2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Mazda CX-5 Comparison
Honda cr-v
Mazda CX-5
After both receiving a major overhaul in 2023, The Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular cars on the road today. How do the CR-V and CX-5 compare in the extremely competitive compact SUV category, and which is better for you?
| Category | 2023 Honda CR-V | 2023 Mazda CX-5 |
| Base Engine | 1.5 L I4 Engine (190 HP / 179 Lb-Ft of Torque) | SKYACTIV-G 2.5 L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine (187 HP / 186 Lb-Ft of Torque) |
| Upgraded Engine Options | 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC 4-cylinder | SKYACTIV-G 2.5T with Dynamic Pressure Turbo (DPT), (256 hp & 320 lb-ft torque with 93 octane fuel, and 227 hp & 310 lb-ft torque with 87 octane fuel) |
| Price Range | $36,366 - $51,016 | $31,250 - $44,250 |
| Front Passenger Legroom | 41.3 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Rear Passenger Legroom | 41.0 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Trunk Space | 39.9 cubic feet (76.5 with rear row seats folded down) | 30.8 cubic feet (59.3 with rear seats folded down) |
Engine & Performance
CR-V
cx-5
When it comes to engine and performance the CR-V packs a punch with a 1.5 L compared to the CX-5 2.5 L and they have a very similar Horsepower output of 190 & 187 respectively. The CR-V also offers an excellent option in their top trim the Hybrid Touring which can provide extreme relief at the gas pumps. Not only this, but the most standard version of the 2023 CR-V outperforms even the top-tier CX-5. With the CR-V coming in with 27-28/32-34 mpg city/highway and the CX-5 coming in at 22-24/27-30 mpg it's a no-brainer who comes out ahead.
Interior & Cabin
cr-v
cx-5
While having very similar measurements in legroom between the 2 vehicles, the 2023 CR-V offers far more cargo space with over 17.2 cubic feet more than the CX-5 with the rear seats folded down.
Pricing, Technology & Safety
cr-v
cx-5
From the chart above you likely noticed that the CX-5 offers a cheaper entry price compared to the CR-V, but like many other things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to your vehicle's safety and technology offerings.
The CR-V offers a Remote engine start, Honda Sensing Safety Technology, Heated front seats, CVT or E-CVT transmission. The CX-5 offers Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, 360 View Monitor, Paddle Shifters and Traffic Jam Assist.
Both vehicles have premium add-ons when comparing the top-end models and each feature a Bose sound system however the CR-V features a 12-speaker option while the CX-5 only offers a maximum of 10 speakers.
Verdict
Honda CR-V
Either compact SUV is a fantastic choice that offers amazing amenities, it just depends on your personal needs as a driver. The CX-5 has excellent handling while the CR-V is more fuel efficient and provides more cargo space. Both vehicles rank in IIHS Safety Picks however the CR-V ranks higher as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ while the CX-5 ranks as only a Top Safety Pick for 2023 Compact SUV. Where the CR-V really outshines the competition is in its Hybrid option with the ultimate savings at the pump while providing all of the other top-tier features some of which are only available in the top hybrid trim line. The CR-V has been a top-selling model of the segment for many years and there's a reason for it. While slightly pricier than the CX-5 $6,000 more between the top models, isn't a large disparity when one of the options is a hybrid and the other is a standard combustible engine.