Mazda MX-5 vs Honda CR-V

The Mazda MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the Honda CR-V opens at $41,800. 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 $45,672 and $45,980 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Mazda MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda CR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda MX-5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mazda MX-5 gets black cloth with synthetic suede upholstery while the Honda CR-V offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5 and 2-zone in the Honda CR-V.

The Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) producing 135kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.

The Honda CR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 240Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.

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.

The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 789mm shorter than the Honda CR-V at 4,704mm (2,701mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 589L in the Honda CR-V, giving the Honda CR-V a 459L advantage. The Honda CR-V seats 5 vs 2.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $2,024/year for the Honda CR-V. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.

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