2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda CR-V electrifies the mainstream crossover segment with its efficiency and compact agility, boasting a stellar 30 combined MPG from its 190 hp powertrain. Contrarily, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 unleashes serious dynamic capability, flexing 280 hp and a commanding 332 lb-ft of torque paired with standard AWD. This dramatic performance difference is underscored by their footprints: the CR-V sits at 184.8 inches long, making it nimble, while the substantially larger CX-90 stretches to 200.8 inches. Though the Mazda delivers explosive power, the CR-V’s $30,100 MSRP offers significant savings over the CX-90’s $38,800 entry. While the Honda prioritizes economy (34 highway MPG), the Mazda provides superior acceleration at the cost of 5 less combined MPG, setting up a true battle between efficiency and brute force.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, promising lower running costs on daily trips.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is better equipped for families needing space, offering a larger frame (200.8 inches long) and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 dominates enthusiast appeal with a potent 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the CR-V's output.
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V offers vastly better value, starting $8,700 less than the Mazda while providing significantly better fuel economy.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Your primary focus is maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 34 highway MPG.
- You need to save nearly $9,000 on the initial purchase price, as the MSRP is $30,100.
- You prefer a more compact, maneuverable vehicle measuring only 184.8 inches in length.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You demand rapid acceleration from a powertrain generating 280 horsepower.
- All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission are essential for your driving style.
- You require substantial cargo space behind the second row, benefiting from its larger dimensions overall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 73.5" | 78.5" |
| Height | 66.2" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 than the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The CX-90 packs a significant performance punch, producing 280 horsepower, which is 90 more horsepower than the CR-V’s 190 hp engine. This is reflected in the torque, with the Mazda offering 332 lb-ft versus the Honda's 179 lb-ft.
What is the primary trade-off between the CR-V’s efficiency and the CX-90’s power?
The trade-off centers on fuel economy; the CR-V achieves 30 combined MPG, whereas the more powerful CX-90 delivers only 25 combined MPG. This 5 MPG gap results directly from the performance focus of the Mazda.
Does the difference in MSRP heavily impact the value proposition?
Yes, the $8,700 difference between the $30,100 CR-V and the $38,800 CX-90 is substantial. The CR-V provides a superior value proposition for budget-conscious buyers who sacrifice outright performance for economy.
Which vehicle is better suited for hauling and general utility based on size?
While the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo space, the significantly larger CX-90 (200.8 inches long versus 184.8 inches) is physically larger overall, though its specific provided cargo figure of 14.9 cu ft seems low for its class, suggesting differences in how capacity is measured.
Is the CR-V FWD or the CX-90 AWD better for inclement weather?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which typically provides superior traction compared to the front wheel drive setup of the 2025 Honda CR-V.
What type of transmissions do these two crossovers utilize?
The Honda CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission designed for maximizing efficiency, while the Mazda CX-90 features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission that complements its higher performance engine.
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