2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Honda HR-V

$28,770 · Crossover

$26,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the slightly larger, more powerful 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the lighter, more fuel-efficient 2026 Honda HR-V can be tricky when both target similar small crossover buyers. If you prioritize a bit more shove, the CX-5 delivers 187 hp compared to the HR-V's 158 hp, utilizing a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. However, the HR-V saves you money upfront with an MSRP of $26,200 versus the CX-5's $28,770 and wins at the pump, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the CX-5's 25 MPG combined. The CX-5 is also slightly wider at 72.6 inches and offers significantly more storage with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the HR-V focuses on efficiency with better highway ratings (32 MPG vs. 29 MPG). Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value the extra driving engagement and space or the lower running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers substantially more practical room 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

The CX-5 provides 29 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 158 hp) and includes standard All-Wheel Drive for a more spirited drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V boasts a lower starting price of $26,200 and better fuel economy, leading to lower overall ownership costs.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You regularly need maximum cargo space, as the CX-5 offers 30.8 cu ft.
You prefer the immediate response of a 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want the extra traction and confidence provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

Saving money on fuel is paramount, thanks to its 28 MPG combined rating.
You are prioritizing the lower initial purchase price of $26,200.
Your driving is primarily city-based, leveraging its 26 MPG city rating.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	138 lb-ft @ 4200 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	Mazda	Honda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	364.0/448.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	180W
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	54.0 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	Mazda	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	37.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	47.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Honda HR-V.

Which crossover is quicker off the line, the CX-5 or the HR-V?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is noticeably quicker, producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant advantage over the 2026 Honda HR-V's 158 hp and 138 lb-ft.

How much more usable storage space does the CX-5 offer?

The CX-5 provides a substantial advantage in utility, offering 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cubic feet.

Is the difference in fuel economy worth giving up the CX-5’s extra power?

The HR-V returns 28 MPG combined (26 city/32 highway) versus the CX-5’s 25 MPG combined (23 city/29 highway), meaning the HR-V saves you money on gas every week, although the CX-5 uses cheaper regular unleaded.

Are the dimensions similar enough for easy city parking?

Yes, the lengths are nearly identical at 180.1 inches for the CX-5 and 179.8 inches for the HR-V, though the CX-5 is slightly taller and wider.

Does the HR-V's FWD drivetrain matter if I live in snowy climates?

The base HR-V comes with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), whereas the CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD); if you face regular snow, the CX-5's standard AWD might be a crucial safety factor.