When it comes to family SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are among the most popular and highly regarded options on the market. Both vehicles offer an excellent balance of comfort, performance, safety, and space, making them perfect choices for families. However, while they may seem very similar at first glance, each has its specific advantages that can make one a better choice for certain needs and preferences. In this article, we will thoroughly compare the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V to determine which one is the best family SUV.
Design and Aesthetics
Mazda CX-5 is known for its sleek, sophisticated design that is rooted in Mazda’s “Kodo” design philosophy. The exterior of the CX-5 is sporty and luxurious, featuring sharp lines and attractive details such as LED lights and chrome accents. This design leans more towards aesthetics and elegance, giving the CX-5 a more pronounced premium look compared to its competitors in the segment. The interior of the CX-5 reflects this philosophy as well, with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and thoughtfully designed details. Although it is not a luxury SUV, Mazda has meticulously focused on craftsmanship and comfort.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V offers a practical and functional design, which is somewhat more conservative compared to the CX-5. While the CR-V’s design is not as sporty or luxurious, it provides a good balance of style and practicality. The exterior of the CR-V is less aggressive but still modern, emphasizing spaciousness and functionality. The interior of the CR-V is roomy and highly functional, featuring large screens and intuitive control systems. The material quality is good, but while it is comfortable, the interior does not offer the same sense of luxury as the Mazda CX-5.
Performance and Driving
Mazda CX-5 stands out with its driving characteristics. Mazda is known for its driving enjoyment, and the CX-5 is no exception. With a dynamic suspension and exceptionally precise steering, the CX-5 delivers a very enjoyable driving experience that includes excellent stability and handling, which is rare for SUVs in this segment. On the road, the CX-5 behaves almost like smaller vehicles, which can be extremely appealing for drivers seeking more dynamism. The CX-5 is available with two types of engines, gasoline and diesel, and offers options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, allowing drivers to choose the option that best suits their needs.
Honda CR-V also offers a good balance between performance and comfort. While the CR-V is geared towards comfort and stability, its ride can feel somewhat softer and more relaxed compared to the Mazda. Although it’s not as dynamic as the CX-5, the CR-V provides a very pleasant driving experience for family use, with a notably quiet ride on highways and stability on uneven roads. The CR-V is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with both gasoline and hybrid engines, offering a broader range of options for drivers looking to save on fuel consumption or enjoy a more eco-friendly drive.
Space and Comfort
When it comes to space, Honda CR-V boasts one of the most spacious cabins in the compact SUV class. With ample room in both the front and rear seats, the CR-V is perfect for families seeking a comfortable vehicle for longer journeys. Additionally, the CR-V’s trunk is very spacious, providing enough room for family essentials, luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats also offer excellent comfort and can be easily folded to create even more cargo space.
Mazda CX-5, while slightly smaller than the CR-V, still offers solid space for passengers and luggage. The seats are comfortable, but if you’re looking for more room in the rear seats or trunk, the Honda CR-V will provide greater width. The interior of the Mazda CX-5 is more focused on a luxurious driving experience rather than spaciousness. Although the CX-5’s trunk is solid, it’s not as large as that of the CR-V.
Technology and Safety
Mazda CX-5 comes with a range of safety features as standard, including systems like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system in the CX-5 uses a 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, and connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system is intuitive, some users feel it is not as advanced or large as those offered by competitors.
Honda CR-V also provides a very competitive package of safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite, which encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, emergency automatic braking, and other advanced driver assistance systems. The infotainment system in the CR-V is user-friendly and offers a larger screen than that in the CX-5, along with options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V also has more connectivity options and modern navigation features, making it somewhat more advanced in terms of technology.
Price and Value for Money
Mazda CX-5 is typically priced slightly higher than the Honda CR-V, especially in higher trims that include more luxurious equipment and technology. However, the CX-5 offers very good value for money, particularly if you are looking for a vehicle that provides excellent driving dynamics and a more luxurious interior.
Honda CR-V, with its spaciousness and practicality, offers exceptional value for money, especially for families looking for more room and comfort for daily driving. While the CR-V is somewhat cheaper in some trims, it comes packed with features and safety technologies, making it highly competitive in the market.
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for an SUV that delivers dynamic driving performance, a more luxurious design, and excellent build quality, the Mazda CX-5 will be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if your priorities are spaciousness, family comfort, and advanced safety technology, the Honda CR-V offers better value for money, providing a more spacious interior and more connectivity options along with advanced safety features.
Both vehicles offer high quality, safety, and comfort, so your decision will hinge on what matters more to you—driving dynamics and luxury (CX-5) or spaciousness and functionality (CR-V).
