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.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$39,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$34,300est. RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only). Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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
The Mazda CX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Honda ZR-V. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Mazda CX-5 and 79% for the Honda ZR-V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda ZR-V, against 5 on the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Mazda CX-5
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000898 · published 19 Mar 2020The daytime running lights (DRL) may flicker or fail to illuminate while driving.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- REC-000894 · published 10 Oct 2019The affected vehicles may accumulate carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve, in addition to premature wear of certain engine components.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2018
- 2 more on the model page.
Honda ZR-V
- REC-006727 · published 23 Sep 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the left-side seatback frame edge on the driver and passenger seats may not meet the minimum radius requirements of the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 3/04 - Seats and Seat Anchorages.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-006151 · published 7 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the high-pressure fuel pump solenoid valve may develop cracks.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006150 · published 7 Nov 2024The worm wheel grease may be displaced over time.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-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 — features our data doesn't list for 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.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 131kW. 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 466L in the Mazda CX-5 and 380L in the Honda ZR-V, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 86L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1594L 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
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 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.
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 lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Honda ZR-V: Level on the CarSorted Score at 75, ahead on the category wins
The Honda ZR-V comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 75), taking 1 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 7), fuel economy (Honda ZR-V ahead by 4), value (Honda ZR-V ahead by 3). 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
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?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 466L with the seats up (1,594L with the seats folded).
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.
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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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