2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 sprints into the segment with a standard 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering a genuinely engaging driving posture that speaks to the enthusiast soul. Contrast this potent power unit with the practical efficiency of the 2026 Honda CR-V, which delivers a fantastic 30 MPG combined and a more manageable starting MSRP of $30,920. The CX-90, priced significantly higher at $38,045, demands that premium for its muscular inline-six performance and standard All-Wheel Drive system. While the Mazda boasts superior acceleration figures, the CR-V counters with superior utility, offering a cavernous 39.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90's meager 14.9 cu ft. This comparison pits pure driving excitement and size against supreme fuel economy and affordability, making the choice dependent on budgetary priorities versus performance desires.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined.
2026 Honda CR-V
Families will prefer the CR-V because its 39.3 cu ft cargo capacity vastly outweighs the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast choice, delivering a substantial 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the CR-V's 190 hp.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V offers superior overall utility and efficiency for its substantially lower MSRP of $30,920, presenting better base value than the CX-90's $38,045.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You demand spirited driving dynamics backed by 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the superior traction and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a larger exterior footprint, with a length of 200.8 inches.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You prioritize running costs with a 5 MPG advantage, netting 30 MPG combined.
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from 39.3 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to save $7,125 upfront, as the CR-V starts at $30,920.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 78.5" | 73.5" |
| Height | 68.2" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 | 8-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) | 24/28 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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-90 and 2026 Honda CR-V.
How significant is the performance difference between the CX-90 and the CR-V?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Mazda CX-90 produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 90 hp advantage over the 2026 Honda CR-V's 190 hp.
Is the Honda CR-V better for long highway commutes based on fuel ratings?
Yes, the CR-V is significantly better for long commutes, achieving 33 MPG Highway compared to the CX-90's 28 MPG Highway, resulting in fewer stops at the pump.
Why is the Mazda CX-90 so much more expensive than the CR-V?
The CX-90 starts at $38,045, representing a $7,125 premium over the CR-V's $30,920 MSRP, reflecting its more powerful engine and standard AWD drivetrain.
Which vehicle offers better interior space for hauling gear?
The 2026 Honda CR-V offers superior cargo volume by a wide margin, boasting 39.3 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
Do either of these crossovers require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Honda CR-V are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel.
What about drivetrain differences, which affects driving feel?
The CX-90 includes All-Wheel Drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for dynamic handling, whereas the CR-V uses a less engaging continuously variable automatic transmission primarily driving the front wheels.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool