Compact SUV market is packed. Hunger for this type of vehicles pushed almost every manufacturer in offering one. Honda CR-V entered the segment all the way in 1995, and it slowly made its space on the market, while the sales literally rocketed in the past few years. Mazda entered the segment in 2012, and it was welcomed by the bunch of well-established rivals, so it desperately needed its place and sales figures suggest that it made its spot already. So we have a battle between well-known fellow and newbie as brand new 2017 Honda CR-V and 2017 Mazda CX-5 are welcomed these days.
STYLING
Honda CR-V made its design language base with the first generation and all the way to the fifth one it was evolution without changing the course. This is not a criticism as every evolution was progressive enough and in that manner that new CR-V looked stylish and modern.
The front fascia is not that distinctive as before, but as things go with pacifying it is more stylish now, while rear becomes the new bearer of originality, as it is far more dynamic than before. Expect chrome all over the place, with accents on the grille, front bumper, side moldings, windows, roof rails and between rear lights, so pretty much everywhere.
Mazda CX-5 is designed in a different way, it is much sleeker than before, sending headlamps and taillights on a diet. The new meshed grill is astonishing, and we advise Mazda to pass it over to other models in the lineup quickly. We would exchange term “soul in motion” with “elegance in movement, ” and that would fit perfectly this new compact SUV.
Overall, two compared cars are miles apart, CR-V is a guy in early twenties losing its mind at the house-music party, while CX-5 is a sharp accountant in late twenties heading for the future executive role.
CABIN
Not much similarities here also between the two. Honda offers incredibly spacious interior from the start and lack of refinement due to the cheaper plastic from old days is overturned here.
Many materials are of visibly better quality and new 7.0-inch infotainment screen with its sleek design is dominating all of the cabin, making it feel much more elegant than before.
Don’t be totally fooled as cheap plastic are still to be found in many places, but it is well conceived by stylish bits stealing attention. Mazda promises premium quality and it offers near one. Materials are far better than rival’s and plastic joints are quite solid.
It doesn’t have a couple of dazzling ornaments, it shines refinement all over the place with a much more restrained design. So, spacious, high-tech, gadget style vs elegance and grace.
ENGINE BAY
This is maybe the only field where these contestants offer similar. CR-V offers two engines: old 2.4-liter with 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque or the new 1.5-liter turbo that makes 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. New option offers one more mpg in fuel efficiency with 29 combined consumptions and slightly better performances while both are paired with CVT in the US. CX-5 offers 2.5-liter producing 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, which is same as before, while 2.0-liter is gone. Fuel efficiency is same as with new Honda engine.
Despite fall of diesel in the US after Dieselgate and after unbelievable plummet of already low sales, Mazda intends to offer 2.2-liter four-cylinder pumping 173 horsepower and a whopping 310 pound-feet of torque, hoping that greenness of its Sky Active Technology can deter bad emotions from these engines. When ride joy is in question Mazda will offer far more responsive, sharper and driver oriented ride especially as G-Vectoring Control system is in place, while Honda plays on comfort and space, leaving this field rather undeveloped.
OUTCOME
2017 Honda CR-V vs. 2017 Mazda CX-5, which one to choose? If you are searching for latest gadget-like style and techno appearance, lots of space and well-established name in segment go for CR-V.
If you are searching for quality and refinement in restrained, but elegant package and if you are clinging toward cornering abilities, definitely choose CX-5. So, they are worlds apart and nobody could get confused over what choice to make.
