2022 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

Despite what some people might say, there are several benefits to living in a competitive and consumer-based economy. Because the industries that provide us with consumer goods have relative freedom to operate with minimal interference from the state, they're in a constant state of competition with others in their industry to provide better products that are available to consumers on a large scale. When you look at the automotive industry, this is consumer-based competition in its truest form. Manufacturers are always striving to offer a product that's better than the ones made by their contemporaries within the industry. This spirit of competition is at its strongest when it comes to making a product that can be seen as the "ideal family vehicle." The average consumer is always on the lookout for practicality and possesses a keen eye for vehicles that are aesthetically pleasing and features that make them feel like pampered royalty. When it comes to the manufacturing of these choice items, both Honda and Mazda have impressive track records with what they're brought to the table over the years. Today, these two titans of industry are going head-to-head in a contest of consumer-based convenience. It's the 2022 Honda CR-V vs the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Both have promise, but only one can be named as the "ideal family vehicle."

Performance is a term that's been used many times when describing the capabilities of various automobiles. As a term, it's not exclusive, as different vehicles can be used in very different ways. When it comes to the SUV, performance might not be measured strictly by horsepower ratings, but by how far a vehicle can go on a single tank of gas and the range of choices one can make when making a purchase. For a vehicle that's supposed to be ideal for a family, the name of the game should be practicality.

When it comes to going the distance on a full tank of gas, both Honda and Mazda have been very efficient in the past, and the offerings they currently have available are no exception to this observation. While events aren’t on the level they were during the infamous energy crisis of the 1970s, the price of fuel during the past few years has changed wildly and, at times, seems to have a life of its own.

To this end, the rating of performance with both vehicles will still apply to the engines, but rather than raw power, it's efficiency we're after. When comparing both introductory trim levels, we can see that both are equipped with 4-cylinder engines. The Honda CR-V has a standard 1.5L, whereas the Mazda CX-5 has a 2.5L. One of the distinctive differences between the two isn't found in the size of their engines, but rather the drivetrain that sees the limitations of Mazda. Ironically, it also comes from one of the company's major selling points for the model year.

Much like Subaru has done for the past several years, Mazda has equipped its SUV fleet with standard AWD. While this is certainly advantageous for the driver who's concerned about weather conditions hindering their commute, it leaves no choice for another option. AWD drive trains are heavier and require more power to move them, and as a result, more fuel is needed for even the most basic of commutes. While AWD is available for the CR-V, Honda keeps it from being mandatory.

As a result, the Mazda CX-5 possesses an estimated combined fuel efficiency of just 26 MPG, compared to the CR-V, which has an estimated combined fuel efficiency of up to 30 MPG.[b] To level the playing field, when we take a look at the Honda CR-V equipped with AWD, the estimated fuel efficiency still outshines the CX-5 with a total of 29 MPG combined.[b]

Despite Mazda's valiant efforts to make AWD more available to the masses, it only ends up serving as nothing more than the vehicle's "Achilles Heel." Honda once again shows the world that efficiency and practicality are their strengths.

One of the advantages of owning an SUV is having a roomy, spacious interior. As anyone who's gone on a lengthy road trip with their family or even a few friends will attest to, having personal space and being comfortable is quite important. While the initials of SUV stand for "sport utility vehicle," the most important "V" as far as many customers are concerned falls under the category of either "volume" or "versatility" (or sometimes both). For the sake of providing a fair and balanced argument, we'll first look at volume as it relates to cargo space. When looking at the cargo capabilities of Mazda's newest offering, one can't help but feel largely unimpressed, especially when compared to other offerings in its class. The Mazda CX-5 has an available cargo area of only 59.6 cu.ft. When it comes to storage space, this is a no-contest for the Honda CR-V, whose available storage of 75.8 cu.ft. dwarfs the competition considerably.

But because an interior isn't limited to storage alone, we'll now focus our attention on the creature comforts and amenities that both vehicles offer their customers. What the CX-5 lacks in cargo capabilities is made up for with the vehicle's intriguing and captivating interior design. Impressive attention to detail does manage to elevate the CX-5's aesthetic above many of the competitors in its class. While the interior mirrors offerings and trappings of many upscale luxury vehicles, many will be drawn to the 10.5" infotainment screen that's standard across all trim lines.

Comparing the interior cabins of the CX-5 and CR-V could be described as a contest of style over substance. The CX-5 will certainly lure many in with its posh styling and promises of luxury and suave design. On the other hand, Honda keeps its focus on substance and the understanding that practicality will always win the day over simply looking impressive. To this end, Honda's interior is spacious, inviting, and provides the necessary level of comfort that's needed for being on the road for lengthy periods of time. While Mazda is doing its best to mimic the high-end European distributors, Honda is content with being itself and wrapping up everything in a nice package that's perfect in its practicality.

When it comes to providing consumers with the ideal family-based product, safety should always be a priority of the highest level. As both have done throughout their respective development, Mazda and Honda have provided vehicles that are known for being as safe as they are reliable. After all, when you sign on the dotted line at the dealership, peace of mind from the knowledge that you'll be safe is something that one can't put a price tag on.

In examining the safety features of both vehicles, an impressive number of standard offerings safeguard drivers from the unforeseen. Both vehicles were awarded 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and both the CR-V and CX-5 offer adaptive cruise control as a standard safety feature.[c] Just as they have in so many areas, Honda holds a distinct and noticeable advantage over Mazda in terms of what it makes accessible. There's relatively little difference in the features that come standard across the CR-V's five different trim lines, compared to the eight levels that make up Mazda's offering. While the CX-5 has multiple features that are standard across the introductory offerings, only the top-level trim comes equipped with traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, and driver attention alert.

Honda, on the other hand, takes accessibility and places it at the forefront. A sizable number of features come standard, and even the introductory trim has the same amount as the higher-level models, minus Honda's acoustic vehicle alert system, which is only available on the hybrid CR-V, and a blind-spot alert system. Everything else from the Honda Sensing driver assistance package comes standard, which includes lane-keeping and departure with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and as we mentioned before, Honda's adaptive cruise control system with low-speed follow.

While a comparison of the different safety features on each model might appear as nothing more than apples and oranges, a closer examination shows that Honda believes in delivering practicality to their customers and doesn't believe in making one pay extra for top-tier safety.

While many manufacturers are making promises about providing the ideal family vehicle to consumers, Honda is a brand that's delivering. At Ralph Honda, you'll be impressed with how closely we follow the same standards of quality and accessibility that Honda has always implemented. Our inventory is always growing, and our team is constantly updating their knowledge and expertise to make sure you have the best experience possible. Aside from a vast selection and service, we also offer financing with competitive lease and loan options because we want to get you behind the wheel and enjoying life as much as you do...maybe more. We hope to see you soon!

__________

^[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,225 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for premium colors.
^[b] 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. 40 city/35 highway/38 combined mpg rating for hybrid trims. Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
^[c] Honda CR-V received the NHTSA’s five-star safety rating. For more information, visit The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and nhtsa.org. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a registered trademark of The U.S. Department of Transportation.