Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-5

The Honda ZR-V starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Honda ZR-V the more affordable entry point by $1,090.

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 $42,790 and $43,989 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda ZR-V by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.

Both the Honda ZR-V and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mazda CX-5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-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 ZR-V stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

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 ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 7mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 339L in the Honda ZR-V and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 183L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.

Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Honda ZR-V) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.