Head2Head: Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5

HONDA CR-V DTi-L - Score: 75/100

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

Top-spec CR-V diesel isn’t cheap, but over the $38K model’s auto headlights/wipers, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, sat-nav and dual-zone climate control, the $45,340 DTi-L adds 18-inch alloys, front parking sensors, LED DRLs and tail-lights, 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 1648L 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’s heavier at 1774kg. Still, from the well-insulated cabin, the Honda’s a quiet torquer, and its 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 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

Click here to read the full range review of the Honda CR-V.

MAZDA CX-5 AKERA DIESEL - Score: 84/100

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

Both Honda and Mazda offer sub-$40K oilers, but mid-spec diesel models cost over $10K more than the cheapest manual front-drive petrols. Topping Mazda’s line-up, the $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’s 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 403/1560L 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 doesn’t emphasise, perhaps due to connotations of thirstiness). It produces 129kW and 420Nm (at a low 2000rpm), 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’s 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 an SUV)” reads our Showroom summation, and it’s true. The CX-5 is genuinely fun to punt, so much so that you’ll 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

Click here to read the full range review of the Mazda CX-5.

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’s difficult to resist its surging twin-turbo mid-range and stay light-footed, so they end up being very close at the bowser. It’s 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’s a clear win to Mazda’s CX-5 Akera.