Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 2024: Which SUV Wins?
The Honda CR-V offers more cargo space (76.5 cu ft) and better fuel economy (28 MPG combined), while the Mazda CX-5 delivers a more engaging driving experience with its 2.5L turbocharged engine (250 hp) and premium interior design, making the CR-V better for families and the CX-5 better for enthusiasts.
Honda CR-V
Best-selling compact SUV known for reliability, spacious interior, and practical design.
Families needing maximum cargo, commuters prioritizing fuel economy, buyers valuing long-term reliability over driving excitement
Mazda CX-5
Premium compact SUV emphasizing driving enjoyment, luxury materials, and turbocharged performance.
Driving enthusiasts wanting engaging handling, buyers prioritizing cabin ambiance and luxury, those seeking turbo performance without moving to larger SUVs
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Honda CR-V offers more cargo space (76.5 cu ft) and better fuel economy (28 MPG combined), while the Mazda CX-5 delivers a more engaging driving experience with its 2.5L turbocharged engine (250 hp) and premium interior design, making the CR-V better for families and the CX-5 better for enthusiasts.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Honda CR-V if you prioritize practicality, maximum cargo space, fuel efficiency, and a proven track record with families—it's the more rational choice for everyday hauling and long-term reliability. Choose the Mazda CX-5 if you value driving dynamics, a luxury-oriented cabin, turbocharged performance, and lower entry pricing while still wanting a premium driving experience.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Honda CR-V if
Best pickFamilies needing maximum cargo, commuters prioritizing fuel economy, buyers valuing long-term reliability over driving excitement
Choose Mazda CX-5 if
Driving enthusiasts wanting engaging handling, buyers prioritizing cabin ambiance and luxury, those seeking turbo performance without moving to larger SUVs
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Cargo Space:✓ Honda CR-V wins(76.5 cu ft vs 71.3 cu ft)
- Combined Fuel Economy:✓ Honda CR-V wins(28 MPG vs 26 MPG)
- Turbocharged Engine Option:✓ Mazda CX-5 wins(2.5L turbo with 250 hp vs No turbo standard)
Key Facts & Figures
32 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Honda CR-V | Mazda CX-5 | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Fuel Economy (Best)(MPG) | 32 MPG | — | — |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 41.0 | 38.8 in (Increased 2026) | |
| Starting Price(USD) | $30,920 | $33,500 | |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row(cubic feet) | 39.3 | — | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 9-inch HD | — | — |
| Total Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76.5 | — | — |
| Engine Power (Standard Gas)(hp) | 190 hp | — | — |
| Cargo Space (Seats Down)(cubic feet) | CR-V | — | — |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up)(cubic feet) | CR-V | — | — |
| Engine Horsepower(hp) | Not specified | 187 hp | — |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | Standard | 12.9-inch | — |
| Hybrid AWD Horsepower(hp) | CR-V | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | CR-V | — | — |
| Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 26 MPG | — | — |
| Cargo Space(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | — | — |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 39.3 in | — | — |
| Engine Power (Base Model)(hp) | 190 hp | — | — |
| Starting Price (2025)(USD) | $32,750 | — | — |
| Dependability Rating(score/100) | 88/100 | — | — |
| Five-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | — | — |
| Total Cargo Space(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | 71.3 cu ft | |
| Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG | |
| Engine Power (Turbocharged Base)(hp) | 190 hp (1.5L NA) | 250 hp (2.5L Turbo) | |
| Engine Torque (Turbocharged Base)(lb-ft) | 179 lb-ft (1.5L NA) | 310 lb-ft (2.5L Turbo) | |
| Starting MSRP (2024)(USD) | $32,850 | $28,990 | |
| Seating Capacity(passengers) | 7 (with third-row) | 5 standard | |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(stars) | 5 stars | 5 stars | |
| 0-60 mph Time (Turbo)(seconds) | 8.2 seconds | 6.9 seconds | |
| Horsepower(hp) | 250 hp | 250 hp | |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 25 MPG | 25 MPG | |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 15.6-inch Touchscreen | 15.6-inch Touchscreen | |
| Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 76.5 cu ft(winner)Cargo Space71.3 cu ft
- 28 MPG(winner)Combined Fuel Economy26 MPG
- No turbo standardTurbocharged Engine Option2.5L turbo with 250 hp(winner)
- $32,850Starting MSRP (2024)$28,990(winner)
- Practical, durable plasticsInterior Material QualityPremium soft-touch materials, leather standard on mid-trims(winner)
- Available on EX and aboveStandard AWD AvailabilityAvailable on all trims(winner)
- 5 starsSafety Rating (NHTSA Overall)5 stars
- Cargo Space
Honda CR-V
76.5 cu ft(winner)
Mazda CX-5
71.3 cu ft
- Combined Fuel Economy
Honda CR-V
28 MPG(winner)
Mazda CX-5
26 MPG
- Turbocharged Engine Option
Honda CR-V
No turbo standard
Mazda CX-5
2.5L turbo with 250 hp(winner)
- Starting MSRP (2024)
Honda CR-V
$32,850
Mazda CX-5
$28,990(winner)
- Interior Material Quality
Honda CR-V
Practical, durable plastics
Mazda CX-5
Premium soft-touch materials, leather standard on mid-trims(winner)
- Standard AWD Availability
Honda CR-V
Available on EX and above
Mazda CX-5
Available on all trims(winner)
- Safety Rating (NHTSA Overall)
Honda CR-V
5 stars
Mazda CX-5
5 stars
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Honda CR-V | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Fuel Economy (Best)(MPG) | 32 MPG | — |
| Engine Power (Standard Gas)(hp) | 190 hp | — |
| Engine Horsepower(hp) | Not specified | 187 hp |
| Hybrid AWD Horsepower(hp) | CR-V | — |
| Engine Power (Base Model)(hp) | 190 hp | — |
Show 3 more attributesEngine Power (Turbocharged Base)(hp) 190 hp (1.5L NA) 250 hp (2.5L Turbo) Engine Torque (Turbocharged Base)(lb-ft) 179 lb-ft (1.5L NA) 310 lb-ft (2.5L Turbo) 0-60 mph Time (Turbo)(seconds) 8.2 seconds 6.9 seconds | ||
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 41.0(winner) | 38.8 in (Increased 2026) |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row(cubic feet) | 39.3 | — |
| Total Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76.5 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $30,920(winner) | $33,500 |
| Warranty (Basic)(years) | 3 years/36k miles | — |
| Five-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | — |
| Powertrain Options | Gas, Turbocharged Gas | — |
| All-Wheel Drive | Available | Standard i-ACTIV AWD |
| All-Wheel Drive Option | CR-V | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 9-inch HD | — |
| Google Built-in Integration | No | Yes (1 year complimentary) |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 15.6-inch Touchscreen | — |
| AWD Type | Real Time AWD | — |
| Safety Rating (NHTSA)(stars) | 5-star overall | — |
| Safety Suite | Honda Sensing with multiple systems | Advanced driver assistance features |
| Safety Technology Suite | CR-V | — |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(stars) | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Class Ranking | Excellent (7.5/10 Edmunds) | — |
| Cargo Space (Seats Down)(cubic feet) | CR-V | — |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up)(cubic feet) | CR-V | — |
| Combined Fuel Economy(mpg) | 29 mpg(winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 26 MPG | — |
| Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 28 MPG(winner) | 26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 25 MPG | — |
| Cargo Space (Behind 2nd Row)(cubic feet) | 39 cubic feet | Not specified |
| Cargo Space(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | — |
| Total Cargo Space(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft(winner) | 71.3 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity(passengers) | 7 (with third-row)(winner) | 5 standard |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | Standard | 12.9-inch |
| Generation Status | Refreshed carryover generation | All-new 2026 generation |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | CR-V | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | CR-V | — |
| Hybrid Powertrain Availability(models) | CR-V | — |
| Engine Type | 2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | — |
| Horsepower(hp) | 250 hp | — |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 39.3 in | — |
| Starting Price (2025)(USD) | $32,750 | — |
| Starting MSRP (2024)(USD) | $32,850 | $28,990(winner) |
| Dependability Rating(score/100) | 88/100 | — |
| Warranty Coverage (Basic)(months/miles) | 3 years/36,000 miles | — |
| Steering Feel | Sharp & Responsive | — |
| AWD System | i-Activ AWD | — |
| Warranty Coverage(years) | 3yr/36k Basic | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | — |
| Interior Design Quality | Premium Materials & Refinement | — |
| Design Innovation | Bold Kodo Evolution | — |
Honda CR-VMazda CX-5Show 3 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Honda CR-V
Pros
- 76.5 cu ft cargo space—largest in class
- 28 MPG combined fuel economy with non-turbo efficiency
- Proven reliability with 200,000+ mile longevity track record
- Honda Sensing suite standard on all trims (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping)
- Third-row seating option accommodates 7 passengers
Cons
- Less engaging steering and handling compared to competitors
- Engine lacks turbocharging; 1.5L naturally aspirated feels underpowered under acceleration
- Interior design feels more utilitarian than premium, with harder plastics on lower trims
Mazda CX-5
Pros
- 2.5L turbocharged engine delivers 250 hp and 310 lb-ft torque for responsive acceleration
- Premium interior with soft-touch materials, genuine leather, and upscale design language
- Available on all trims with standard AWD option across the lineup
- Sport-tuned suspension provides crisp handling and responsive steering feedback
- Starting MSRP of $28,990 undercuts CR-V while offering more luxury content
Cons
- 71.3 cu ft cargo space trails CR-V by 5.2 cu ft, limiting bulk hauling capability
- 26 MPG combined fuel economy; turbocharged engine slightly less efficient than CR-V
- Smaller third-row seating (if equipped) feels cramped for adults on longer trips
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Honda CR-V wins with 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Mazda CX-5's 71.3 cu ft—a difference of 5.2 cu ft. For families regularly transporting large items, sports equipment, or luggage, the CR-V's extra space is meaningful. The CR-V also offers a third-row seating option for 7 passengers, whereas the CX-5 maxes out at 5.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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