One of the most popular vehicle segments in the world is compact SUVs — and two of the best-selling models for the segment are the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. To help you decide which model is right for you, we created this 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 comparison. See the Japanese vehicles battle it out for compact SUV supremacy.

2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5

For our comparison between the 2022 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Mazda CX-5, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, and price/value. 

CR-V vs. CX-5: Performance, efficiency, and towing

For performance, the Mazda CX-5 provides a higher maximum engine output with its available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which doles out 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. If you don’t want to pay extra for the turbo engine, then you can get the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. 

In comparison, the CR-V offers a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain. The gas engine produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid powertrain generates a total system output of 212 hp.

For efficiency, the CR-V has the advantage. With its gas engine, it gets an estimated fuel economy of 30 combined mpg. With its hybrid powertrain, it has a gas mileage of 38 combined mpg. In comparison, the CX-5 has an estimated fuel efficiency of 28 combined mpg for the base 2.5-liter engine and 24 mpg for the 2.5-liter turbo engine.

On the towing front, neither compact SUV can tow a heavy load, but the CX-5 has the edge. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety scores and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash ratings are not yet available for the 2022 CR-V and 2022 CX-5. However, since both SUVs are primarily carryover models, we can look at the scores and ratings from the 2021 model year. 

For IIHS, the 2021 CX-5 earned the highest possible Top Safety Pick+ score, while the 2021 CR-V achieved only a Top Safety Pick score. For NHTSA, both SUVs earned five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover crash test. Also, the CX-5 has more standard safety and driving assistance features than the CR-V.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Passenger and cargo space

If you place a premium on interior space, then the CR-V is the best choice for you. It has a total passenger volume of 105.9 cu-ft, compared to 103.6 cu-ft for the CX-5. For storage space, the CR-V has a maximum cargo capacity of 75.8 cu-ft, compared to 59.6 cu-ft for the CX-5.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Interior features and technologies

Both SUVs have a surprisingly upscale cabin with premium materials and a sleek look. Interior technologies offered for both models include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the CX-5 has a larger touchscreen, with a standard 10.25-inch version, compared to the standard 5.0-inch and 7.0-inch versions for the CR-V.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Price/value

For pricing, the starting price/cost of the 2022 CR-V ranges from $26,400 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,400 MSRP for the Touring Hybrid trim. While the pricing information is not yet available for the 2022 CX-5, it likely won’t differ much from the 2021 CX-5. Starting prices for the 2021 CX-5 range from $25,370 MSRP for the Sport trim up to $37,505 MSRP for the Signature trim.

2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5: Which compact SUV is better?

Each compact SUV has its set of advantages. For the 2022 Honda CR-V, advantages include efficiency and passenger and cargo space. For the 2022 Mazda CX-5, advantages include performance, towing, safety, and interior technologies.