Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
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.
Price Breakdown
The Honda CR-V starts from $39,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Honda CR-V the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $43,890 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Honda CR-V and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-5 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Honda CR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 11 in the Honda CR-V and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Honda CR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 CR-V stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 252Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Honda CR-V is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda CR-V measures 4,704mm long on a 2,701mm wheelbase, 129mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 561L in the Honda CR-V and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Honda CR-V a 123L advantage.
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.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,910/year for the Honda CR-V and $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Honda CR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Honda CR-V) vs $2,081 (Mazda CX-5). The Honda CR-V saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda CR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda CR-V takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda CR-V will save you roughly $171 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, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5?
The Honda CR-V is the cheapest at $39,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda CR-V uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 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 Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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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