With so many compact crossovers to choose from in today’s automobile market, the battle between the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 continues to be a popular comparison among drivers seeking new, dependable SUVs. Prospective buyers from Southern Utah to Las Vegas, NV are sizing up the 2023 and all-new 2024 Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5, scrutinizing everything from under-the-hood performance to the plush comfort of interiors.
Stephen Wade Mazda in St. George, UT presents a thorough peek at each vehicle's charm, tackling key questions about safety, fuel efficiency, cabin innovation, and reliability that car shoppers prioritize. Discover which SUV rules the road – and your heart – in this showdown as we compare the stiff competition between the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5.
The 2023 Honda CR-V standard model revs up the competition with a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine, while select trim levels boost the game with a 204hp hybrid powertrain. Front-wheel drive is the standard offering, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel efficiency shines with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for traditional models, and the Sport Hybrid pulls ahead with 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, adding eco-friendly prowess.
Switch gears to the Mazda CX-5, where i-ACTIV AWD® comes standard, and the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 four-cylinder engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver a smart, responsive ride. This standard engine withstands the challenge, generating 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft torque. By 2024, the 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim elevates dynamics with a turbocharged engine, punching out 256 horsepower and an exhilarating 320 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-wise, the standard CX-5 maintains competitiveness, sporting a respectable EPA-estimated 26/31 MPG city/highway.
The Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 offer sleek designs, practical dimensions, and generous capacities for everyday drivers and adventurers alike. Both models seat five passengers, marrying capacity with comfort.
With an overall length of 184.8 inches, the CR-V ensures spaciousness and comfort, in addition to a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds (1,000 pounds for its hybrid counterpart). Storage space isn't lacking either – gas models offer 39 cubic feet of cargo volume and 36 cubic feet in hybrid packages, with all available CR-V trims taking the win over the CX-5 with a whopping 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. The CR-V’s rugged stature, wide stance, and 7.8-inch minimum ground clearance give drivers confidence and versatility to take on bigger challenges.
The Mazda CX-5 is slightly more compact and stands at 180.1 inches in length but boasts a higher towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Storage is ample, with 30 cubic feet expanding to over 58 cubic feet with rear seats down. Its minimum ground clearance of 7.6 inches ensures capability on various terrains.
The Honda CR-V presents a haven of space and safety, offering a second-row bench unrivaled in support and comfort. With legroom sprawling at 41.3 inches up front and a generous 41.0 inches in the back, it surpasses the Mazda CX-5, which provides a respective 41 inches in the front and 39.6-39.7 inches in the second row. The CR-V's standard cloth upholstery and optional heated front seats invite comfort, although the CX-5 showcases luxury right from the base model with leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats as the standard.
Entertainment and connectivity are well catered for, with the CR-V’s lineup starting with a 160-watt four-speaker audio system and the CX-5 starting with six-speaker audio. Both models offer upgrades to a deluxe Bose® system and wireless phone charging in higher trims while ensuring seamless smartphone integration across every tier.
Safety is paramount in both SUVs, as the CR-V and CX-5 share features like lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, rearview monitoring, and smart breaking support.
Both the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 turn heads with their striking exteriors. The CR-V sports an athletic silhouette with bold lines, with the 2024 model adding a Sport-L hybrid-only trim featuring dual chrome exhaust finishers, gloss black roof rails, and a power tailgate with programmable height.
The CX-5 counters by showcasing sleek contours through Mazda's signature KODO design philosophy, and the 2024 lineup introduces a 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim that stands out with exclusive Zircon Sand Metallic paint and black trim pieces. Each model offers an array of colors that will amplify your presence on the road.
Ready to see how the 2023 and 2024 Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 measure up in real life? We invite you to visit Stephen Wade Mazda and experience firsthand the performance, comfort, and elegance these SUVs offer. Our team in St. George is excited to assist you in selecting the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle and driving desires. For our neighbors from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and beyond, Stephen Wade Mazda is your destination for a personalized test drive. Contact us today and schedule your visit!
