Unless you’re considering the Mazda CX-5, it’s challenging to compete against the legendary Honda CR-V. The Mazda CX-5 has a few wins in crucial areas that might make you consider buying it instead. Check out how the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 compare. 

The Mazda CX-5 has More Value

The Mazda CX-5 base model starts around $25k, just like the Honda CR-V does. Both options offer their top of the line trim options for around $34k, but you get a lot more included with the Mazda CX-5 in terms of luxury. 

You get grand Nappa leather seats to relax in, a dashboard crafted with soft-touch leather materials, and a harmonious ride. The Mazda CX-5 was built with a comfortable ride, which is why it includes sound dampening materials to keep outside noises from disrupting your trip. 

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The Honda CR-V has a spacious interior with optional amenities such as a wireless phone charger and heated seats in the front. The Mazda CX-5 offers heated and ventilated seats, remote start, lumbar support, a dual automatic climate zone, and more. 

The Mazda CX-5 is More Fun to Drive 

Having an SUV, that’s fun to drive matters, and the Mazda CX-5 is geared toward providing a fun and sporty performance. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 189 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This little SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4seconds, which is incredibly fast compared to rivals. 

The Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is still nice, just not as fast as the Mazda CX-5. 

The Mazda CX-5 also offers predictive iActiv all-wheel drive that automatically adjusts to changing conditions to enhance control and stability. It monitors throttle input, outside temperature, steering, wiper usage, and braking patterns to optimize power to the wheels and to maximize traction. 

There is an off-mode driving mode for adventuring, but the sport mode enhances the drive on pavement. It provides faster acceleration and quicker throttle response for passing others and while merging into traffic. 

The Mazda CX-5 is Safer 

That’s right, the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Honda CR-V. Who would have guessed? Well, luckily, due to crash tests, we don’t have to guess. The Mazda CX-V is an IIHS Top Safety Pick + award. It also scored a rating of ‘Good’ or higher in tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The Honda CR-V isn’t that far behind with pretty good safety ratings as well. However, it is still behind. Both of these SUVs come with tons of modern safety features, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. 

However, the Mazda CX-5 comes with more standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. For off-roading and in slippery conditions, the Mazda CX-5 comes with hill start assist, hill descent control, and dynamic stability control.