2025 Honda CR-V vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Picture of the 2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Honda
CR-V

MSRP*: $30,100 to $36,500
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Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,570 to $40,600
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 26 - 28 MPG 22 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 31 - 34 MPG 27 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 76.5 ft3 58.1 ft3
Engine
  • 190-hp, 1.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 190 hp 187 - 227 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 184.8 in 180.1 in
Exterior Width 73.5 in 72.6 in
Leg Room Front 41.3 in
Rear 41.0 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Head Room Front 38.2 - 40.0 in
Rear 38.2 in
Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Honda CR-V offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Mazda CX-5, with comparable head- and legroom. The Mazda CX-5 offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Honda CR-V, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Honda CR-V as you will with the Mazda CX-5, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
The Honda CR-V is a little wider than the Mazda CX-5, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Honda CR-V, which is slightly longer than the Mazda CX-5.

Handling
The Honda CR-V has a larger turning radius than the Mazda CX-5, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Mazda CX-5 is clearly the choice over the Honda CR-V for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Honda CR-V doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Mazda CX-5.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5. With the Honda CR-V, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Mazda CX-5.