How Do These SUVs Better Each Other?

Drivers keen to save on fuel should choose the CR-V over the CX-5. With its standard 1.5-liter turbo-four engine, the CR-V is EPA-rated at 28/34 mpg city/highway with FWD and 27/32 mpg with AWD. Despite its 2.5-liter I-4 being a full liter larger, the CX-5 isn’t too far behind, scoring 25/31 mpg with FWD and 24/30 mpg with AWD in EPA testing. However, the CX-5’s optional turbocharged engine makes it a comparative muscle car, adding power while increasing its thirst for fuel. Turbocharged CX-5s get 23/28 mpg with FWD and 22/27 mpg with AWD.

Honda has figured out how to make the CR-V bigger on the inside than it looks outside. Cargo capacity measures 39.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 75.8 cubic feet when those seats are folded. There’s slightly less cargo space in the CR-V Hybrid because of its battery; it has 33.2 and 68.7 cubic feet behind the second and first rows, respectively. In either case, it’s a good amount more than the CX-5, which has 30.9 cubes behind its second row and 59.6 with those seats folded down.

Capacity is one thing, but how that space is used can matter more. The CR-V’s packaging is thoughtful and effective, putting buttons and controls within easy reach. Bins in the door panels and center console offer plenty of space for daily carry items or a handbag. Its doors open very wide, simplifying ingress and egress and making it easy to load a kid’s car seat into the second row. Plus, the CR-V offers a little more headroom and legroom in both rows than the CX-5. Other smart touches like the capless fuel filler and easy-fold rear seats come in handy. All these user-friendly details make life just a little easier.

With its bold and distinctive design, the CR-V doesn’t look all that bad. But at this price point there’s no SUV more gorgeous than the CX-5. Mazda’s design team seemed to take a less-is-more approach, giving the CX-5’s sheetmetal subtle sculpting and curvatures that capture light wonderfully. The few hard edges provide sporty and purposeful definition. That theme continues inside; the cabin is simpler visually than some competitors yet earns comparisons to SUVs in a category above. For those who like to see and be seen, the CX-5 will do the trick.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that the CX-5 drives awesomely—it comes from the company that builds the Miata, after all. Its accurate steering and stable ride quality are parts of its great handling. When equipped with the available turbocharged engine, it’s pretty quick, and the paddle shifters add a layer of involvement to the drive. Stickier tires could help it brake and grip more effectively, but even with all-season rubber, the CX-5 performs well. Sure, the CR-V drives nicely, but it doesn’t have the edge that makes the CX-5 downright fun.

That the CX-5’s great looks and driving experience come at a lower starting price than the CR-V adds to its appeal. The least expensive 2021 Mazda CX-5, the Sport FWD trim, costs $26,370. The entry-level CR-V equivalent, the LX FWD model, is a little more expensive at $26,525. Furthermore, AWD is slightly less expensive on the CX-5 than the CR-V; Mazda charges $1,400 while Honda needs $1,500. However, at the high end, the CX-5 costs more, with the luxury-intending Signature AWD trim commanding at least $38,505. On the range-topping pure gas model, the Touring AWD trim, the CR-V is less expensive, with prices starting at $36,325. Even the CR-V Hybrid Touring starts at $37,525.

The CR-V and CX-5 are both worthy of acclaim, but they earn it in different ways. The Honda hits bull’s-eyes in pragmatic areas, providing the cargo space, interior packaging, and fuel economy that make it a well-rounded everyday SUV. But the Mazda tugs at heartstrings, trading a little bit of practicality for a lot more style and driving enjoyment. However you measure them, these are two of the best compact SUVs on sale in 2021.