Topic: Comparison Test: 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs 2012 Honda CR-V

[Autos_Editor]

Paul Williams drove the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 back to back and pontificates on their distinct characters.

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[sailor723]

I must admit that the way Mazda has marketed the CX-5 has kind of annoyed me. All the sporty pretensions and "zoom-zoom" ads seem somewhat misleading for a car that most reviews suggest is somewhat underpowered and is at best a just adequate performer. It's like Mazda made every choice with an eye towards maximizing fuel economy but then doesn't want to admit it. At least Honda seems to be more honest about what they are actually selling.

[jyarkony]

really? i've read a couple of reviews that just go on and on about what a joy it is to drive, and it's funny, because I kinda' don't get it... it did just seem like an ordinary little CUV to me.. but personally, I'd take it over a CR-V any day... CR-V is good, but soulless and annoying and ugly..

[JohnM]

So after this extended test, what real world fuel numbers did you come up with?

Cheers,
John M.

[Danno001]

So after this extended test, what real world fuel numbers did you come up with?

Cheers,
John M.

+1

[Jaeger]

CX-5 is no sports car, but among the mainstream CUV class it and the Tiguan are the closest things you will find to a drivers car.  It really does feel quite lively and well-balanced.  I'd take it over the CR-V as well. Though the Honda product here is very good indeed, it is excruciatingly competent rather than stylish and fun.

[inco]

Though the Honda product here is very good indeed, it is excruciatingly competent rather than stylish and fun.

And that folks is the real issue. It also rears it's ugly face at resale time too. Honda will outsell all of them - unless the new Rav comes out swinging.

[Snowman]

Though the Honda product here is very good indeed, it is excruciatingly competent rather than stylish and fun.

And that folks is the real issue. It also rears it's ugly face at resale time too. Honda will outsell all of them - unless the new Rav comes out swinging.

  I Agree 100%.

[johngenx]

The nail-biter for the Mazda executives is whether the US market embraces the CX-5.  Mazda is a popular brand in Canada, but struggles in the US.  With the CUV market red hot and offering much better margins than the compact car segment, this is the most important product Mazda has launched in a long time.

[Jaeger]

Oh I don't think there's any doubt as to who will be sales champ as between these two.  The Civic will also outsell a number of class competitors that I would personally rather have, and have better re-sale, too.  That's not a decisive factor for me, though.  I'd rather drive the car I actually want to drive for 4,5,6 years instead of the one that will net me a few hundred more dollars at resale.  Cars aren't investments.

As for functionality - I can't really think of an area where the CX-5 gives up very much at all to the Civic.  And where fuel economy is concerned - an increasingly important factor among buyers of nearly all types of vehicles - the Mazda kicks class butt in a big way.

[Mike]

I think Jaeger meant CR-V   Also, the CX-5 is actually longer than the CR-V

[libraman]

I would get the CX5 simply because it is available as a 6 speed manual. Drivetrain problems solved?

[whaddaiknow]

Cars aren't investments.

True but depreciation is a real factor and ignoring it isn't smart.
The 5-year-old Entourage I recently traded sells for $10-11k while the same MY Odyssey sells for $18k with Odyssey commanding a $2-3k premium when new. Still, that's $5-6k difference that I would put towards a nicer vehicle when it's time to get a new ride.

Between the CX-5 and CR-V. Are CUV's really enthusiast vehicles? REALLY REALLY? And if not, why use enthusiast's approach towards something that puts utility and comfort first? Honda wins hands down.
I do see a lot of CX-5's around, so I would say that Mazda MARKETING did something right. There is no rationale for the underpowered zoom-zoom CX-5. Pure emotion.

And Mazda's commercials are REALLY REALLY annoying. The "We have the technology" line with the "hybrid crushing fuel economy" are the two kickers. About 10years ago or maybe more, I remember the GM commercial that said the EXACT SAME words about the freaking Trailblazer! "We have the technology".... my arse!!!
Hybrid crushing fuel economy? For Pete's sake, Honda's is marginally worse in a heavier vehicle. Crushing? REALLY?

Pure marketing excersize. New MBA's will be using it as a case study 

[Jaeger]

I think Jaeger meant CR-V   Also, the CX-5 is actually longer than the CR-V

Yep. 

[Fobroader]

If the CX5 had a properly powerful engine I think I would honsestly consider one as my next daily driver, sporty, ground clearance, awd and I think it looks great . As long as mazda insists on keeping on with an engine that frankly would go very well in a Mazda2 in a CUV, no thank you.

[dkaz]

A CX-5 is more fuel efficient than an Escape Hybrid is what they mean by Hybrid Crushing Fuel Economy.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Not sure about the "crushing", but it is pretty good. It's a bit better than the 1.6L Ecoboost Escape, but the Escape is quicker.

[Vanstar]

I must admit that the way Mazda has marketed the CX-5 has kind of annoyed me. All the sporty pretensions and "zoom-zoom" ads seem somewhat misleading for a car that most reviews suggest is somewhat underpowered and is at best a just adequate performer. It's like Mazda made every choice with an eye towards maximizing fuel economy but then doesn't want to admit it. At least Honda seems to be more honest about what they are actually selling.

With the CAFE laws in the United States getting ever more strict we are not going to see highly powered family cars anymore. I would suggest that the CX-5 would work perfectly well for getting the kids to school and trips to the grocery store, duties for which it is intended. I doubt that 0-60 times mean much for owners of the CR-V and CX-5.

[cruzzer]

Real world fuel numbers please! Other tests I've read have shown the CX-5 to get much superior real world fuel economy over the CRV and the rest of the segment. Sadly the manual is only available in the FWD base version, as this would help compensate for the lower power numbers in the Mazda.

[dkaz]

Average between 52 CX-5 owners on Fuelly, 8.2 L/100km.

Many Mazda cars are underpowered. The Zoom Zoom comes from driving & handling dynamics. Underpowered engines matter less when you don't have to slow down as much to take a curve.