There’s Really Only 1 Reason to Buy a 2022 Honda CR-V Over the 2022 Mazda CX-5
Comparing the 2022 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is like choosing between pizza or a burger; both are great; it depends on what you’re feeling. However, there is at least one reason to buy the Honda CR-V over the Mazda CX-5.
The 2022 Honda CR-V has better gas mileage than the 2022 Mazda CX-5
The cost of fuel is truly worrying. For many Americans, driving has become one of the more expensive bills of the bunch. Fuel economy is one of the top specs that car buyers should consider when shopping for a new car.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 pulls a decent 24 mpg combined. Meanwhile, one of the CX-5’s biggest competitors, the 2022 Honda CR-V, gets 28 mpg combined, Consumer Reports testing shows. Granted, four mpg isn’t a huge discrepancy, but now that seeing $5+ at the gas station isn’t all that rare, maybe four mpg is enough to consider.
Is the 2022 Honda CR-V actually a better SUV than the 2022 Mazda CX-5?
Again, these two models are close in nearly every way. However, a trend remains constant through nearly every spec; the Honda is a touch better almost every time.
Both crossovers got critiqued on minor details like a frim ride for the CR-V and an annoying infotainment learning curve for the Mazda. These two can trade-off like this for ages.
In some of the few instances where the Mazda gets some wins, it has three engine options instead of the CR-V’s two, and the Mazda offers more powerful engines. The 2022 CR-V with either a turbocharged 190-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder or the hybrid 2.0-liter making 212 hp. And, no, that’s not the quickest 212 hp in the world either.
On the other hand, the Mazda has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 hp), a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (227 hp), and lastly turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 256 hp.
If you focus on anything other than fuel, this might be a tough choice
As we said, these two crossovers are very similar in many ways; however, once you get past the practicality of the CR-V, the Mazda CX-5’s sporty attitude complicates things.
Again, it’s important to note that these two crossovers are very similar and very great. The 2022 Honda CR-V focuses on excellent fuel economy (especially for the hybrid), a roomy interior, and reliability. These are wise aspects to focus on. As with most Hondas, the CR-V can feel a bit boring. This is the price we pay for the supreme reliability, practicality, and economical restraint that defines the Honda brand.
However, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 does all the same things, just not quite as much. The CX-5 is roomy, safe, reliable, and decently fuel-efficient. But where Honda took those aspects one step further, Mazda pulled up and instead gave the CX-5 some performance.
Both crossovers are decent to drive, but there is a notable difference between the CR-V and the CX-5. The Honda is a mind-free kind of car. It is perfect for folks who want to think about their cars as little as possible. Whereas the Mazda CX-5 is more closely akin to the builders saying, “ok, that’s enough work, let’s have some fun.”
Can the Mazda CX-5 compete with the CR-V?
It can compete and does. However, objectively speaking, the Honda CR-V is one of the hardest crossover SUVs to beat. It has, is, and likely will be great for a long time. The CX-5 is also great, but it doesn’t have the fuel economy or dedication to practicality to ever attract as many buyers or fans as the CR-V.
