2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V stand out as top picks in the crowded compact SUV market. Both offer hybrid options that deliver great gas mileage without compromising on the everyday practicality that SUV buyers want. With Mazda bringing its fun-to-drive DNA to the CX-50 and Honda offering its time-tested dependability in the CR-V, picking between these two popular rides requires a closer look at their respective strengths.

Performance and Handling

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.5-liter turbo variant generates 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds — slightly faster than the Honda CR-V, which achieves this in 8.1 seconds. The CX-50 can tow 1,500 pounds, which is perfect for hauling a boat or a camper, while the CR-V’s limit is 1,000 pounds. The CX-50’s automatic transmission allows for smoother shifts than the Honda’s continuously variable transmission.

Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive, although this is standard on the Mazda and optional on the Honda. You’ll appreciate the Mazda’s standard all-wheel drive during Oregon’s snowy weather. Both vehicles also feel different on the road. Although the CX-50 features sportier handling with more responsive steering, it generates slightly more noise than the Honda, which offers a quieter and more relaxing ride.

Fuel Efficiency

In front-wheel drive, the hybrid models of the Honda CR-V provide 43 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive decreases these numbers to 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Mazda CX-50 is only available in all-wheel drive. The hybrid versions of this SUV achieve 39 mpg in the city, which is just below the Honda’s rating, but they beat the CR-V in highway driving, getting 37 mpg.

The numbers tell a similar story when comparing traditional gas-powered models. The Honda CR-V gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway in all-wheel-drive configurations, while the Mazda CX-50 gets 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The CR-V provides 41.3 inches of front legroom compared to the CX-50’s 41.7 inches, while rear passengers get 41 inches vs. the Mazda’s 39.8 inches. The CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-50’s interior features leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces throughout, while Honda focuses on clever storage options and maximizing cabin space.

Honda offers a 9-inch touch screen and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Mazda offers a bigger 10.3-inch screen but uses a control knob instead of a touch interface. Both vehicles support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it can be harder to see your apps and navigation system on a smaller screen. This edges out Honda as the CX-50 has the larger screen.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

In terms of safety and driver-assistance features, Mazda takes the lead with its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ accolade for the CX-50, while the CR-V has earned the standard Top Safety Pick. Both SUVs have received five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and offer essential safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Mazda’s higher safety ratings show its serious commitment to passenger protection, while Honda’s longstanding reputation for safety continues to impress.

Pricing and Value

These SUVs are priced closely. Honda’s CR-V is priced between $30,100 and $41,100, while the Mazda CX-50 starts at $30,500 for the entry-level trim and increases to $43,500 for the top-of-the-range variant.

If you want a more exciting driving experience and more features, the Mazda CX-50 is a great choice. It gets better gas mileage on the interstate and handles better, making it great for those long trips that rack up the miles.

Shop New Mazda Vehicles in Eugene

Come see the CX-50 in person at Kiefer Mazda or look through our full selection of new Mazda vehicles or used Hondas. Our helpful staff will show you around and explain the many features, assist you in looking over your auto financing options, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up a test drive so you can see if the new Mazda CX-50 is right for you.

New Mazda CX-50 for Sale

Image courtesy of Mazda USA