Staunton drivers know good value, which is why Honda remains a favorite among drivers here. Still, it's always smart to shop around before making a big purchase, and one big question we get is how the 2017 Honda CR-V stacks up to the 2017 Mazda CX-5. Â
Virginians who go camping or have families might first consider that the CR-V has 16 cubic feet more of cargo space, but that's not the only difference between these two popular SUVs. Read on for our full review:
Safety
Honda CR-V
The 2017 CR-V followed in the footsteps of its predecessors by earning top safety ratings from both major organizations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, earning perfect scores across all tests. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a best possible 5-Star Overall Rating.
The 2017 CR-V comes standard with LED daytime running lights, hill start assist, and a multi-angle rearview camera with gridlines. Additionally, it's available with Honda Sensing, a suite of technologies that includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information System, and Cross-Traffic Monitor.
Mazda CX-5
The 2017 CX-5 has not been evaluated by the NHSTA. However, the IIHS did name it a Top Safety Pick+. Similar to the CR-V, it earned top scores in all crash tests, but the lack of evaluation from the federal organization may give some buyers a pause.
The CX-5 is available with a Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, High Beam Control, radar-based cruise control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Front Lighting, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Engine and Fuel Economy
Honda CR-V
The 2017 CR-V has two options for powertrain, depending on whether you choose the LX, EX, EX-L, or Touring. The LX model has a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that makes 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while other models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that churns out 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission with Sport mode for optimal responsiveness.
According to EPA estimates, the LX front-wheel drive model gets 26 MPG city and 32 MPG highway, while the all-wheel drive gets 25 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. The turbocharged FWD model gets 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, while AWD models get 27 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has three trims (Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring) but just one engine option: a 2.5-liter inline-4 tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission, making 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive models get an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, while all-wheel drive models get 23 MPG city and 29 MPG highway.
Pricing
Honda CR-V
Starting at $24,045 MSRP
Mazda CX-5
Starting at $24,045 MSRP
