2026 Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5: A Friendly Rivalry Renewed

If you’ve flipped through any car magazine in the last decade, you’ve probably seen the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 on a 10Best list. Nine of the last ten years, one of them made the cut. So when Mazda gave the CX-5 a full redesign for 2026, we figured it was time to line up the two perennial favorites for a fresh comparison.

Our testers squared off a 2026 Honda CR-V EX-L, priced at $38,805 as tested, against a 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus at $41,080.

The cabins tell two very different stories. Honda keeps it simple: physical dials for climate, easy-to-reach buttons, and a 9-inch touchscreen that doesn’t overwhelm. The CR-V feels spacious, 39 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, 77 with them folded, and the rear seat is slightly roomier than the Mazda’s despite a shorter wheelbase.

6-inch screen handling everything from volume to vehicle settings. The CX-5’s leather-wrapped seats and steering wheel feel more premium, but the cabin sacrifices some of that old upscale vibe. Cargo space trails at 34 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 67 folded.

3 seconds, though the CX-5 noses ahead in the quarter-mile by a tenth. 5-liter (187 hp) at 24/30. The Mazda’s six-speed automatic feels more responsive in passing, but the CR-V’s CVT is surprisingly refined. Ride quality favors the Mazda, quieter at a 70-mph cruise (23 sones vs.

26) and softer over bumps, while the Honda feels sportier through turns. In the end, the CR-V wins on practicality, price, and a simpler interior. The CX-5 remains a stylish, enjoyable contender, but the Honda takes the crown for everyday use.