 Mazda CX-5 |
VS |  Honda CR-V |
Welcome to the 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs 2013 Honda CR-V comparison. The newest CRV has been on sale for about 6 months in the US and has finally reached the rest of the world (November 2012). The delay hopefully allows any initial quality or production problems to be sorted out before we get our version. At the time of this posting the CX-5 has been around for 6 months in the country and one of the best selling SUVs only because the competition is rather dated.
A few things are clear to us, the Honda CRV has greater showroom appeal than the CX-5. Overall the Honda looks better and the more expensive car on the outside. We automatically prefer the CRV styling compared to the initial awkwardness and literal flat front end of the Mazda CX-5 which we haven’t grown to like after 6 months.
Likewise the interior styling of the CRV may look complicated at first but overall it looks more expensive thanks to hi-tech focus, which what the age group want. We like lots of buttons and lights – but not too many and but enough to satisfy in that regard but again the Honda has more impressive dash and instrument lighting. We also like information and touch screens with certain functions but within reason. Admittedly the overall one pice dash on the CX-5 does impart a more upmarket feel, the Honda paneled dashboard and hard plastic door trims just don’t provide the feel of quality.
Just to explain – we like buttons because they feel good to press and they do not move, hide or change function without warning. You do not need to look where you’re pressing because you are 99% sure that the button will be there and what is going to happen when you press it. Press the same spot on the touch screen or some sort of dial or joystick the same way and 99% you won’t know what its doing with looking and oh deer – literally you may have one on your windscreen or wake up in hospital if you’re lucky.
Apart from these factors there the choice of engines also point to a win for the Honda. The CRVs modern petrol 4 cylinders are the best there are in terms of reliability. The CRV may not have the theoretical fuel saving as the CX-5 but then they currently have less problems and noise currently being experienced by owners petrol and diesel CX-5. Mind you this might change with the updated 2.5 litre petrol engine in released.
Overall it is strange that Honda was once regarded as the BMW of the Japanese manufacturers but has been over taken by Mazda in terms of brand image but at the same time Honda has now become more traditional Toyota. Neither are sports cars or drive like one so don’t be fooled any marketing. The CR-V also has a more practical interior that just feels like ‘home’ which is why we’d choose it ahead of the CX-5.
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| Mazda CX-5 (KE Series) | Honda CR-V |
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| Engines | |
| SKYACTIV-G IL4 cylinder Petrol DOHC with VVTi Direct Injection EFI 2.0 Litre (1977cc) Claimed 114kW @ 6000rpm Claimed 200Nm @ 4000rpm SKYACTIV-D |
4 Cylinder (R20A5) 4 Cylinder (K2579) 4 cylinder (D4HA) |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight 1475 -1685 Kg Towing capacity up to 1800 Kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1460 Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 56 litres – Diesel or Unleaded 91 Octane SKYACTIV-G Petrol 6.4 litres per 100km (Claimed) SKYACTIV-D Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Claimed) |
Up to 58 litres |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 Speed Auto or 6 speed manual transmission Overall height/width 1710/1840 Overall length/wheelbase 4540/2700 Tyre size: 225-65-17 or 225-55-19 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
6 speed manual or 5 speed Auto |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxx mm 4WD system: FWD or AWD only |
Angle of: (degrees) |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $27,990 – 46,220 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, on road costs and specials, accessories and up to date specifications etc… |
2012 $27,490 – 42,290 AUD |
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