2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$30,920 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 often comes down to prioritizing budget and efficiency over raw power and size. If you are facing the dilemma of needing practical transport versus desiring a more premium, powerful drive, the numbers tell a clear story. The CR-V starts at a much friendlier MSRP of $30,920, undercutting the CX-90 by a substantial $7,880. This efficiency focus translates directly to the gas pump, where the CR-V achieves 30 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25 combined MPG. However, that extra cost in the Mazda buys significant muscle: the CX-90 boasts 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. While the CX-90 is larger, offering a wider stance at 78.5 inches, the CR-V provides nearly triple the usable space with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mazda's smaller 14.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG and lower purchase price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers significantly more usable space, providing 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 appeals to enthusiasts with its substantial 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V delivers better long-term value by saving buyers $7,880 on the initial purchase price while offering much better fuel economy.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Your primary concern is keeping ownership costs low, thanks to the $7,880 lower starting MSRP.
You drive frequently and prioritize fuel savings, netting 30 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25.
You need maximum hauling capability, as the CR-V offers a class-leading 39.3 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need the confidence and traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You frequently pass or accelerate onto highways and desire the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the stability and presence of a larger vehicle, evidenced by the CX-90's 200.8-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Mazda CX-90
Length	184.8"	200.8"
Width	73.5"	78.5"
Height	66.2"	68.3"
Wheelbase	106.3"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
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	8-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)	28/33 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/462.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
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	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the power difference between the two crossovers noticeable in city driving?

Absolutely. The Mazda CX-90 produces 280 hp, significantly more than the CR-V's 190 hp, meaning the CX-90 will feel much quicker off the line. While the CR-V's 30 MPG is great for stop-and-go traffic, the Mazda’s extra power makes merging and overtaking easier.

How much larger is the CX-90 physically compared to the CR-V?

The Mazda CX-90 is substantially bigger in all dimensions; it is over 5.9 inches longer (200.8 inches vs. 184.8 inches) and over 5 inches wider (78.5 inches vs. 73.5 inches). This larger footprint makes the CX-90 less nimble in tight parking lots but provides a commanding road presence.

Which car is better if I rarely go to the gas station?

The 2026 Honda CR-V is the clear winner for fuel conservation, achieving 33 highway MPG compared to the CX-90's 28 highway MPG. Over a year of commuting, the CR-V will save you considerably in fuel expenses.

Do the transmissions affect the driving experience differently?

Yes, the CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smooth, consistent acceleration to maximize efficiency. Conversely, the CX-90 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which provides more distinct gear changes favored by performance-oriented drivers.

Why is the Mazda CX-90 so much more expensive than the Honda CR-V?

The $7,880 price gap is largely due to the CX-90’s standard All-Wheel Drive, its larger size, and the significantly more powerful engine configuration. You are paying a premium for higher horsepower (280 hp vs. 190 hp) and a more luxurious package.

If I have a lot of gear, which car fits more?

You should strongly consider the Honda CR-V if cargo capacity is key, as it offers 39.3 cu ft of space. The Mazda CX-90's cargo capacity is minimal by comparison at only 14.9 cu ft, suggesting it is better suited for passengers than large hauling tasks.