2021 MAZDA CX-5 vs. 2021 Honda CR-V

Though the Honda CR-V offers slightly more power than the Mazda CX-5 to start, the Mazda CX-5 offers more torque and tows far more than the Honda CR-V could ever hope to. Here’s more information about the performance and efficiency specs of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V:

• Compare Towing Capacity: The Mazda CX-5 boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. The Honda CR-V musters up just 1,500 pounds. 
• Compare Engines: The Mazda CX-5 boasts a standard 187-hp SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine rated at 186 lb-ft of torque. The Honda CR-V is equipped with a 190-hp 1.5L inline-4 rated at 179 lb-ft of torque. 
• Compare Fuel Economy: The CR-V earns up to an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway. The Mazda CX-5 earns up to an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway*. 

Honda Sensing is now standard on base CR-V SUVs. But, you’ll still need to upgrade in order to gain access to other active safety technologies like blind spot monitoring (a feature that, for the record, comes standard on the base Mazda CX-5). What’s more, despite its lower MSRP, the  Mazda CX-5 still comes with these handy features for Farmington drivers like you:

• Smart City Brake Support works at speeds as low as 2 mph and as high as 18 mph. It warns you when you’re approaching a vehicle too quickly. 
• Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring tells you when another car enters your blind zone. 
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert alerts you of cars approaching your vehicle from the side as you’re backing up.

Though the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 have been well-received by reviewers, Edmunds, a popular reviewing publication has been raving about the Mazda CX-5 saying that its “keen handling and steering make the CX-5 enjoyable to drive” and its “attractive and upscale cabin [make] for a premium ownership experience”.

Reviews of the Honda CR-V are favorable, as well. Edmunds likes the Honda SUV’s “quick acceleration plus thrifty fuel economy.” However, they also say “The CR-V does not want for competition, but only a few rivals pose a serious threat. The Mazda CX-5 is ranked just as highly. And while its rear seats and cargo area are less commodious than the CR-V’s, the Mazda impresses with a stylish exterior, thrilling driving dynamics and a seriously powerful turbocharged engine.”