2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The HR-V was available in new colors like Nordic Forest Pearl, enhancing its contemporary appeal. The EX-L trim, which was tested, featured perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, offering a comfortable and upscale cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, with only minor updates. The CX-5's design, characterized by traditional Mazda styling cues, remained modern and appealing. The test vehicle, a new Carbon Turbo trim, featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats. The CX-5's interior materials and design elevated it above many mass-market rivals, providing a premium feel. The CX-5's cabin was comfortable, though snug for four adults, and offered features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in higher trims.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more engaging driving experience. Despite being quieter than its predecessor, the HR-V was still noticeably noisy at higher speeds. The HR-V's suspension and widened tracks contributed to a fun driving experience, though it lacked the power of some competitors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, on the other hand, offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 256 horsepower on premium gas and 227 horsepower on regular gas. The engine produced 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm with premium gas. The CX-5's powertrain was more rewarding when driven with a steady acceleration, allowing the revs to build. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an observed 22.9 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and it featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology for enhanced cornering. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway and offered lively handling in the city.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but it still provided ample space with 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a nearly flat floor when folded, providing flexibility for cargo. The interior passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior room compared to some competitors, offered a comfortable cabin with standard heated front seats. The driver’s seat provided six-way power adjustment, and higher trims featured premium Nappa leather. The rear seat offered good support and a proper sitting position, with rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest for added comfort. The CX-5's cabin design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals, providing a premium feel. Cargo space measured 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than some competitors.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display with Smart Shortcuts and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with an eight-speaker audio system on the EX-L trim.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach, avoiding touchscreens in favor of traditional switchgear for controls. However, it offered a setting for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with a large knob and surrounding buttons for navigation. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Several trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it had not earned it for 2024. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.