Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5: is it worth it ?

I needed an SUV for my 100-mile weekly commutes and weekend adventures, so I put the 2025 Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 through a six-month test to find the best fit. In this 3200-word article, I’ll share my hands-on insights, comparing features, pros, cons, and performance with a fresh take.

Whether you lean toward the CR-V’s efficiency or the CX-5’s sporty vibe, I’ll help you pick the perfect ride for your lifestyle!

Honda CR-V Vs. Mazda CX-5: Comparison Table

Feature	Honda CR-V (2025)	Mazda CX-5 (2025)
Price	$30,100-$35,000	$28,570-$40,600
Engine	1.5L Turbo (190 hp), Hybrid (204 hp)	2.5L (187 hp), Turbo (256 hp)
Fuel Economy	28/34/30 MPG (Gas), 40/35/38 MPG (Hybrid)	26/31/28 MPG (Base), 22/27/24 MPG (Turbo)
Seating	5	5
Cargo Space	39.3 cu ft (Seats Up), 76.5 cu ft (Seats Down)	30.8 cu ft (Seats Up), 59.3 cu ft (Seats Down)
Dimensions	184.8″L x 73.5″W x 66.1″H	180.1″L x 72.6″W x 66.3″H
Safety Features	Honda Sensing, adaptive cruise	i-ACTIVSENSE, blind-spot monitor
Infotainment	7″ or 9″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay	10.3″ display, rotary controller, Apple CarPlay
Towing Capacity	1,500 lbs	2,000 lbs
Drive Options	FWD, AWD	AWD (Standard)

My Journey With The Honda CR-V And Mazda CX-5

My old sedan struggled with my weekly 100-mile commutes and weekend camping trips, so I took the 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L ($35,000) and Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature ($40,600) for a six-month spin, switching every month.

I cruised city streets, tackled highways, and hauled gear. The CR-V’s spacious cargo and fuel savings felt like a practical teammate, while the CX-5’s zippy handling and sleek design got my adrenaline pumping. After months, the CR-V won for efficiency, but the CX-5’s drive kept me grinning.

CR-V Space: 76.5 cu ft swallowed my camping load.
CX-5 Power: 256 hp turbo made merges exciting.
CR-V Quiet: Cabin muffled my city drives.
CX-5 Tech: Rotary control felt intuitive.
CR-V Handling: Smooth turns eased tight spots.
CX-5 Comfort: Heated seats warmed my trips.
CR-V Efficiency: 38 MPG hybrid saved cash.
CX-5 Safety: Blind-spot monitor added security.
CR-V Size: 184.8”L fit my garage.
CX-5 Style: Sharp lines turned heads.

Key Features of Honda CR-V (2025)

The 2025 Honda CR-V rolls with a 1.5L turbo engine (190 hp) or a hybrid (204 hp) with electric motors, seating five with 39.3 cu ft of cargo space (76.5 cu ft folded).

It offers FWD or AWD, a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and Honda Sensing features like adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims bring leather and a quiet ride.

Engine Options: 190 hp gas or 204 hp hybrid.
Fuel Economy: 38 MPG hybrid, budget-friendly.
Cargo Capacity: 76.5 cu ft fits my gear.
Touchscreen: 9-inch with seamless connectivity.
Safety Suite: Adaptive cruise boosts confidence.
Compact Size: 184.8”L, easy to park.
Comfort Features: Leather and heated seats.
Digital Cluster: 7-inch display keeps it clear.
Reliability: Honda’s track record shines.
AWD Option: Handles wet roads well.

Key Features Of Mazda CX-5 (2025)

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 features a 2.5L engine (187 hp) or a turbo option (256 hp), seating five with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space (59.3 cu ft folded).

It comes standard with AWD, a 10.3-inch display with a rotary controller and Apple CarPlay, and i-ACTIVSENSE features like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. Higher trims add leather and a sunroof.

Engine Power: 256 hp turbo, thrilling drive.
Fuel Economy: 28 MPG combined, solid for power.
Cargo Space: 59.3 cu ft, stylish but snug.
Touchscreen: 10.3-inch with rotary ease.
Safety Suite: Blind-spot monitor adds safety.
Compact Size: 180.1”L, nimble in traffic.
Comfort Features: Leather and sunroof.
Digital Cluster: Clear display with flair.
Reliability: Mazda’s quality holds up.
AWD Standard: Great for all conditions.

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Pros Of Honda CR-V

The CR-V became my go-to for its practicality and efficiency, perfect for my varied drives.

Affordable Price: $30,100 base fits my wallet.
Fuel Savings: 38 MPG hybrid cuts costs.
Spacious Cargo: 76.5 cu ft hauls my gear.
Smooth Ride: Plush seats ease long trips.
Safety Tech: Honda Sensing feels dependable.
Quiet Cabin: Highway noise fades away.
Reliable Brand: Proven durability stands out.
Compact Size: Easy to park in tight spots.
Resale Value: Holds strong over time.
Low Maintenance: Parts are cost-effective.

Cons Of Honda CR-V

The CR-V had a few hiccups I noticed during my tests.

Towing Limit: 1,500 lbs lags behind CX-5.
Base Tech: 7-inch screen feels outdated.
Ride Firmness: Bumps jolted on rough roads.
Power Lag: 204 hp hybrid feels modest.
Cargo Access: Higher floor slows unloading.
Noise at Speed: Wind crept in on highways.
Interior Fit: Some plastics seem cheap.
Top Price: $35,000 stings a bit.
Hybrid Cost: Extra $1,500 for AWD.
No Luxury: Lacks premium touches.

Pros Of Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 won me over with its sporty feel and upscale vibe, ideal for fun drives.

Powerful Engine: 256 hp turbo zips past traffic.
Luxury Interior: Leather and wood impress.
Safety Features: Blind-spot monitor adds peace.
Tech Savvy: 10.3-inch screen with rotary control.
Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs handles trailers.
Comfort Ride: Heated seats warm long trips.
Stylish Design: Sleek lines catch eyes.
AWD Standard: Extra grip for tough weather.
Warranty: 36-month/36,000-mile coverage.
Fun to Drive: Handling keeps me engaged.

Cons Of Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 had some trade-offs I picked up over months of driving.

High Price: $40,600 top trim hits hard.
Fuel Economy: 24 MPG turbo trails CR-V’s 38 MPG.
Cargo Space: 59.3 cu ft feels cramped.
Ride Height: Lower stance struggles on bumps.
Maintenance Costs: Repairs add up quick.
Size Issue: 180.1”L tight in big spaces.
Premium Fuel: Extra cost for turbo.
Noise at Idle: Engine hum noticeable.
Depreciation: Loses value faster.
No Hybrid: Lacks fuel-saving option.

Honda CR-V Vs. Mazda CX-5: Head-To-Head Comparison

I rotated the CR-V and CX-5 monthly to weigh their strengths.

Price: CR-V’s $30,100-$35,000 beats CX-5’s $28,570-$40,600.
Performance: CX-5’s 256 hp turbo outmuscles CR-V’s 204 hp.
Fuel Economy: CR-V’s 38 MPG hybrid tops CX-5’s 24 MPG.
Cargo Space: CR-V’s 76.5 cu ft outshines CX-5’s 59.3 cu ft.
Towing: CX-5’s 2,000 lbs edges CR-V’s 1,500 lbs.
Tech: CX-5’s 10.3-inch rotary screen leads; CR-V’s 9-inch is solid.
Safety: Both offer robust suites, with CX-5’s blind-spot edge.
Maneuverability: CX-5’s 180.1” length wins in traffic.
Reliability: CR-V’s 84/100 edges CX-5’s 82/100, per data.
Comfort: CX-5’s luxury ride outshines CR-V’s practicality.

Why Choose An SUV Like CR-V Or CX-5?

The CR-V and CX-5 blend utility and style for different needs. They suit commuters, adventurers, or driving enthusiasts. The CR-V fits those wanting efficiency and space, while the CX-5 appeals to power and fun fans. I leaned toward the CR-V for city savings, but the CX-5’s handling won for my twisty routes. Your pick hinges on budget, cargo demands, and driving joy.

My Testing Process

I drove each SUV for six months, swapping monthly, across city streets, highways, and rainy paths. I packed camping gear, towed a small trailer, and logged 100-mile trips. I tracked fuel use, judged comfort on long hauls, and tested safety in traffic. Reliability came from owner feedback and ratings. My goal was a real-world match for my active life.

Honda CR-V’s Unique Selling Points

The CR-V stands out with its roomy 76.5 cu ft cargo space and 38 MPG hybrid efficiency, a hit for practical drivers. The Honda Sensing suite adds solid safety, and higher trims bring a quiet ride. Its 1,500-lb towing and 184.8”L size offer versatility with a budget twist.

Mazda CX-5’s Unique Selling Points

The CX-5 shines with its powerful 256 hp turbo engine and 2,000-lb towing, perfect for spirited drivers. The i-ACTIVSENSE suite includes advanced safety, and higher trims add a luxurious interior. Its standard AWD and 180.1”L frame bring agility and style.

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Tips To Maximize Your SUV Experience

Here’s what I learned to get the most from the CR-V or CX-5:

Regular Maintenance: Stick to oil changes for longevity.
Use Right Fuel: CR-V takes regular; CX-5 turbo needs premium.
Maximize Cargo: Fold seats, especially CR-V’s 76.5 cu ft.
Leverage Tech: Sync phones for navigation and tunes.
Check Tires: Rotate every 5,000 miles for grip.
Enable Safety: Use adaptive cruise and lane assist.
Plan Parking: CX-5 fits tight spots; CR-V needs more room.
Clean Regularly: Vacuum upholstery to keep it fresh.
Monitor Battery: Track hybrid charge for savings.
Test Towing: Practice with CX-5’s 2,000-lb limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Which is more reliable, Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5?

The CR-V edges out with an 84/100 reliability score versus the CX-5’s 82/100, based on my research and owner feedback.

What is the Mazda equivalent of the Honda CR-V?

It depends—CR-V wins for efficiency and space, while CX-5 shines with power and handling, per my six-month test.

What is the Mazda equivalent of the Honda CR-V?

The Mazda CX-5 matches the CR-V’s compact SUV class, offering similar size and features with a sportier edge.

Which car is better than the CX-5?

The Honda CR-V stands out with better fuel economy (38 MPG) and cargo space (76.5 cu ft) from my experience.

Conclusion

After six months testing the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, I’m hooked on SUVs.

The CR-V’s efficiency and space made it my city champ, while the CX-5’s power and drive thrilled me on backroads.

For $40,600, the CX-5 became my pick. Choose the CR-V for savings or the CX-5 for fun—you’ll roll with confidence and style!