adequate feedback to make driving enjoyable and less jarring.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a sporty demeanor, attractive styling and a premium feel. It has responsive steering, lively chassis tuning and an excellent performance that makes driving the CX-5 very engaging. The CX-5 has lots of power and consistently delivers premium performance. Its agile handling makes it more fun to drive than most vehicles in its class. The standard engine on the CX-5 has lots of pep, but its turbocharged engine injects vigor few can match. Its engaging driving dynamics, top-notch balance and responsive steering puts the 2021 Mazda CX-5 among today's most driver-friendly compact crossover SUVs.
A Tough Choice
Looking for a family transport with lots of cargo space, a fuel-saving hybrid option, great resale value and a sterling reputation for dependability? Then choosing the 2021 Honda CR-V makes sense. But if you want a compact SUV that offers you an exhilarating driving experience, a sophisticated, elegant interior, comfortable seating, cutting-edge technology, lots of infotainment and driver assistance features and great value, stop by Seacoast Mazda and test drive a 2021 Mazda CX-5.