The 2022 Mazda CX-5 Still Beats the New Honda CR-V in Value
The incredibly popular Mazda CX-5 isn’t bothered by new Honda CR-V. Even though the 2023 Honda CR-V ups the ante with a fresh redesign, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is still the highest-ranking SUV that you can buy.
2022 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V
The official U.S. News rankings are here, and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is the best SUV you can buy. It even beats the 2023 Honda CR-V. While the CX-5 hasn’t been redesigned since 2017, the CR-V has a fresh exterior redesign and a revamped interior.
On the list of the best SUVs for 2022 and 2023, the Mazda CX-5 is in first place, with a score of 8.7 out of 10. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson landed in second place with an 8.5-point score, and the 2023 Honda CR-V is in third with an 8.4.
The difference between 8.7 and 8.4 may seem small, but it’s enough to declare a winner. Also, the U.S. News rankings serve as an industry average. Scoring is based on reviews from respected automotive critics found in newspapers, magazines, and online.
Each score is an average based on a vehicle’s ride quality, comfort, interior quality, tech, safety features, cargo space, passenger space, towing capabilities, value, awards, and reliability rankings.
Why does the 2022 CX-5 outrank the 2023 CR-V?
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 ranks highly for having an upscale interior, an engaging ride with responsive handling, and a long list of standard features. For example, all-wheel drive is standard across the interior lineup.
Potential reasons to avoid the CX-5 include the cramped rear seat and it has a below-average amount of cargo space for the class.
The 2023 Honda CR-V scores well for having an upscale cabin with plenty of space, comfortable first and second rows, tons of cargo space, intuitive tech, and an excellent fuel economy.
However, while it does have plenty of standard features, the starting price is a little high for the class. Also, the engine is loud, and the driving experience is decent.
So, let’s look at prices. You can get started with a 2022 CX-5 for about $26,250, and the top-spec 2.5 Turbo signature trim increases the cost to $39,000. The 2023 CR-V begins at around $31,110, while the Sport Touring Hybrid model crests at $38,600.
The CX-5 provides 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear and up to 58.1 cubes overall. The CR-V features 39.3 cubes behind the second row, with up to 7.65 cubes in total.
Does the CX-5 or CR-V drive better?
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and up to 30 mpg on the highway. The 2023 Honda CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway.
While the CX-5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, the CR-V gets there in about 8.0 seconds. The CX-5 has more confident handling and a well-planted grip, while inclines cause the CR-V to strain slightly.
The CX-5 has a stiff suspension for athletic handling, while the CR-V feels soft. Both SUVs have a quiet interior, but the engine noise is noticeable in the CR-V.
It seems like the CX-5 is the winner because it stretched the dollar a bit further with a refined cabin and engaging experience. But the CR-V is a strong contender with more passenger and cargo space.
