2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$25,400 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda HR-V kicks off the comparison with its appealing $25,400 entry price and superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG from its 158 hp engine. It remains the pragmatic choice for cost-conscious buyers focusing on efficiency in the urban jungle. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 screams driver engagement with a muscular 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, backed by standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a more robust 31.4 cu ft of cargo space—a significant upgrade over the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. While the Mazda commands a $4,500 higher MSRP, it delivers 29 more horsepower, appealing directly to those who prioritize driving dynamics and utility over ultimate thriftiness. This comparison pits Honda's proven reliability and efficiency against Mazda's spirited performance and upscale feel.

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 combined 28 MPG rating and lower initial cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides a significantly more thrilling experience with 187 hp and standard AWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda HR-V

The HR-V delivers excellent baseline utility for $4,500 less than the CX-50.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel budget with a 28 combined MPG rating.
You need the most affordable entry point into a new crossover at an MSRP of $25,400.
You prefer maneuverability due to the HR-V's slightly smaller footprint (179.8 inches long).

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You demand greater power, leveraging the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
All-weather capability is essential, as the CX-50 includes All-Wheel Drive standard.
Maximum hauling capability is required, utilizing the CX-50's substantial 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Mazda CX-50
Length	179.8"	185.8"
Width	72.4"	75.6"
Height	63.4"	63.5"
Wheelbase	104.5"	110.8"

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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	185 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	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	53.6 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	✓	—
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-50.

How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-50 boasts a noticeable advantage, producing 187 horsepower, which is 29 hp more than the Honda HR-V's 158 hp. This torque difference (185 lb-ft vs. 138 lb-ft) means the CX-50 will feel considerably punchier during acceleration and highway passing maneuvers.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway cruising regarding fuel economy?

The Honda HR-V edges out the CX-50 in highway fuel economy, rated at 32 MPG versus the Mazda's 30 MPG. However, the HR-V's performance relies on FWD and a CVT, while the CX-50 achieves its efficiency with standard AWD and a conventional 6-speed automatic.

Is the $4,500 price difference between the HR-V and CX-50 justified by the specs?

The difference stems from the CX-50's higher output engine, standard AWD, and significantly larger cargo volume (31.4 cu ft vs 24.4 cu ft). Buyers paying the premium are securing better performance and more utility features than the base HR-V.

Does the HR-V or the CX-50 offer more practical storage space for larger items?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 provides considerably more utility for families or adventurers, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Honda HR-V is notably smaller inside, topping out at 24.4 cubic feet.

Which vehicle provides a more engaging driving experience?

Enthusiasts will gravitate towards the CX-50 due to its superior power figures and standard All-Wheel Drive setup paired with a shiftable automatic transmission. The HR-V uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which generally prioritizes smoothness over spirited driving engagement.

Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is a point of parity in long-term running costs, despite their differences in MPG.