The battle between the 2017 Honda CR-V and the 2017 Mazda CX-5.

Both rivals from the same country are entering a new generation with significant changes, promising an uncompromising confrontation.

In October 2016, the 2017 Honda CR-V was officially launched. Nearly a month later, its domestic rival Mazda introduced its new CX-5, a strategic model with significant improvements, aiming to compete with the CR-V.Best-selling in its segment in 2015Or the Toyota RAV4 in the US. Motortrend provides a quantitative comparison of the two new-generation crossover models.

As of November 2016, the CR-V was still leading in sales in the crossover segment in the US, according to Goodcarbadcar.

Exterior

Despite sharing the traditional two-box design, both the CR-V and CX-5 differ significantly, largely due to the unique design language each manufacturer pursues.

The 2017 CR-V's design is angular and masculine, similar to the new generation Civic.

The CR-V isn't actually the most strikingly designed model in its segment, as its unusual rear end design has sparked much debate.There are mixed opinions, both positive and negative. The new generation CR-V seems slightly compressed from the front and rear. However, the wheelbase, height, and overall length are all slightly longer than its predecessor, promising increased interior comfort.

The body is more rigid, and the rear is less humped and more angular than before, similar to the styling of the new Civic.The 2017 CR-V features a new mesh grille with a large chrome bar, and a redesigned, more aggressive front bumper.

However, it is the intertwining of these details that makes the head design visually "complex" rather than streamlined like the previous generation. In return, it boasts a sportier and more youthful style, suitable for a predominantly male customer base.

The soft, flowing lines of the Kodo design language are clearly evident in the new CX-5.

While the CR-V embraces a modern, unconventional design, the new Mazda CX-5 remains true to the refined Kodo design language, emphasizing practicality. Its neutral design may appeal to both male and female customers, but it lacks the necessary individuality to stand out from the competition, especially in a demanding market like the US.

What's shown on the CX-5 isn't too surprising. It subtly resembles the CX-3 or its larger sibling, the CX-9. The soft lines on the hood, body, and rear are geared towards aerodynamic efficiency and dynamism. However, this is precisely why Mazda's model doesn't create the same sense of a long, slender vehicle as the CR-V, despite having a longer wheelbase.

Interior

The new CR-V's cockpit features a minimalist design focused on maximizing driver comfort. Honda has moved the center console closer to the dashboard, directly below the easy-to-use 7-inch touchscreen, creating space for two cup holders, a phone holder, or other personal items.

The interior of the new generation CR-V focuses on practicality for the user.

The car is equipped with other amenities such as USB sockets, 3-zone climate control, and a 12V charging port. The rear seats also offer an additional 2.3 inches of legroom, phone charging ports, and USB connectivity. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The CX-5 boasts an elegant interior design focused on luxury. Unlike competitors that use interactive touchscreens, the CX-5 features a standing information display on the dashboard. A heads-up display on the windshield allows the driver to avoid looking down when needing to read technical information from the TFT instrument cluster.

The CX-5's interior is considered more refined than the CR-V's.

The silver metal trim details give it a more modern feel compared to the CR-V. The CX-5 also boasts improved sound insulation compared to its predecessor. However, retaining the same chassis and wheelbase doesn't significantly increase rear legroom.The CX-5's interior design is sleeker than the CR-V's, but its practicality is somewhat "hidden" compared to its competitor.

According to VNE