2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$25,400 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda HR-V bursts onto the scene as the sensible, efficient entry point to crossover life, starting at an appealing $25,400 and delivering a respectable 28 combined MPG. It prioritizes usability with its compact dimensions (179.8 inches long) and front-wheel drive configuration. Contrast this with the 2025 Mazda CX-5, which immediately grips the road with its standard All-Wheel Drive and boasts significantly more muscle: 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the HR-V's 158 hp. While the Mazda commands a $3,370 premium and sacrifices efficiency for spirited performance, returning only 25 combined MPG, it rewards drivers with a more premium feel and superior utility, offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Honda's 24.4 cu ft. This comparison pits economy and value against power and driving engagement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda HR-V

The HR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the CX-5's 25 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is better suited for families because it provides significantly more usable space with 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-5 because its 187 hp engine and standard AWD offer a far more dynamic and engaging drive than the HR-V's 158 hp setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda HR-V

The HR-V offers better entry value, boasting an MSRP of $25,400, which is $3,370 less than the CX-5's starting price.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

Your primary concern is minimizing fuel stops, leveraging the HR-V's 32 MPG highway rating.
You need the most affordable entry point into a new crossover, evidenced by the $25,400 MSRP.
You prefer the lighter feel and easier parking associated with a FWD configuration in a city setting.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You demand more satisfying acceleration thanks to the CX-5's 187 horsepower output.
You need the utility of the CX-5’s class-leading 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
All-weather confidence is critical, as the CX-5 includes standard All-Wheel Drive versus the HR-V's FWD setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Mazda CX-5
Length	179.8"	180.1"
Width	72.4"	72.6"
Height	63.4"	66.1"
Wheelbase	104.5"	106.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	158 hp @ 6500 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
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	6-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)	26/32 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	15.3 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	4
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	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R H	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-5 than the Honda HR-V?

The Mazda CX-5 delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, creating a substantial advantage over the Honda HR-V’s output of 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This 29 hp difference translates directly into more exciting acceleration for the CX-5.

Which crossover is better for long-distance highway driving efficiency?

The 2025 Honda HR-V is the efficiency champion here, rating at 32 MPG highway compared to the Mazda CX-5’s 29 MPG highway rating. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the HR-V’s continuously variable transmission helps it squeeze out more miles per gallon.

Is the extra cost of the CX-5 justified by its standard equipment?

The CX-5 costs $3,370 more than the HR-V, but that premium covers standard All-Wheel Drive and a more powerful engine. If you value standard AWD traction over the HR-V's lower MSRP, the CX-5 offers better equipment for those priorities.

If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover offers more space?

The Mazda CX-5 is the clear winner for cargo volume, providing 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Honda HR-V is noticeably tighter, offering only 24.4 cubic feet for luggage or gear.

How do the dimensions compare between the two small crossovers?

The vehicles are nearly identical in length (180.1 inches for the CX-5 vs 179.8 inches for the HR-V), but the Mazda is significantly taller at 66.1 inches compared to the Honda's 63.4 inches. This extra height likely contributes to the CX-5's better cargo capacity.

Are the transmissions fundamentally different between the two models?

Yes, the transmissions offer different driving feels; the HR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic focused purely on efficiency. In contrast, the CX-5 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic, giving the driver more direct control over gear changes for spirited driving.