Mazda’s redesigned CX-5 feels more luxurious than the CR-V—here’s why that doesn’t matter

Breaking into the highest tier of the compact SUV phase has by no means been straightforward. Patrons on this class anticipate practicality, effectivity, fashionable know-how, and robust worth, which implies even an entire redesign is not all the time sufficient to shake up the established order. Any newcomer hoping to climb the rankings has to show it may enhance on a components that is already been refined for years.

That is precisely the problem going through one of many phase’s most recognizable nameplates. Its newest redesign brings bolder styling, a extra premium cabin, and a contemporary strategy to know-how, however are these modifications sufficient to knock the category benchmark off its perch?

Does the brand new Mazda CX-5 have the chops to tackle the Honda CR-V

Two inexpensive compact SUVs go face to face

Should you’re looking for a compact SUV, then it is possible the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V have already made your shortlist. For so long as they’ve been round, they’ve each been among the many finest choices within the phase. Making the rivalry a little bit extra sophisticated, Mazda’s CX-5 has entered a new generation, with up to date styling and a few new bits of package. Does this replace imply that it has the chops to dethrone what we expect is among the finest SUVs in the marketplace, although?

Honda provides a pair extra trim choices

2026 Mazda CX-5	Beginning MSRP	Honda CR-V	Beginning MSRP
S	$29,990	LX	$30,920
S Choose	$31,990	EX	$33,150
S Most popular	$34,250	EX-L	$35,400
S Premium	$36,900	Sport Hybrid	$35,630
S Premium Plus	$38,990	Sport-L Hybrid	$38,725
		TrailSport	$38,800
		Sport Touring Hybrid	$42,550

When it comes to value, the 2 compact SUVs are fairly evenly matched. Should you’re on the lookout for probably the most quantity of options for the cash, then Mazda’s CX-5 does really feel like a barely better option, with extra premium gear on provide throughout the board. Nonetheless, Honda features a good quantity of normal package, and the highest half of the CR-V’s trim lineup is obtainable with an extremely thrifty hybrid powertrain. Mazda is but to supply a hybrid model of the CX-5.

Honda provides fairly a bit extra selection with the CR-V in comparison with the Mazda CX-5. Not solely do they provide a selection of powertrains, however it’s also possible to get a barely extra rugged TrailSport mannequin, designed to deal with off-road excursions. The Mazda takes a extra linear strategy, with an emphasis on inside luxurious and fashionable know-how.

The CR-V is the extra sensible selection, whereas the Mazda feels extra luxurious

Two totally different approaches to the household SUV

Credit score: Mazda

Credit score: Honda

Mazda has, for a while now, aimed to be one of many extra premium mainstream manufacturers in the marketplace. The brand new CX-5 solely leans additional in the direction of this objective. In the meantime, Honda’s CR-V seems to supply a balanced expertise, providing a superb quantity of house and luxury for the value that you just pay. The CR-V has all the time been the extra sensible choice, however the brand new era of the CX-5 has gotten a bit greater, considerably closing the hole between the 2.

Loads of room for the entire household

With the CX-5 getting a little bit greater for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, it’s now capable of compete with the likes of the Honda CR-V when it comes to passenger house, with each SUVs providing fairly related dimensions within the entrance and the again. Honda’s crossover nonetheless takes the cake so far as cargo house is anxious, although, with fairly much more house behind its again seats than you get within the CX-5.

The brand new CX-5 strays from Mazda’s well-established design language in a method that fairly lots of people discover controversial. The cabin has turn out to be extraordinarily minimalist and bodily buttons and controls have been taken away, with all the things now managed by a big central display. This display is 12.9-inches as normal, however a 15.6-inch unit is obtainable on high trims.

When it comes to design, Honda’s crossover is extra clearly mainstream in comparison with the CX-5. Nonetheless, this does not imply that it’s worse. We just like the lengthy honeycomb grille that goes throughout the dashboard, hiding the air vents, and we respect the numerous bodily controls all through the cabin. Whereas the Mazda CX-5 positively wins the tech struggle, additionally coming with barely nicer supplies, we expect that the CR-V incorporates a extra user-friendly cabin.

You get a selection of powertrains with the CR-V, and you do not with the CX-5

Hybrid energy continues to be on the horizon for Mazda

Credit score: Mazda

Credit score: Honda

For now, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 nonetheless solely comes with the identical engine because the outgoing mannequin. Whereas Mazda guarantees {that a} hybrid model is on the best way, it is not obtainable simply but. In the meantime, the Honda CR-V comes outfitted with a selection of powertrains, with larger trims being hybrids and decrease trims that includes a non-hybrid setup.

The CX-5 is gas-only and loses its non-obligatory turbocharged engine

Base Trim Engine

2.5-L Inline 4

Base Trim Transmission

6-speed automated

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

187 hp

Base Trim Torque

185 lb-ft

Make

Mazda

Mannequin

CX-5

Section

Compact SUV

The brand new CX-5 options the identical 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that it did final 12 months, although Mazda says that it has been tuned for sharper responses. All-wheel drive is normal, and also you get a six-speed automated transmission. This setup will get the CX-5 as much as 60 miles per hour in as little as eight seconds. Sadly, Mazda not provides the two.5-liter turbocharged engine within the CX-5.

Whereas the CX-5 is not notably fast or environment friendly, it does excel in a single specific space. Mazda has discovered a great balance between ride and handling, with the driving dynamics of the CX-5 feeling as satisfying as ever. We expect that the experience high quality has gotten a little bit bit higher as nicely.

The CR-V is extra well-rounded

Base Trim Engine

1.5L I4 Turbo

Base Trim Transmission

CVT

Base Trim Drivetrain

Entrance-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

190 HP @6000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

179 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM

Base Trim Gasoline Economic system (metropolis/freeway/mixed)

28/34/30 MPG

Make

Honda

Mannequin

CR-V

Section

Compact SUV

The usual powertrain within the CR-V is a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 190 horsepower. You get a constantly variable transmission and front-wheel drive as normal, although all-wheel drive is non-obligatory throughout the board. A hybrid setup is offered on larger trim ranges, although, with a setup that makes 204 horsepower and will get the crossover as much as 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds.

The CR-V may not be fairly as athletic because the CX-5, nevertheless it does provide sufficient character that it by no means feels boring. It looks like a usually well-balanced and straightforward automobile to reside with. Hybrid fashions additionally provide incredible ranges of effectivity, with probably the most environment friendly fashions managing as much as 40 miles per gallon mixed.

Mazda appears to have forgotten its personal identification, whereas Honda continues delivering consistency

The CX-5 has by no means been fairly as well-liked as a few of its rivals, which is clearly a part of the explanation it has been given such a drastic overhaul. Nonetheless, Mazda has forgotten what made them particular and turned the CX-5 into one thing generic and, sadly, a little bit bit boring. Whereas it’s nonetheless comparatively enjoyable to drive and a little bit extra sensible now, the brand new mannequin feels prefer it has misplaced a little bit little bit of its soul.

The CR-V has all the time been a jack-of-all-trades. It may not blow you away with fancy gimmicks, nevertheless it persistently provides class-leading practicality and efficient and reliable powertrains. Whereas it may not be as luxurious because the CX-5, a minimum of in some methods, it comes with all of the options that you might want, higher effectivity, and a extra spacious inside. In our eyes, that’s what retains it forward of its rivals.