The 2022 Mazda CX-5 and the 2022 Honda CR-V are both solid choices for the compact crossover SUV segment. However, the CX-5 has some advantages in its favor. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 CX-5, not a 2022 CR-V.

2022 Mazda CX-5 offers a more powerful engine than the 2022 Honda CR-V

The first reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Honda CR-V is the CX-5 offers a more powerful engine than the CR-V. While the base engines for the two crossover SUVs have a similar output, the CR-V doesn’t offer anything that matches the output of the CX-5’s available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine:

Engine options for the CX-5:

• Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder: 250 hp/320 lb-ft of torque
• 2.5-liter four-cylinder: 187 hp/186 lb-ft of torque

Engine options for the CR-V

• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid: 212 hp/232 lb-ft of torque
• Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder: 190 hp/179 lb-ft of torque

Also, the more powerful available engine for the CX-5 translates to quicker acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of the CX-5 is as low as 6.1 seconds, compared to 7.5 seconds for the CR-V.

2022 CX-5 is more maneuverable than the 2022 CR-V

The second reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Honda CR-V is the CX-5 is more maneuverable than the CR-V. The CX-5 has a turning circle of 36.0 feet, compared to 37.4 feet for the CR-V. Also, unlike the CR-V, the CX-5 has a speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering system.

The greater maneuverability of CX-5 makes it more capable of weaving through traffic and navigating curves and corners. Also, the maneuverability makes it easier to park the crossover SUV.

Mazda CX-5 can tow more than the Honda CR-V

The third reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Honda CR-V is the CX-5 can tow more than the CR-V. If towing needs are a high priority, then the CX-5 is a better choice for you. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

No one would confuse the CX-5 for being a towing powerhouse like beefy full-size SUVs and pickup trucks. However, with its 2,000-pound towing capacity, the CX-5 can tow things like a teardrop trailer, a small boat, jet skis, a utility trailer, and snowmobiles.

2022 CX-5 is safer than the 2022 CR-V

The fourth reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Mazda CR-V is the CX-5 is safer than the CR-V. One of the most respected authorities for safety evaluations is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For IIHS crash tests, the CX-5 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the CR-V received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has advantages over the 2022 Honda CR-V for its more powerful available engine, maneuverability, towing, and safety. These advantages are key reasons for compact crossover SUV shoppers to buy the 2022 CX-5, not the 2022 CR-V.

For reasons to buy a Honda CR-V instead of a Mazda CX-5, continue reading below.