Around Marlton, Mt. Laurel, and Cherry Hill, NJ, there have been conversations circulating about the 2022 Honda CR-V and 2021 Mazda CX-5. Which SUV has a more efficient performance? What about their safety systems and interior space?
Well, our team at Burns Honda was tasked with determining which SUV is best for you. We're here to present our findings in this Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison. Let's get started with exhibit A!
Exhibit A: Performance of the CR-V vs CX-5
What powers the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5? This was the first question we asked ourselves when presented with this case.
What Are Their Standard Fuel Economy Ratings?
It turns out that the 2022 Mazda CX-5 utilizes a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Irrefutably, it packs a punch, but it doesn't fare as well when it comes to efficiency. In fact, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 provides an EPA-estimated 25 city/31 highway MPG on its base trim.
Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V's standard 1.5L 4-cylinder engine works with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to achieve an ideal balance between power and efficiency. The 2022 CR-V trims with 2WD achieve an EPA-estimated 28 city/34 highway MPG-but what if it could achieve even more?1
Which SUV Has a Hybrid Powertrain?
By pairing a 2.0L engine with an electric motor, the Honda CR-V Hybrid goes farther for much longer. On all of the hybrid trims of the 2022 CR-V, you can expect an EPA-estimated 40 city/35 highway MPG.1 Unfortunately, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 doesn't come with an available hybrid powertrain.
Exhibit B: Safety of the CR-V vs CX-5
Next, we asked ourselves about the safety of these modern SUVs. Do they effectively monitor the roads for obstacles? Do they adequately alert you to sudden hazards? Do their safety suites come standard? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes!
Do They Have Standard Safety Suites?
Honda Sensing®, a standard package on the CR-V, boosts your awareness and confidence on the road. This package comes with:
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
As for the Mazda CX-5, it also has a comprehensive package of safety systems known as i-Activesense®. With it, you'll find similar features, such as Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
Did They Earn Any Safety Awards?
With features like these, our team wasn't surprised to learn about the recognition that the CR-V and the CX-5 received from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Based on their records, both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2022 Honda CR-V earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Score from the NHTSA.2
Exhibit C: Interior Space of the CR-V vs CX-5
Both Honda and Mazda have given spectacular testimonies on behalf of their vehicles, but it comes down to the facts. With regard to interior room, the facts seem to favor the 2022 CR-V.
Which SUV Has More Interior Space?
Inside the Honda CR-V, you'll have ample room to stretch out and find a comfortable position for short commutes and long road trips alike. We'll let the numbers speak for themselves.
|
| Honda CR-V | Mazda CX-5 |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40.1 inches/39.2 inches | 39.7 inches/39 inches |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 41.3 inches/40.4 inches | 41 inches/39.6 inches |
| Standard Cargo Room | 39.2 cubic feet | 30.9 cubic feet |
If you go with the Mazda CX-5, you'll have significantly less room for your legs and your cargo. With the rear rows folded down, the 2021 CX-5 provides 59.6 cubic feet of total cargo volume. With its smart design, the 2022 CR-V offers significantly more cargo space when the rear rows are folded down: 75.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, to be precise.
Can You Adjust Your Driver's Seat?
Comfort isn't all about space; it's also about customization. On higher trims of the 2022 CR-V, find your perfect position with the 12-way power driver's seat with 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support. As for the 2022 CX-5, you'll have less customization options with its available 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support.
The Verdict: 2022 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Mazda CX-5
Now, we've arrived at the closing arguments. After reviewing our research, it's clear to our team which SUV is superior: the 2022 Honda CR-V.
While the CR-V and the CX-5 have similar safety suites, the Honda CR-V pulls ahead with its phenomenal efficiency and ample interior space. Due to this, we recommend that drivers around Marlton, Mt. Laurel, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, choose the Honda CR-V!
However, we also understand that you may want to conduct your own investigation. If that's the case, contact our team at Burns Honda to schedule a personal test drive.
1 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.
2 Model tested with standard side airbags (SAB). Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safecar.gov).
