2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$25,400 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 often boils down to prioritizing efficiency versus power in a small crossover package. If your daily drive involves plenty of stop-and-go traffic and maximizing fuel stops is key, the HR-V presents a compelling case with its 28 combined MPG, slightly beating the CX-30’s 27 MPG. However, if you occasionally need a little extra pep, the CX-30 packs a significant punch with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the HR-V's 158 hp. Despite being $575 more expensive at an MSRP of $25,975 versus $25,400, the CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, which the FWD HR-V lacks. Furthermore, the HR-V offers substantially more room for hauling gear, boasting 24.4 cu ft of cargo space against the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft, making its slightly smaller exterior dimensions (179.8 inches long) quite efficient for utility.

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 slightly better fuel economy rating of 28 combined MPG and its CVT optimized for smooth city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda HR-V

The HR-V is better for families because it provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly more than the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, alongside a shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda HR-V

The HR-V offers better sheer utility space for a lower entry price of $25,400 compared to the CX-30.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prioritize maximum cargo space, as the HR-V offers 24.4 cu ft versus the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft.
You want the lowest entry price point, with the HR-V starting at $25,400.
Your daily driving prioritizes fuel efficiency, given the HR-V’s 28 combined MPG rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You need more dynamic performance, thanks to the CX-30’s 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is a must-have, as it comes standard on the CX-30 while the HR-V is FWD.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle, as the CX-30 is 6.8 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Mazda CX-30
Length	179.8"	173.0"
Width	72.4"	70.7"
Height	63.4"	61.4"
Wheelbase	104.5"	104.4"

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	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
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	186 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	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	12.7 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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

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.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	54.6 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.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	53.2 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	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
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 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 than the 2025 Honda HR-V?

The Mazda CX-30 has a distinct advantage in performance, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This is a notable increase over the Honda HR-V, which produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover is more practical for weekend hauling or trips?

The 2025 Honda HR-V is the more practical choice for hauling, offering 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers less room, measuring 20.2 cubic feet.

Is the extra cost of the CX-30 worth it for better acceleration?

The CX-30 costs $575 more (MSRP $25,975 vs $25,400) and compensates for that price difference with significantly more power and standard AWD. If spirited driving matters more than marginal fuel savings, the extra cost may be justified.

How do the transmissions differ between these two small SUVs?

The Honda HR-V utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) optimized for efficiency. Conversely, the Mazda CX-30 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic, offering a more traditional, engaging gear change experience.

If I live where it snows often, which car is better equipped?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing better traction in slippery conditions. The standard 2025 Honda HR-V is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), though AWD may be available on higher trims.

Are the real-world dimensions very different for parking?

The CX-30 is generally smaller, measuring 173.0 inches long and 61.4 inches high. The HR-V is longer at 179.8 inches and taller at 63.4 inches, which might matter slightly more when navigating tight urban parking spots.