Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5.
When comparing the Honda CR-V's and the Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Honda CR-V's and the Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V is a better car than the Mazda CX-5.
Pricing: A used 2026 Honda CR-V ranges from $31,958 to $39,215 while a used 2025 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $25,750 to $37,887. For a new model, the Honda CR-V's price is between $32,770 and $38,750, with the Mazda CX-5 priced between $31,061 and $41,347.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda CR-V loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-5 loses 42.4 percent of its value. This means the Honda CR-V retains 7.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.7 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 2 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 5 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 2 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 4.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Honda CR-V has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the area of rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
In a category once derided as “cute-utes,” both the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V have evolved into crossover vehicles for grown-ups. The CX-5’s bold styling, both inside and out, is more eye- catching and distinctive. The CR-V, while attractive, is a little generic. Similarly, the CX-5 is more fun to drive, riding on the same platform as the highly regarded Mazda3. The CR-V has a stellar reputation for reliability, functional interior space, and strong resale value, while the CX-5 is considered reliable, but resale values are not as strong. Both models come standard with front- wheel drive while offering all-wheel drive as an option, but only the CR-V also has a hybrid option.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32770 - 38750
Starting MSRP:
30920
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31061 - 41347
Starting MSRP:
29050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35755
Price Range:
31958 - 39215
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30175
Price Range:
25750 - 37887
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10759
Depreciation %:
0.34795418
Resale Value $:
20161
Residual Value %:
0.65204582
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12425
Depreciation %:
0.42771385
Resale Value $:
16625
Residual Value %:
0.57228615
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda CR-V
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.363
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.263
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5563369845389827
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 18Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 56Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Pros and Cons
- Hybrid version available
- Assertive exterior design
- Highly functional and comfortable interior
- Priced higher than some competitors
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
- Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3472 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3679 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic / Urban Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Gray
Platinum Quartz Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Rhodium White Metallic
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
