Honda CR-V Vs Mazda CX-5 Comparison

Honda CR-V
VS

Mazda CX-5

This is the new 2018 Honda CR-V Vs 2018 Mazda CX-5 comparison. Both are brand new models for 2017 and often labeled as 2018 models hence the description, both are direct competitors in size, market positioning, pricing, marketing and anything else you can imagine. It’s a great time for those who are shopping for a formerly small but now medium sized SUV.

Honda CR-V Vs Mazda CX-5 exterior: Simply put both Honda and Mazda are evolutionary steps from their prior models. Both have also taken a more upmarket approach to their designs but Honda has taken a great step by changing the rear light treatment and front end. The CR-V where recognized has always had vertical rear lights but no more, likewise the design is more ‘aggressive’. The CX-5 design simply follows the current Mazda design language which modern and looks good as well. Both are pretty much the same size, the main difference is due to the CR-V having longer bumpers. In the end both look good but the Honda looks more up market so wins this part of the comparison.

Honda CR-V Vs Mazda CX-5 interior: In isolation the CR-V interior is a great place to be. It has higher  quality materials, modern design lots of space and good equipment levels. However when compared to the CX-5 the Honda interior does not have the same level of materials. The CR-V has cheaper looking plastic silver highlights but the CX-5 has higher quality metal like highlights.  TheCX-5 just looks and feels like a more upmarket place to be in especially the top range models. That said base to mid range models are pretty much equal. The Honda CR-V’s Apple and Android compatible stereo system means a more desirable environment likewise best in class interior flexibility. Upmarket interior vs interior flexibility we can’t decide yet.

Honda CR-V Vs Mazda CX-5 engine and technology: The key difference between the two is the the engines and transmission. The CR-V has the trendy small turbo engine and CVT which will be a turn off for many buyers. The Mazda CX-5 has arguably the best non-turbo fuel efficient engines in the world literally and a regular 6 speed transmission.  Mazda definitely has the engine tech lead to the fallen tech supreme Honda.  The lack of Apple and Android auto direct connection in the CX-5 is a problem likewise it’s Bose branded system loud but not the higher quality expected from such as system. The digital instrument panel in the CR-V looks impressive while the CX-5 has a classy looking but conventional instrument cluster.

Honda CR-V Vs Mazda CX-5 drive report : N/A

The conclusion and winner to the new Honda CR-V Vs Mazda CX-5 comparison is difficult to determine due to what your purchase priorities are. The more we look at the CR-V the more we release how evolved it is as a family car as it’s interior flexibility is so handy for a car this size. Alternately the CX-5 is great choice if there are no young children involved, it’s interior look and feel is better than the CR-V but not as flexible. If optioned with the larger petrol engine the CX-5 will probably be the better drive if that is what you are after and that is probably why it sells so well. The biggest flaw of CR-V is the basic level of safety system in all models except of the top range version. The CR-V has a higher starting price due to the standard but CVT automatic transmission across the range. I guess we’d buy a mid-range CX-5 or higher but would only consider the top range CR-V due to the equipment levels.

2018 Honda CR-V 2018 Mazda CX-5
Engines
IL4 Cylinder – Petrol
DOHC DI IC Turbo
1.5 Litre (1498cc)
Claimed 140Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 2000RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC EFI VVT
2.0 Litre (1996cc)
Claimed 114Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 200Nm or 320Nm @ 4000RPM
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
DOHC Engine EFI
Claimed 138Kw @ 5700RPM
Claimed 250Nm @ 4000RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Twin Turbo Diesel
DI CR EFI
2.0 Litre (2191cc)
Claimed 129Kw @ 4500RPM
Claimed 420Nm @ 2000RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1536Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500Kg
FROM 1511 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1800kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
57 litres
1.5 Turbo Petrol: 7.3 litres per 100km
Up to 58 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 6.9 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.5 Petrol 7.5 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.2 Diesel 6 Lts per 100km AVG
Other specifications
CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1679/1855
Overall length/wheelbase 4596/2660
Drive system: FWD or On Demand AWD
NCAP safety rating 5/5
6 speed manual or DSG 7 speeds
Overall height/width 1675/1840
Overall length/wheelbase 4550/2700
4WD system: FWD or On Demand AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees) xx
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance xxx
Water Fording depth xxxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2017  $30,690 – $44,290 AUD 2017 $28,690 – 49,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…