2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many competitors with aggressive, chiseled exteriors, the CX-5 offered a more refined and elegant look. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights, enhancing both style and functionality.

The top-tier CX-5 Signature trim took luxury to another level with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and ambient lighting. It also included a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, a black headliner, and 19-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels. The interior materials were of high quality, providing a premium feel that rivaled more expensive brands. Overall, the CX-5's design was well-executed, with good fit and finish, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received significant updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

The 2021 X3 came in several trims: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a more spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, and was standard on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims, which also came with all-wheel drive.

Fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain. The most fuel-efficient version, a front-wheel-drive model with the non-turbo engine, achieved 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive delivered 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. While the CX-5's fuel economy was decent, it lagged behind some competitors offering hybrid variants. The CX-5's sporty driving style was engaging, but its stiff suspension could be a drawback for some drivers.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. This engine provided solid pickup for city driving and highway speeds. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

For those seeking a performance-oriented experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. The high-performance X3 M model, with 473 horsepower, catered to drivers with a true need for speed while still providing ample space for the family.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's design allowed it to fulfill most family needs comfortably and stylishly. The seating position, distance to the center stack, and seat comfort were typical for an SUV of its size. While headroom was good in both rows, legroom for back seat passengers could be tight, especially with taller front-seat occupants. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat, though they were not the easiest to use.

Mazda's climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, though the larger shifter at the center of the car took up considerable passenger space. The infotainment system controls were positioned in a way that might not be intuitive for shorter drivers. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate was available.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it provided 28.7 cubic feet of space. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 was spacious for all passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats, even on longer trips.

BMW provided real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, making it easier for drivers and passengers to use the controls without a steep learning curve. This combination of touch operation and physical controls enhanced the overall user experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less so. The interface was generally uncluttered but lacked modern design elements, making it feel less premium. The absence of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was a drawback, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or a center console knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. The X3 came standard with Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto was optional. Other available features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 BMW X3 also came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.