Which Is Better, the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5?
SUVs are one of the most popular car makes in the U.S., the perfect car for small families. Both Honda and Mazda have very competitive options when it comes to SUVs, including the CR-V and the CX-5 respectively. But which one is better?
is one of the most popular automakers in the world, especially when it comes to SUVs. The Honda CR-V is a consistent best-seller because it's both reliable and affordable, with plenty of space as well.
However, even the Honda CR-V faces some fierce competition in a crowded segment. The Mazda CX-5 also has a reputation for its reliability, but can it beat the CR-V?
helps us break down the benefits and disappointments of these SUVs.
What’s great about a Honda SUV?
The Honda CR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs you can buy, getting up to 28/34 mpg city/highway. The hybrid version is even more impressive, making 40/35 mpg city/highway.
The standard model comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can be smoother and more fuel-efficient than an automatic transmission. The CR-V Hybrid, aided by two electric motors and standard AWD, makes 212 horsepower.
Both SUVs can seat up to five passengers, and the interiors are constructed with premium materials. However, the CR-V's seats are slightly roomier and offer more support than the hybrid version. The CR-V also wins when it comes to cargo space, boasting over 39 cubic feet in the trunk with all the seats up.
Fold down the second row and you'll have access to nearly 76 cubic feet of space in total. The Honda CR-V can have many infotainment features, but most of them are reserved for higher trims. Fortunately, the base trim comes with almost every available safety feature, and the car itself received great crash-test scores.
MORE:The Mazda CX-5 Is a Very Safe Choice Among Small SUVs, Based on New Side-Impact Crash Test
The Mazda CX-5 excels with sporty handling, a quality that can be hard to find in this segment. Its well-weighted steering is a joy around tight corners, and the ride quality still remains stable and smooth.
Its base engine is almost as powerful as the CR-V's, plus it has an optional 250-horsepower turbo-four. The CX-5 doesn't have a hybrid version, but it still has a respectable fuel economy of 25/31 mpg city/highway.
MotorTrend says the CX-5's stylish interior is one of its biggest selling points. It's angular and contributes to the car's athletic character, complemented by a sleek control layout. Lots of safety and convenience features come standard, including smartphone integration.
The interior also offers plenty of space to stretch your limbs and a lot of storage area behind the rear row. However, folding down the back row only gets you around 60 cubic feet of space total.
Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5: which one is right for you?
MORE:Comparing Honda SUV Models: Which is the Best of 2021?
It's clear that the Honda CR-V offers the most utility between the two SUVs. If you want enough space to shuttle several passengers while getting great gas mileage, get the CR-V. It also has more family-friendly features, like the wide door openings and flat-folding rear seats.
If style is more important, you're probably better off with the Mazda CX-5. It comes with more standard infotainment features, and the interface itself is easier to use than the one inside the CR-V. The CX-5 is also a blast to drive and doesn't sacrifice too much fuel economy.
Which SUV is more expensive to insure?
Our research shows that the average Honda only costs $2,800 to insure each year. Mazda policies are historically more expensive to pay annually, as high as $3,115 for 2021.
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