Mazda MX-5 vs Honda CR-V
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the Honda CR-V opens at $37,000. That makes the Honda CR-V the more affordable entry point by $4,520.
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 $40,700 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 MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda CR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Honda CR-V counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda MX-5 gets cloth upholstery while the Honda CR-V offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5 and 2-zone in the Honda CR-V.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 lines up producing 97kW and 152Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
The Honda CR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 240Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 97kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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 561L in the Honda CR-V, giving the Honda CR-V a 431L 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 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $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.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Mazda MX-5) vs $2,024 (Honda CR-V). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda CR-V takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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, Mazda MX-5 and Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V is the cheapest at $37,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $4,520.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda CR-V all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda CR-V has the largest boot at 561L.
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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