Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
● Face-off between turbo-diesel variants of mid-size SUVs
Price and equipment
TOP-SPEC CR-V diesel is not cheap, but over the US$38 000 model’s auto headlights/wipers, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, sat-nav and dual-zone climate control, the US$45 340 DTi-L adds 18-inch alloys, front parking sensors, LED DRLs and taillights, cornering bi-xenon headlights and heated leather front seats (powered for the driver). 15/20
Interior and versatility
Airy cabin offers terrific driver ergonomics and quality materials. However, lower dash, door trims and console are cheaper-feeling plastic. Wins points for versatility via decent driver’s footrest, rear legroom and a cavernous 556-litre cargo bay that expands to 1 648l with the 60/40 rear seat folded via magic boot/rear-seat levers. 16/20
Performance and economy
Over consecutive weeks of urban running around, we got 8,7l/100km in both SUVs (the CR-V’s official combined figure is 6,9l/100km to the Mazda’s 5,7). The CR-V’s 110kW/350Nm falls short of the CX-5, and it is heavier at 1 774kg. Still, from the well-insulated cabin, the Honda’s five-speed offers smoothness in lieu of a sixth ratio. 15/20
Ride and refinement
Despite rolling on smaller, chubbier-tyred wheels than the Mazda, the Honda’s relatively firm spring and damper rates result in a busy low-speed ride. However, it smooths out at about 70km/h, leaving occupants to appreciate the excellent noise suppression and isolation of vibration and harshness, which is more refined than the CX-5. 15/20
Steering and handling
A lack of dynamic talent undid the CR-V’s hopes for a decent car-of-the-year (COTY) showing, but the chassis is well-behaved and satisfying enough on the school run. The strut front/multi-link rear suspension keeps the body flat and poised at seven tenths, and steering is responsive and well-weighted beyond a vacant zone around straight-ahead. 14/20
Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel — Score: 84/100 Price and equipment
Both Honda and Mazda offer sub-US$40 000 oilers, but mid-spec diesel models cost over US$10 000 more than the cheapest manual front-drive petrol models.
Topping Mazda’s line-up, the US$49 420 CX-5 Akera matches the CR-V for key kit (including six airbags), but adds blind-spot and lane-departure systems, stop start and sunroof. 16/20
Interior and versatility
It is a mix of materials — premium and cut-price — but the CX-5 cabin overall is nicer to touch and behold, with a more classical design and a clearer central screen. Lack of rear air-con vents a miss, but rear compartment roomy. Rear 40/20/40 seat more versatile and has similar fold-flat system, though the 403/1 560l boot is less generous. 16/20
Performance and economy
The CX-5 matches the CR-V’s 2,2-litre capacity, but is a twin-turbo (a fact Mazda does not emphasise, perhaps due to connotations of thirstiness). It produces 129kW and 420Nm (at a low 2 000rpm), grunts through a six-speed auto and hauls 87kg less than the Honda, delivering seamless thrust and broad-for-a-diesel power. 18/20
Ride and refinement
The CX-5 is quieter than other Mazda models.
Putting the cabin decibel level in context, it is hushed enough that you can hear some wind rustle around the exterior mirrors at highway cruise speed. But despite the Mazda’s bigger 19-inch wheels and low-profile tyres, the ride is more absorbent and offers the dynamic edge. 17/20
Steering and handling
“Excellent dynamics (and not just for a SUV),” reads our showroom summation, and it is true. The CX-5 is genuinely fun to punt, so much so that you will forget the sprogs are in the back. However, the steering — ordinarily fast and precise — can load up quickly during brisk cornering, making it our only beef with dynamics. 17/20
Verdict
Honda’s CR-V, with its thoughtful cabin design and superior cargo space, levels with the more premium-feeling CX-5 in terms of interior design and versatility, while the Mazda’s tallies under the headings of performance, ride and handling sum up the CX-5 diesel’s strengths — few SUVs can match its smooth-torqueing engine and sporty chassis. The Mazda goes harder than the Honda.
It also has the potential to be more economical, but it is difficult to resist its surging twin-turbo mid-range and stay light-footed, so they end up being very close at the bowser.
It is a pity neither brand offers a turbo-diesel at base model level because both engines shade their atmo petrol counterparts. However, in this flagship fight, it is a clear win to Mazda’s CX-5 Akera. — Wires