Would you like to get behind the wheel of a high-quality compact crossover SUV? How about the Honda CR-V? Or perhaps you’d like to drive the Mazda CX-5? To help you understand the differences between the two crossover SUVs, we created this 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 comparison. With its abundance of advantages, the CR-V beats the CX-5.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5

In this 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Honda CR-V offers two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) and a hybrid (204 horsepower). Likewise, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has two engine choices, but not a hybrid: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (256 horsepower). 

For efficiency, the CR-V has the advantage. While the estimated fuel economy figures are not yet available for the 2023 CR-V, they are expected either to be equal to or higher than for the 2022 CR-V. The fully gas-powered 2022 CR-V has an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, and the 2022 CR-V Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 38 combined mpg. In comparison, the CX-5 has an estimated gas mileage of up 26 combined mpg.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Towing

The CX-5 has the advantage for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Off-road capabilities

For off-road capabilities, the CR-V is a slightly better option. While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the CR-V has higher ground clearance than the CX-5 for driving over rough terrain (up to 8.2 vs. 7.5 inches).

CR-V vs. CX-5: Safety

Both the CR-V and CX-5 offer a solid roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor, brake assist, electronic stability control, and a backup camera.

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

The 2023 CR-V is slightly bigger than the 2022 CX-5, which results in more interior space. It has 41.3/41.0 inches of front/rear legroom, compared to 41.0/39.6 inches for the CX-5. Also, the CR-V has considerably more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 58.1 cu-ft for the CX-5.

CR-V vs. CX-5: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the CR-V and CX-5 have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the CX-5, the CR-V has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 24,000 miles of coverage. 

CR-V vs. CX-5: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 CX-5? The starting price of the 2023 CX-5 ranges from $26,700 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $39,650 MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim.

For the CR-V, the price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year. However, the 2023 CR-V will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 CR-V. The starting price of the 2022 CR-V ranges from $26,800 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,800 MSRP for the CR-V Hybrid Touring trim.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 CR-V has more advantages than the 2023 CX-5. This includes advantages for base engine horsepower, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, the 2023 CX-5 has advantages for maximum horsepower and towing.