Battle of the 2025 Crossovers: Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 Comparison

A Practical and Efficient Choice

The Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison looks at two popular compact crossovers with an enticing blend of practicality and driving dynamics. If you value space and fuel efficiency, the CR-V is your ideal choice.

The 2025 Honda CR-V prioritizes comfort, space, and efficiency. Compared to the Mazda CX-5, it offers bigger savings at the pump, especially with the hybrid version. Inside, you'll find more passenger and cargo space than the CX-5 as well.

Buyers tend to look at the CX-5 for its sporty driving dynamics and low starting price, but the CR-V stacks up wins in the categories of practicality and efficiency. Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg takes a closer look.

Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5: Which is the Better Compact SUV?

When it comes to the Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5, it's hard to find two better choices in the compact crossover category. They check almost every box that buyers want in a compact crossover. Both models are well-equipped and offer strong reliability ratings. However, there are certain areas where one comes out on top of the other. The CR-V wins more categories than the CX-5. Let's look at the details.

Starting with reliability, the Honda CR-V boasts a higher score from JD Power compared to the Mazda CX-5. Reliability and interior comfort are two top priorities for buyers in the compact crossover segment. The CR-V also bests the CX-5 in cabin comfort with more room in the rear seat. Both models come standard with cloth upholstery, manually-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats.

Key Differences That Stand Out

Another area where the CR-V stands out is its cargo space. The Mazda CX-5 has 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the CR-V is one of the roomiest models in the compact crossover class. It boasts 39.2 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats. If you fold the rear row down, you get a huge 76.5 cubic feet, nearly 20 cubic feet more than the Mazda's total. The verdict is clear. If you need space, the CR-V is the compact SUV to get.

Not only is the CR-V one of the roomiest vehicles in its class, but it's also one of the most fuel-efficient. The FWD CR-V delivers up to 34* mpg on the highway, while the AWD CR-V gets up to 31* mpg on the highway. The CX-5 can't match these numbers with the base four-cylinder delivering 30* mpg on the highway and the turbo-four getting only 27 mpg* on the highway.

Test Drive the 2025 Honda CR-V at Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg

At Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg, we think the winner of the Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 matchup is clear. The Honda CR-V delivers in the practical categories that matter most to compact crossover buyers.

Space and fuel efficiency are must-haves, and the CR-V wins in both areas compared to the CX-5 and most other models in this class as well. Come see the Honda CR-V today and take it for a test drive.