Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Honda CR-V starts from $40,850 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $860.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $44,935 and $43,989 respectively.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda CX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Honda CR-V. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Honda CR-V and 90% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda CR-V, against 5 on the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Honda CR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda CR-V stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Honda CR-V gets leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-5 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 132kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda CR-V measures 4,704mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 14mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,690mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 589L in the Honda CR-V and 466L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Honda CR-V a 123L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Honda CR-V and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Honda CR-V) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda CR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Honda CR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda CR-V by $860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda CR-V uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda CR-V has the largest boot at 589L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda CR-V makes the most power at 140kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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