Posted on December 17, 2019

Sporty and spectacular. Agile and precise. Sensible and stylish. There are a lot of words you can use to describe the new compact SUV offerings from Honda and Mazda. The 2020 Honda CR-V and the 2020 Mazda CX-5 are both roomy SUVs that have some zip to them, unlike other sluggish models. If you want an SUV without being completely dwarfed by exponential size, a compact SUV is probably the right car for you. It provides the height you want for a good view of the road, but it isn't too high to make sliding into the driver's seat an uncomfortable experience. It also provides the rear legroom to carry the whole family and the cargo space to carry the whole family's gear.

Overview of the 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V was redesigned in 2017 and offers modern designs and components. Starting out with the entry-level LX model at $28,690, the CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder offering an agile and responsive 190 hp. All CR-Vs come with a continuously variable automatic transmission (sorry to those that like to drive a manual transmission) and all-wheel-drive. Front-wheel-drive is only available on the entry-level LX trim. The CR-V is offered in six different trim levels. Even the entry-level model comes standard with Bluetooth, rearview camera, remote entry, and Honda Sensing technologies, which include a forward collision warning system, a collision mitigation braking system, a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Overview of the 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offers a comfortable and sleek driving experience. Starting at $27,950 with the entry-level GX trim, the CX-5 uses a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine that provides a zippy 187 horsepower. Mazda offers three trim levels for the CX-5, all of which can be customized with AWD. FWD is only available in two of the three trim levels. Mazda also offers several safety and security features, though many of them are not available on the entry-level GX. However, almost all of them are standard on the next level, though it will cost you at least $3,000 more. For the mid-level GS trim, you can get standard safety features such as blind spot monitoring, smart city brake support, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and more.

2020 Honda CR-V vs. 2020 Mazda CX-5 Features

In a battle between the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, it is difficult to pick a winner. However, Honda does hold the edge thanks to providing more standard safety features, increased reliability over Mazda, and a larger capacity for both people and cargo. The Honda CR-V offers an attractive cabin design and high-end materials, including a large, touchscreen infotainment system. If you value space, comfort, reliability, and fuel economy, the CR-V is the right compact SUV for you.