Mazda CX-5 vs Honda ZR-V
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 Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Honda ZR-V opens at $34,300. That makes the Honda ZR-V the more affordable entry point by $5,690.
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 $43,989 and $37,730 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 Mazda CX-5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Honda ZR-V gets a 9-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Honda ZR-V. The Honda ZR-V counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 132kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V responds with a Petrol making 131kW and 240Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 131kW. 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.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 122mm longer than the Honda ZR-V at 4,568mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 380L in the Honda ZR-V, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 58L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1340L vs 1302L.
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.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $1,995/year for the Honda ZR-V. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,995 (Honda ZR-V). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda ZR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and Honda ZR-V trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Honda ZR-V will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 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, Mazda CX-5 and Honda ZR-V?
The Honda ZR-V is the cheapest at $34,300 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $5,690.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda ZR-V uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda ZR-V all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 438L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 132kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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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