Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V

CX-5

$26,700  

Pictured: Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595).  MSRP starting from $36,850.

CR-V

$28,410 (2023)

Pictured: Sport Touring AWD Hybrid in Canyon Blue Metallic.  Starting MSRP $39,100.

CX-5

Mazda is known for its engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated style, and high-end interiors. The Mazda CX-5, the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S., delivers on all those fronts. The CX-5 lineup, however, is not the most updated in terms of tech; missing features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that are offered by many segment competitors.

Despite our wish for a multimedia update, it's certainly not hard to see the CX-5's appeal. Its contemporary style, near luxury interior and sporty driving signature are all attractive propositions.

Mazda's unique Soul Crystal Red Metallic paint is one of the most gorgeous reds you can find on a vehicle today.

If you're looking for a Mazda SUV with slightly more ground clearance and towing capability you'll want to check out the CX-5.

Considering a used CX-5? Here's our full review of the 2022 CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD.

CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V underwent an impressive redesign with a more rugged exterior, enhanced driving dynamics, a new hybrid powertrain and an upscale interior (particularly in the Sport Touring hybrid model. We loved its comfy seats!)  Technology however still lags a bit behind the competition.

During our test drive with the CR-V Sport Touring hybrid we were impressed by it's improved and more engaging driving dynamics. This compact SUV offers a comfortable interior with spacious seating and ample cargo capacity, making it a practical and fuel efficient choice.

A new driver coaching Apple CarPlay app also makes the CR-V a great choice for teens.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid.

CX-5

For 2023, the CX-5 is available in eight different packages. All 2023 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S.

The Rhodium White exterior premium paint color is new for 2023.

For 2024, Mazda will offer a new Carbon Turbo trim for CX-5 models equipped with the 2.5 Turbo engine. It's a unique style package with Zircon Sand paint on the exterior and a brown Terracotta leather interior.

CR-V

The CR-V enters its 6th-generation with a new advanced hybrid powertrain, more capability and space. Honda says every 2023 CR-V benefits from extensive improvements to the body, chassis and powertrain, safety technology, and overall driving refinement.

CR-V Sport and Sport Touring feature a standard fourth-generation hybrid system. With 247 lb.-ft of torque they are the most powerful CR-Vs ever.   Updated available all-wheel drive is quieter.

Notable safety updates include new driver and passenger airbags first introduced on the new Civic. Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder are also new standard additions to the CR-V. CR-V also now features a Driver Attention Monitor.

Additionally, the CR-V now includes a Hill Descent Control system, improving its off-road capability.   

Learn more: All-New 2023 Honda CR-V Offers Hybrids, More Tech, Room and Comfort

CX-5

• Near-luxury interior the most premium in segment
• Sporty performance appeals to driving enthusiasts
• More powerful available turbocharged engine
• Larger standard infotainment display
• Standard all-wheel drive

CR-V

• More fuel efficient 
• Roomier with more passenger and cargo space
• Excellent seat comfort
• More updated infotainment system
• Multimedia displays are touchscreens

CX-5

• Multimedia display isn't a touchscreen
• Outdated 6-speed automatic transmission
• Smaller standard driver's display
• No wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto availability
• Not as fuel efficient

CR-V

• Smaller infotainment screens
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard across lineup.
• Can't tow as much
• Interior isn't as premium with more hard plastics in the cabin

CX-5

CR-V

40 mpg  

43 mpg  

36 mpg  

CX-5

CR-V

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• 9" multimedia touchscreen is standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid  with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Bluetooth.  
  
• 7-inch TFT Meter Display
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Sport Touring Hybrid features 12-speaker Bose Sound. (Other trims are equipped with 4-, in 6-, or 8-speakers systems.)
• Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic and Honda Link Subscription Service (Only on the Sport Touring Hybrid.)

• Turbo models features standard wireless charging
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

• Wireless charging on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.
• 1 USB-A and Three USB-C charging ports on EX-L and Sport Touring.
• WiFi Hotspot capability on Sport Touring Hybrid only.
• 2 12-volt power outlets (front and cargo area)

CX-5

CR-V

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• Honda Sensing Safety suite of driver assistance tech that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) 
• Available Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic (standard on Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Low-Speed Braking Control (standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Available Front and Rear Parking Sensors (on Sport Touring Hybrid only)

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.  

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee and Side Airbags (SRS)
• Rear Outboard Passengers' Side Airbags
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
  
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) -(Standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)

CX-5

CR-V

14

3,717 (Non Turbo)

3,867 (Turbo)