If fuel cost matters most
Mazda CX-5 with up to 38 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V
Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V answer the same shopping question from different directions. The CX-5 is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the CR-V reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Mazda CX-5 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2012 - present | 1995 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 194 hp | 204 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 38 MPG | 37 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2017/2023) | 1 | 3 |
| Latest dimensions | 4550 × 1840 × 1675 mm | 4706 × 1866 × 1681 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1622 kg (3576 lbs) | 1725 kg (3803 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Hybrid |
If power matters most
Honda CR-V with a verified peak of 204 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Mazda CX-5CX-5 II 2.0 SKYACTIV-G | Honda CR-VCR-V VI 1.5 VTEC Turbo AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 1.5L (1498 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 165 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 243 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 9.1 s | 8.6 s |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Automatic | CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 28.0 MPG | 27.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 37.0 MPG | 32.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 32.0 MPG | 29.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 148 g/km | 172 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4550 mm | 4706 mm |
| Width | 1840 mm | 1866 mm |
| Height | 1675 mm | 1681 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1505 kg | 1685 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the CX-5 or the CR-V?
Mazda CX-5 wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 38 MPG, versus 37 MPG for the Honda CR-V.
Which has more horsepower, the CX-5 or the CR-V?
Honda CR-V reaches the higher verified peak at 204 hp, compared with 194 hp for the Mazda CX-5.
Which is safer: CX-5 or CR-V?
Mazda CX-5 has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Honda CR-V has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.