Matchup
Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
The 2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid against the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the CX-5 costs $8,155 less: $35,845 against $44,000 for the CR-V, destination included. PublishedHondaPublishedMazda
- The CX-5 stops from 70 mph in 173 ft, 9 ft shorter than the CR-V (182 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The CR-V is rated 37 mpg combined by the EPA, 11 mpg better than the CX-5 (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the CR-V costs about $768 a year less to run: $1,815/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
Who each one suits
Pick the CR-V for economy and pace: 37 mpg against 26, about $768 a year less to run, and quicker to 60 and through 50–70 mph passing. Its low beams also reach 33 ft farther.
Pick the CX-5 to spend less and stop shorter: $8,155 less in these trims and 9 ft shorter from 70 mph. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and rates Good in the moderate overlap test, where the CR-V rates Poor.
At a glance
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $44,000PublishedHonda | $35,845PublishedMazda |
| Powertrain | 2.0 L Atkinson four + generator + 181-hp traction motor (two-motor hybrid) · Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System (on-demand rear coupling) | 2.5 L four-cylinder, direct injection, cylinder deactivation · i-Activ AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 182 ft (55.5 m)TestedCar and Driver | 173 ft (52.7 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 34.7 cu ft (983 L)PublishedHonda | 33.7 cu ft (954 L)PublishedMazda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Honda | 6Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Seats | 5PublishedHonda | 5PublishedMazda |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/P/G | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The CR-V gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.0 s.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 204 hp (152 kW)PublishedHonda | 187 hp (139 kW)PublishedMazda |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft (335 Nm)PublishedHonda | 186 lb-ft (252 Nm)PublishedMazda |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.2 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 7.9 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.5 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 15.8 sTestedCar and Driver | 16.2 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The CX-5 stops from 70 mph in 173 ft, 9 ft shorter than the CR-V (182 ft).
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 182 ft (55.5 m)TestedCar and Driver | 173 ft (52.7 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 373 ft (113.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 359 ft (109.4 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 285 ft (86.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 276 ft (84.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 173 ft (52.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 166 ft (50.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CR-V; the CX-5 goes over at 11 mph.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.5% riskTestedNHTSA | no data |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
Efficiency and running costs
The CR-V is rated 37 mpg combined by the EPA, 11 mpg better than the CX-5 (26 mpg).
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $1,815/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.36DerivedEPA | 0.37DerivedMazda |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
No meaningful gap between the CR-V and the CX-5 on what we can measure here.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.81 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.83 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.83 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.25 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 37.0 ft (11.3 m)PublishedHonda | 36.8 ft (11.2 m)PublishedMazda |
| Ground clearance | 8.2 in (21 cm)PublishedHonda | 8.2 in (21 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Tires | Michelin Primacy A/S 235/55R19 all-season · 235/55R19TestedCar and Driver | Toyo Open Country H/T 225/55R19 99V all-season (as on C/D’s Premium Plus) · 225/55R19TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The CX-5 is rated to tow 500 lb more: 1,500 lb against 1,000 lb.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedHonda | 5PublishedMazda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Honda | 6Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Honda | 0Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Cargo behind the second row | 34.7 cu ft (983 L)PublishedHonda | 33.7 cu ft (954 L)PublishedMazda |
| Cargo, seats folded | 71.8 cu ft (2,033 L)PublishedHonda | 66.5 cu ft (1,883 L)PublishedMazda |
| Towing | 1,000 lb (454 kg)PublishedHonda | 1,500 lb (680 kg)PublishedMazda |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | 0.0 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +1.0 in (3 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.3 in (13 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +6.3 in (16 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +4.4 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda | +3.7 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.1 in head · +0.1 in kneeSimulatedfrom Honda | +0.8 in head · −0.6 in kneeSimulatedfrom Mazda |
| Front head room, published | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishedHonda | 39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Rear head room, published | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishedHonda | 40.2 in (102 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Rear leg room, published | 41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedHonda | 39.9 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the CR-V and the CX-5 on what we can measure here.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 68 dBATestedCar and Driver | 67 dBAEstimateCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the CR-V’s hood hides the first 20 ft of road; the CX-5’s hides 22 ft.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 20 ft (6.1 m)Simulated | 22 ft (6.8 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 38%Simulated | 37%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the CR-V and still stop inside the lit road is 62 mph; in the CX-5 it’s 58 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 281 ft (85.7 m)TestedIIHS | 248 ft (75.7 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 62 mph (100 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 58 mph (94 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 481 ft (146.6 m)TestedIIHS | 498 ft (151.9 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the CX-5 rates Good and the CR-V Poor.
| CR-V | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | no data |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | PoorTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,890 lb (1,764 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 3,856 lb (1,749 kg)PublishedMazda |
Where each one wins
Honda CR-V
- The CR-V is rated 37 mpg combined by the EPA, 11 mpg better than the CX-5 (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the CR-V costs about $768 a year less to run: $1,815/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The CR-V gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.0 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the CR-V and still stop inside the lit road is 62 mph; in the CX-5 it’s 58 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- From the driver’s seat the CR-V’s hood hides the first 20 ft of road; the CX-5’s hides 22 ft. Simulated
- IIHS rates the CR-V’s headlights Good and the CX-5’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- IIHS measured the CR-V’s low beams lighting the road 33 ft farther on a straightaway: 281 ft against 248 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 5.2 s in the CR-V and 5.5 s in the CX-5. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CR-V; the CX-5 goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA
Mazda CX-5
- In the trims shown, the CX-5 costs $8,155 less: $35,845 against $44,000 for the CR-V, destination included. PublishedHondaPublishedMazda
- The CX-5 stops from 70 mph in 173 ft, 9 ft shorter than the CR-V (182 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the CX-5 rates Good and the CR-V Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The CX-5 is rated to tow 500 lb more: 1,500 lb against 1,000 lb. PublishedHondaPublishedMazda
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.0 in between head and headliner in the CX-5 and 0.0 in in the CR-V. Simulatedfrom HondaSimulatedfrom Mazda
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +3.4 in of head room in the CX-5 and +2.5 in in the CR-V. Simulatedfrom HondaSimulatedfrom Mazda
Other trims
- CR-V EX-L AWD
- CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid · on this page
- CX-5 2.5 S Preferred · on this page
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
Keep comparing
- All the Honda CR-V figures
- All the Mazda CX-5 figures
- Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Honda CR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross
- Honda CR-V vs Tesla Model Y
- Honda CR-V vs Honda Accord
- Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
- Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-50
- Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson
Sources
- American Honda: 2026 CR-V trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,450 destination) (2026-10)
- Mazda USA: 2026 CX-5 trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,595 destination) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Comparison test: CR-V Hybrid, CX-50 Hybrid, Forester Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid (2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid AWD) (2025-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Escalates a Sibling Rivalry (2.5 S Premium Plus, instrumented results) (2026-05)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Honda CR-V AWD (1.5 L turbo, id 49487) and CR-V Hybrid AWD (id 49488) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD 2.5 L, Automatic (S6) ratings (id 50290) (2026-10)
- Honda News (American Honda): 2026 Honda CR-V Specifications & Features (2025-08)
- Mazda USA News: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Spec Deck (engine, gearing, chassis, dimensions, H-points, cargo, weights) (2026-01)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV HEV AWD (VehicleId 20888) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2025 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD, previous generation (VehicleId 20108): 16.9% rollover risk (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Mazda CX-5 review (75-mph highway test not yet run on the 2026) (2026-10)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (CR-V coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
- Mazda Technical Review No. 42: Aerodynamic Development for All-New CX-5 Adapting Flow Control Technology (Cd −5%, Cd·A −2% vs the previous CX-5) (2026-05)
- IIHS: 2026 Honda CR-V ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–27 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Mazda CX-5 ratings (redesigned for 2026) (2026-10)
- IIHS: Four more models take home Top Safety Pick+ awards (Jul 9, 2026) (2026-07)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.