Compared: 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5
Both brand bestsellers, the CR-V champions efficiency while the CX-5 prizes performance.
Honda | Mazda
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The 2023 Mazda CX-5, with standard all-wheel drive and low cost of entry, is a compelling option in the compact-crossover market. But many consumers may prefer the 2023 Honda CR-V, given its better fuel economy and more spacious interior. Here we explore how the two models differ in price, equipment, and efficiency.
CX-5 Pricing Starts Low and Ends Higher Based On Trim Choice
In base form, with a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, the 2023 Honda CR-V starts at about $30,000. That's a notable difference from the base 2023 Mazda CX-5, which costs right around $28,000 and features a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive.
Both models offer an alternate powertrain. The CR-V is available with a 204-hp hybrid, providing improved fuel economy. It will set you back at least $34,000 (or $35,000 if you want all-wheel drive). The CX-5's optional engine — a turbocharged version of the base 2.5-liter — sacrifices some efficiency for additional power. It makes 227 horsepower on regular gasoline and 256 horses on premium. Buyers can get it for around $39,000.
Mazda
CR-V and CX-5 Go Head-To-Head in Features
When it comes to passenger volume, it's basically a tie, with the 2023 Honda CR-V offering 104 cubic-feet and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 103 cu-ft. In the back, though, the CR-V — boasting 39 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear seats up and 77 cu-ft with them down — has significantly more storage room than the CX-5, which has 29 cu-ft with rear seats up and 58 cu-ft of cargo space with the seats down.
The Mazda wins back a few points for providing more standard equipment. For instance, every CX-5 comes with rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring, whereas Honda doesn't offer the first and charges extra for the second in most trim levels. You can also tow more with the CX-5 than the CR-V.
CX-5 buyers will need to use a control dial in the center console to make selections on the 10.3-inch infotainment display, while CR-V owners can use their fingers to move between apps on the 7.0-inch touchscreen. Want something a little bigger? Honda provides a 9.0-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the top two trims, whereas all CX-5s require a cable for smartphone mirroring.
Lastly, while you can find heated seats, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and front and rear parking sensors in both lineups, only the CX-5 offers a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated front seats.
Honda
CR-V Beats CX-5 in Fuel Efficiency
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 with the standard 2.5-liter engine averages 26 mpg. That figure drops a bit, to 24 mpg, for the turbocharged model.
Both of those ratings fall short of the 2023 Honda CR-V's. Even with all-wheel drive, this Honda crossover manages 29 mpg. With front-wheel drive, it sees 30 mpg. Choosing the hybrid powertrain significantly boosts the model's fuel-economy estimates, to 37 and 40 mpg, respectively.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
