Find out which SUV reigns supreme in our in-depth comparison of the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L, covering design, comfort, performance, safety, and value.
Exterior Design and Features
The exterior of a vehicle is just as important as its interior, as it’s the first thing that catches the eye. When it comes to the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and the Honda CR-V EX-L, both models boast sleek and modern designs that are sure to turn heads. But how do they compare in terms of exterior dimensions, and what features set them apart from each other?
Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus Exterior Dimensions
The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus is a compact SUV that packs a big punch when it comes to its exterior dimensions. With a length of 178.7 inches, a width of 72.5 inches, and a height of 65.3 inches, this vehicle is perfect for city dwellers and suburbanites alike. The wheelbase of 106.2 inches provides a smooth ride and ample space for passengers and cargo. But how does it stack up against its competitor?
Honda CR-V EX-L Exterior Dimensions
The Honda CR-V EX-L is a close competitor to the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus in terms of exterior dimensions. With a length of 180.6 inches, a width of 73 inches, and a height of 64.7 inches, the CR-V is slightly longer and wider than the CX-5. The wheelbase of 104.7 inches is slightly shorter than the CX-5, but still provides a comfortable ride and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. So, what sets these two vehicles apart in terms of exterior features?
LED Headlights and Taillights Comparison
One of the standout features of both the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and the Honda CR-V EX-L is their LED headlights and taillights. The CX-5 boasts adaptive LED headlights that adjust to different driving conditions, providing optimal visibility and safety. The CR-V, on the other hand, features LED headlights with auto-on/off functionality, which provides a similar level of visibility and convenience. When it comes to taillights, both vehicles feature LED designs that provide a sleek and modern look. However, the CX-5 takes it a step further with its signature LED lights that are designed to mimic the glow of a lit ember. Overall, both vehicles offer exceptional exterior features that are sure to impress, but the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus takes the cake in terms of overall design and functionality.
Interior Comfort and Technology
When it comes to interior comfort and technology, both the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L are designed to provide a premium driving experience. But how do they stack up against each other?
Seating Capacity and Legroom Comparison
One of the most critical factors in determining interior comfort is seating capacity and legroom. Both vehicles offer ample space for passengers, but there are some key differences. The Honda CR-V EX-L has a slightly larger passenger capacity, with room for five passengers compared to the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus’s four passengers. However, the Mazda CX-5 makes up for this with more rear legroom, offering 39.6 inches compared to the Honda CR-V’s 38.3 inches. So, which is more important to you – having an extra passenger or more legroom for your passengers?
Infotainment Systems and Display Screens
In terms of infotainment systems, both vehicles feature advanced technology designed to keep you connected and entertained on the go. The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus boasts an 8-inch display screen with a rotary knob controller, while the Honda CR-V EX-L features a 7-inch touchscreen display. Both systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, making it easy to integrate your smartphone with your vehicle. However, the Mazda CX-5’s system is generally considered more user-friendly and responsive.
Premium Materials and Trim Options
When it comes to premium materials and trim options, both vehicles offer a range of high-quality features designed to elevate your driving experience. The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus features premium leather-trimmed seats with heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Honda CR-V EX-L, on the other hand, offers leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Both vehicles also feature premium audio systems, with the Mazda CX-5 boasting a 10-speaker Bose system and the Honda CR-V featuring a 7-speaker system. So, which premium features are most important to you?
Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance and handling, the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L are two distinct personalities. One is a sports enthusiast, while the other is a comfort-driven cruiser. But which one is right for you?
Engine Options and Horsepower Comparison
The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus is available with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 250 horsepower. The Honda CR-V EX-L, on the other hand, offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 190 horsepower. While the Honda’s engine is more fuel-efficient, the Mazda’s turbocharged option provides significantly more power and excitement.
Think of it like this: the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus is like a hot hatch, ready to zip around corners and accelerate down the highway. The Honda CR-V EX-L, by contrast, is like a comfortable sedan, prioritizing smoothness and efficiency over raw power. Which one appeals to you?
Transmission and Drive Type Options
Both the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L offer a variety of transmission and drive type options. The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and offers front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Honda CR-V EX-L also features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers FWD or AWD.
But here’s the catch: the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus’s AWD system is more sophisticated, featuring a predictive all-wheel-drive system that can anticipate and adjust to changing road conditions. The Honda CR-V EX-L’s AWD system, while competent, is more of a reactive system that responds to wheel slippage.
Suspension and Steering Systems
When it comes to suspension and steering systems, the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L take different approaches. The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus features a sport-tuned suspension that provides agile handling and responsive steering. The Honda CR-V EX-L, on the other hand, prioritizes comfort and features a more relaxed suspension setup.
The result is a Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus that feels like a hot hatch on twisty roads, while the Honda CR-V EX-L is more akin to a comfortable cruiser. But which one is right for you? Do you prefer the thrill of spirited driving or the comfort of a smooth ride?
Safety Features and Ratings
When it comes to safety, both the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V have impressive features and ratings to boast about. But how do they compare, and which one comes out on top?
Advanced Safety Features Comparison
The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L both offer an array of advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants. These include features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Mazda CX-5 takes it a step further with its Smart City Brake Support system, which can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations at speeds up to 50 mph. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive suite of features with its Honda Sensing package, which includes a collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation.
Crash Test Ratings and Scores
Both vehicles have impressive crash test ratings from reputable organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda CX-5 has a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The Honda CR-V also has a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick. However, the CR-V falls short of the CX-5’s perfect score in the IIHS small overlap front test, earning an “Acceptable” rating compared to the CX-5’s “Good” rating.
Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning
Blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems are essential features for preventing accidents on the road. Both vehicles offer these features, but the Mazda CX-5 takes it a step further with its blind spot monitoring system, which can detect vehicles up to 164 feet away. The Honda CR-V’s lane departure warning system is also more advanced, using a camera to detect lane markings and alert the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance
When it comes to fuel economy, every mile per gallon counts. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a road trip enthusiast, saving on gas is a top priority. But how do the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L stack up against each other in terms of fuel efficiency?
MPG Comparison and Fuel Tank Capacity
The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. The Honda CR-V EX-L, on the other hand, offers an estimated 25 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. While the CR-V takes the lead in highway driving, the CX-5 edges it out in city driving. But what about fuel tank capacity? The CX-5’s 14.8-gallon tank trumps the CR-V’s 13.2-gallon tank, giving you more miles between fill-ups.
Maintenance Costs and Scheduled Services
Maintenance costs can add up quickly, but regular servicing can help prevent costly repairs down the line. Both vehicles offer relatively low maintenance costs, with the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus estimated to cost around $341 per year and the Honda CR-V EX-L estimated at $353 per year. When it comes to scheduled services, the CX-5 requires oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, while the CR-V needs them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles as well. However, the CX-5’s more extensive maintenance schedule may mean more frequent visits to the mechanic.
Warranty and Roadside Assistance Comparison
Warranty and roadside assistance can be a major deciding factor for car buyers. The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with 3 years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. The Honda CR-V EX-L provides a similar 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but ups the ante with 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. Which warranty package offers the better peace of mind?
Pricing and Value
When it comes to making a purchasing decision, one of the most critical factors to consider is the price tag. But it’s not just about the sticker price; you need to think about the value you’re getting for your hard-earned money. In this section, we’ll dive into the pricing and value of the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus and Honda CR-V EX-L, exploring what you can expect to pay and what you get in return.
Base Price and Trim Level Comparison
So, how do these two models stack up in terms of base price? The Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus starts at around $34,000, while the Honda CR-V EX-L starts at approximately $32,000. That’s a difference of $2,000, which might not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time. But here’s the thing: you need to consider what you’re getting for that extra $2,000. Is it worth it?
Feature-to-Price Ratio Analysis
When you break it down, the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus offers a more comprehensive range of standard features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a power liftgate. The Honda CR-V EX-L, on the other hand, requires you to add optional packages to get some of these features. So, while the CR-V might be cheaper upfront, you’ll need to factor in the cost of those add-ons. It’s like buying a laptop and then realizing you need to add a keyboard and mouse – it’s not as cheap as you thought!
Resale Value and Depreciation Rates
Another critical aspect to consider is resale value. After all, you’re not just buying a car for the next few years; you’re investing in a vehicle that will (hopefully) retain its value over time. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Mazda CX-5 retains around 50% of its value after three years, while the Honda CR-V retains around 45%. That might not seem like a huge difference, but it can add up to thousands of dollars when you go to trade in or sell your vehicle. Which would you rather have: a car that holds its value like a precious gem or one that depreciates like a falling star?