Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5

2016 Honda CR-V

2016 Mazda CX-5

The 2016 Honda CR-V offers a stunningly sophisticated engine as standard across all models, so you’ll never feel forced to spend extra for the kind of performance and fuel economy that you deserve. The 2.4L four-cylinder is good for up to 185 hp, and you’ll make an impressive 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway* with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and FWD.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 disappoints right out of the gate by equipping entry-level models with a substandard engine. The base-level 2.0L four-cylinder is good for just 155 hp — that’s an incredibly low output for a vehicle this size, and it shows when you hit the gas.

Of course, you could spend more to receive the CX-5’s 184-hp engine, but why bother when the 2016 Honda CR-V offers more power as standard along with such exceptional efficiency?

The 2016 Honda CR-V boasts one of the most well-organized cabins in the crossover class. The doors have been made wider to allow for easy ingress and egress, the rear seat has been made to accommodate larger adults with ease, and the protruding transmission tunnel that would usually make the middle rear seat uncomfortable has been removed.

Combine those factors with Honda’s clean, intuitive styling, and you have an interior that is miles ahead of what you’ll find in the 2016 Mazda CX-5. You’ll also have a lot more space for your cargo, whether you have all seats occupied or the rear seats folded.

Here’s how the two stack up against each other:

• Standard Cargo Space: Even with all seats occupied, there’s still 37.2 cubic feet in the CR-V vs. just 34.1 in the CX-5.
• Extended Cargo Space: Fold the rear seats to expand your cargo area to a sprawling 70.9 cubic feet in the CR-V vs. just 64.8 in the CX-5.

Honda is known for being on the cutting edge when it comes to onboard features, and the 2016 Honda CR-V is certainly no exception to that rule. As with the engine, you won’t be faced with the prospect of paying more for the features you deserve.

The following are just a few of the comfort and convenience features that you’ll find standard with the CR-V but not with the CX-5.

• Rearview Camera: The CX-5 doesn’t even offer a rearview camera as standard; the CR-V is fitted with a multi-angle model with guidelines.

• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control: This innovative feature will raise and lower the volume of your sound system to account for engine noise while revving.

• SMS Text Messaging Function: Want to stay in touch while keeping your focus on the road? Your CR-V can assist you by reading incoming messages aloud.

Both the 2016 Honda CR-V and the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are available with a diverse array of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including:

• Lane Departure Warning System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Collision Mitigation Braking System

However, while the CR-V provides those features as standard with upper-level models, the CX-5 will always charge you extra. Additionally, the 2016 Honda CR-V 5-Star Safety Rating** from the NHTSA during crash tests, but the 2016 Mazda CX-5 achieved only a 4-star ranking. That means that the CR-V will be better able to protect you and your family in the unlikely event of a collision occurring.