2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V
The compact SUV market has two major players battling for your attention this year: the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. These popular vehicles have loyal followings, so which one deserves your hard-earned money? Continue reading as we break down their performance, features, and value to help you pick the perfect SUV for your daily drives and weekend adventures around Bountiful, Utah.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
These two competitors take distinct approaches to power and efficiency. Mazda's optional turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides spirited driving, cranking out 256 hp with premium gas (227 with regular) and 320 lb-ft of torque. That's significantly more than the CR-V produces. Honda offers a hybrid option for the eco-conscious driver.
Mazda CX-5 Engine Options and Specifications
Mazda offers two engine options for the 2025 CX-5. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder generates 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for typical commutes. You can choose the turbocharged version for more power.
Every CX-5 has standard all-wheel drive (AWD), so there's no need to pay extra for capability. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responds quickly. The Mazda has livelier handling and better bad-weather grip than many rivals, including the CR-V.
Honda CR-V Engine Options and Specifications
Honda takes a different path with the 2025 CR-V's powertrains. The standard 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder pumps out 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. It's zippy enough for merging onto highways and passing slower traffic, but doesn't match the Mazda's power. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission that prioritizes smooth operation and fuel savings.
The CR-V's hybrid option combines a 2.0-liter engine with electric motors for 204 hp. This setup gives you plenty of pep while dramatically cutting your gas station visits. Unlike the CX-5, the CR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), but AWD is available if you need extra traction for winter driving or light trails.
Fuel Efficiency: Real-World Miles-Per-Gallon Comparisons
The CX-5 gets 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which are decent numbers considering its standard AWD. If you pick the turbo engine, expect those numbers to drop to 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Honda CR-V beats these figures, with FWD models getting up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The hybrid offers real efficiency, stretching each gallon to an eye-popping 43 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on highways. Your driving habits and local conditions will affect real-world results, but the Honda wins the efficiency battle.
Interior, Technology, and Comfort
When it comes to a car features comparison, Mazda crafts a driver-focused cockpit that offers upscale materials for a more luxurious driving experience. Honda builds a spacious, functional cabin that prioritizes durability with hard plastic surfaces that stand up to use.
Interior Design and Cabin Space
Mazda offers genuine wood accents and nappa leather for a premium vibe that's rare in this price bracket. The CR-V's 106 cubic feet of passenger volume in the base trim edges out the CX-5's 103.6 cubic feet, although all the other CR-V trims offer a comparative 103.5 cubic feet.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Seating, Cargo Space, and Amenities
These SUVs have supportive seats and thoughtful touches. The CR-V offers more rear-seat space, making it better for growing teens or adults on road trips. The front seats in either model provide good support, but Mazda's sportier bucket seats hug you better through corners. The CX-5 features heated front seats with three adjustment levels and an eight-way power driver's seat in upper trims. Honda matches these comforts and adds memory settings on higher trims to recall your perfect position after someone else drives.
The Honda's extra cargo room makes a real difference for families or weekend warriors hauling gear. Honda provides 39.3 cubic feet behind the back seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. Mazda's 29.1 cubic feet behind the seats and 58.1 cubic feet total can't match that. Although both models offer split-folding rear seats, the CR-V simply fits more.
Infotainment and Connectivity Features Comparison
Screen size favors the Mazda. Its standard 10.25-inch display dwarfs Honda's 7-inch touch screen. Each supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy phone integration. The Mazda CX-5 includes a 4.6- or 7-inch information display in the gauge cluster, and the CR-V has a 7-inch digital instrument panel.
The CX-5 includes Mazda Connected Services with remote functions and Wi-Fi hot spot capabilities. There are USB ports in both vehicles for charging your devices. Honda's touch screen is intuitive, but Mazda's rotary controller can be less distracting once you're familiar with it.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2025 CX-5 doesn't skimp on standard safety technology. Every model includes the following:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Mazda radar cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system and driver attention alert to boost safety further. The CR-V's Honda Sensing package offers the following standard features:
- Collision mitigation braking
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Forward collision warning
- Traffic jam assist
- Traffic sign recognition
Mazda makes several advanced systems standard across all CX-5 models, whereas Honda reserves some features for higher CR-V trims. The 2025 CX-5 and CR-V each earned five-star overall ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These top marks reflect their strong crash protection and accident-avoidance technologies.
Making the Right Choice: The Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V?
Your perfect match boils down to what you value most. If you love driving, the CX-5's punchy turbo engine and sporty handling may win your heart. Its premium cabin materials and styling are also appealing if you want a touch of luxury without the premium price tag.
The CR-V offers more cargo room and a family-friendly layout for maximum space and efficiency. Its hybrid option can help you save money on yearly gas costs. Neither SUV compromises when it comes to safety.
Test-Drive the 2025 Mazda CX-5 at Bountiful Mazda Today
Are you ready to see if the Mazda CX-5 fits your lifestyle? If performance and upscale vibes top your list, test-drive a CX-5 today at Bountiful Mazda. Apply for financing before your visit, then come in and chat with our team about finding your perfect SUV match.