Compare New Mazda CX-5 Compact to Honda CR-V

Engines, Power, and Drivetrain

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 isn't just another crossover. It's the rare SUV that still cares about driving dynamics. While the CR-V focuses on practicality, Mazda injects genuine sportiness into every trim.

• 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder: 187 horsepower / 185 pound-feet torque
• 2.5-liter Turbo four-cylinder: 256 horsepower / 320 pound-feet torque (premium fuel)
• Standard i-Activ all-wheel drive® across all trims

The CR-V's top powertrain peaks at 204 horsepower in its hybrid form-respectable, but nowhere near the CX-5 Turbo's muscle. Mazda's standard all-wheel drive also gives it sharper traction and more confidence on slick Illinois roads, while Honda charges extra for the same peace of mind.

Performance and Efficiency

• 2.5-liter: up to 31 MPG highway
• 2.5-liter Turbo: 24 MPG combined
• Towing: up to 2,000 lbs

Thanks to Mazda's Skyactiv engineering, even the base engine feels peppy and responsive. The CR-V hybrid does offer slightly higher MPG figures, but at the cost of throttle feel and refinement. The CX-5, meanwhile, feels composed and precise-more like a sport sedan that grew up and learned responsibility.

Interior Quality and Infotainment

Slip inside the CX-5, and you'll instantly notice why Mazda wins interior awards year after year. Soft-touch materials, minimalist design, and a near-premium sense of quiet make it feel like a cut above the segment. Honda's CR-V is comfortable but lacks that handcrafted vibe Mazda nails.

• 10.25-inch infotainment display with Mazda Connect™
• Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
• Available Nappa leather and real wood trim
• 12-speaker Bose® audio system (Signature trim)

It's the small details, like the click of the rotary controller, the perfectly weighted steering wheel, that make the CX-5 feel designed by enthusiasts, not accountants.

Safety and Ratings

The 2025 CX-5 is expected to continue its streak as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its robust Skyactiv-Body structure and comprehensive suite of i-Activsense® features. Standard systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Brake Support. Honda's suite is comparable, but Mazda's tuning makes its driver assists feel more natural.

Cargo Space and Versatility

• Mazda CX-5: 30.8 cubic feet behind 2nd row / 59.3 cubic feet max
• Honda CR-V: 39.3 cubic feet behind 2nd row / 76.5 cubic feet max

The CR-V wins on raw numbers, but the CX-5's low load floor, power tailgate, and split-folding seats make it surprisingly adaptable. Plus, the CX-5's sportier handling means you'll actually enjoy getting to wherever your cargo needs to go.

Pricing, Value, and Ownership

The Mazda CX-5 lineup starts around $29,000 and tops out near $39,000 for the Turbo Signature trim, undercutting a comparably equipped CR-V Hybrid. Mazda's CPO models are also an incredible value, typically around $25,000 with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty and seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Considering its estimated three-year depreciation of just 32%, the CX-5 is both a driver's choice and a smart investment.

Want to explore current lease or finance specials? Visit our Mazda incentives page. Thinking of upgrading? Get your current car's value with our Trade-In Advisor.