The 2025 Honda CR-V is an impressive compact SUV featuring a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and dependable performance. The 2025 Mazda CX-50, a rising competitor, is putting up a strong challenge against the CR-V.
If you’re weighing your options between the two, this Honda vs Mazda comparison will be useful.
The CR-V offers two rows of comfortable and supportive seats. The front seats are roomy, but the rear seats are best for children. This Honda offers a practical interior without too many frills.
By contrast, the CX-50’s interior is much more upscale than its price would indicate. Mazda has focused on putting high-quality materials and soft-touch items in place to give a more luxurious feel.
As far as cargo room is concerned, the CR-V trumps the CX-50 by a long shot. With all seats folded down, it boasts an impressive 76.5 cubic feet of space. This makes the CR-V perfect for those who need to transport bigger items on a regular basis. The CX-50, in comparison, has a maximum cargo area of only 56.3 cubic feet.
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2025 Honda CR-V |
2025 Mazda CX-50 |
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Max Seating: 5 Max Cargo Capacity: 76.5 Cubic Feet Upholstery Options: Cloth (standard), Leather (optional) |
Max Seating: 5 Max Cargo Capacity: 56.3 Cubic Feet Upholstery Options: Synthetic Leather (standard), Genuine Leather (optional) |
While the CR-V is not built for high-performance driving, it is still a pleasure to drive. It handles turns with minimal body roll and exhibits good control thanks to its light steering. The suspension provides a smooth journey over different roads. The CR-V’s lone powertrain offering, a 190-hp engine, is more than adequate for everyday commutes and highway passing.
The CX-50 separates itself from run-of-the-mill crossovers through its nimble handling and minimal body roll. It is stable even with a stiff suspension, handling moderate off-road use quite well. Maneuverability at low speeds can take some extra effort, but handling on curves and winding roads is excellent. Those interested in better performance will find the turbocharged model more engaging, though the base engine delivers sufficient power for acceleration and passing.
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2025 Honda CR-V |
2025 Mazda CX-50 |
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Base Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 190 Torque: 179 lb-ft Transmission: CVT |
Base Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 187 Torque: 186 lb-ft Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
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Available Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 256 Torque: 320 lb-ft Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
The CR-V infotainment system is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive design, large panels, and responsive touchscreen. Touch-sensitive buttons and knobs allow easy menu navigation. Performing simple tasks such as adjusting the volume and climate control functions is also hassle-free.
The CX-50, on the other hand, works primarily through a knob and buttons that are housed in the center console, which might be uncomfortable for some.
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2025 Honda CR-V Top 5 Technology Features |
2025 Mazda CX-50 Top 5 Technology Features |
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Infotainment System Options: 7-inch Touchscreen (LX, EX), 9-inch Touchscreen (EX-L) Audio System Options: 4-Speaker Stereo System (LX), 6-Speaker Stereo System (EX), 8-Speaker Stereo System (EX-L)
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Infotainment System Options: 10.25-inch Touchscreen Audio System Options: 8-Speaker Sound System (S Select, S Preferred, S Premium, S Premium Plus, Turbo Meridian Edition), 12-Speaker Bose® Stereo System (Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus)
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The CR-V earned a perfect safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is designated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This Honda also comes with a long list of standard driver aids. These include adaptive cruise control, which assists in keeping a safe distance behind other cars.
The CX-50 has also received high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Its lineup of outstanding standard safety features includes blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warnings, both of which help drivers avoid accidents caused by sudden lane changes.
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2025 Honda CR-V Safety Features |
2025 Mazda CX-50 Safety Features |
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This 2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50 comparison tells us that both the CR-V and CX-50 are outstanding options for people looking for compact SUVs in 2025. Yet they appeal to different drivers.
If you want a larger interior space, plenty of storage, and a smooth drive, the CR-V is your best option. But if you prefer a more engaging driving experience with a sporty twist, the CX-50 may be the one for you.
For its overall value, class-leading cargo space, and consistent performance, though, the 2025 CR-V has the edge. If you feel that the 2025 Honda CR-V is the compact SUV for you, take it for a spin today. If you’re in Bedford Hills, NY, visit us at Mt. Kisco Honda.
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Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.
