Comparison
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V
The two best-selling compact SUVs on Washington Rd, side by side.
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $31,990 | $30,920 |
| Base trim | 2.5 S Select AWD | LX 2WD |
| Power | 187 hp, 2.5L 4-cyl | 190 hp, 1.5L turbo 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | FWD (AWD extra cost) |
| EPA mpg (city / hwy / combined) | 24 / 30 / 26 | 28 / 33 / 30 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo (behind rows / max) | 34 / 67 cu ft | 39 / 77 cu ft |
Source: Cars.com research specs (base trims shown, MSRP before destination), checked October 2026. Prices exclude tax, tag and fees and change often; Kirk confirms current pricing in writing.
Who should buy which
The short answer
You want all-wheel drive on every trim, a cabin that feels a class up, and steering that's actually fun on Columbia Rd.
Cargo space and fuel economy are your top two priorities and you don't need AWD.
Kirk's take
“The CR-V wins on cargo and mpg, and I'll tell you that straight. But compare them the way you'll actually buy: a CR-V with AWD costs more than the base price above, and every CX-5 already has it. Drive them back to back on the same afternoon. Most people know which one they want before they're back on Washington Rd.”
Kirk Epps, General Manager, Gerald Jones Mazda
Common questions
Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Yes. Every 2026 CX-5 trim listed by Cars.com is all-wheel drive. The base CR-V LX is front-wheel drive, with AWD available for extra cost.
Which gets better gas mileage, the CX-5 or the CR-V?
The base 2026 CR-V is rated 30 mpg combined versus 26 mpg combined for the CX-5. A CR-V Hybrid is also available if mileage is the priority.
Which has more cargo space?
The CR-V: 39 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77 maximum, versus 34 and 67 for the CX-5.
Sources & resources
Check it yourself
Every number above comes from these. Safety ratings and recalls change, so look up the exact model year you're considering.
- Mazda CX-5 official sitemazdausa.com
- Honda CR-V official siteautomobiles.honda.com
- 2026 Mazda CX-5 full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- 2026 Honda CR-V full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- EPA fuel economy, compare both side by sidefueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
- IIHS crash test ratingsiihs.org
- NHTSA recall lookup by VINnhtsa.gov
Photos are real-world examples from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each image, and may show a different model year or trim than the table. Brand names belong to their owners; kirkepps.com isn't affiliated with Honda, Toyota or Lexus.
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