Honda CR-V vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Honda CR-V
From $41,800
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
140kW
7.1 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
589L
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
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Price Breakdown
The Honda CR-V starts from $41,800 before on-road costs, while the Mazda MX-5 opens at $41,520. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $280.
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 $45,980 and $45,672 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Honda CR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mazda MX-5 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda CR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Honda CR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda MX-5 offers black cloth with synthetic suede. Climate control is 2-zone in the Honda CR-V and 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5.
Drivetrain
The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) making 135kW and 205Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 135kW. 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 2,701mm wheelbase, 789mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 589L in the Honda CR-V and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Honda CR-V a 459L advantage. The Honda CR-V seats 5 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m 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 9.4m 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 $2,024/year for the Honda CR-V and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-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 MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Honda CR-V and Mazda MX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. 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 MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda CR-V by $280.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Honda CR-V holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda MX-5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda CR-V has the largest boot at 589L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda CR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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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