Henderson Mazda Shoppers Take A Look At This
2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2019 Honda CR-V Comparison

In a segment of capable, yet uninspiring compact crossovers, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is a clear standout. The CX-5 seats five and looks as great as it drives. The CX-5 comes with advanced safety equipment and is known for its high build quality and dependability. According to the Mazda dealership near Henderson, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is practically in a class of its own when it comes to driving dynamics. There simply isn’t another compact crossover that can deliver the handling and the sheer joy of driving provided by the Mazda CX-5.

There are a number of compact crossovers in today’s market, but many Henderson Mazda shoppers compare the 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the 2019 Honda CR-V. We’ll examine both models and discover which one wins our side-by-side comparison.

Cost

Both the CX-5 and the CR-V have a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $24,350. However, the MSRP doesn’t tell the whole story. The Mazda CX-5 costs less in the long run than the Honda CR-V. According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, CX-5 owners will pay less for insurance than CR-V owners, as the CX-5 is rated by insurance companies with the lowest score of 1, while the CR-V is rated at 10. Additionally, The Car Book relates that the CX-5 costs less to operate than the CR-V because the CR-V carries a higher repair cost than the CX-5.

Engine

The base engine under the hood of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Honda CR-V has a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque, teamed to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). As you can see, the CX-5’s base powerplant is a bit more powerful. What’s more, most driving enthusiasts would choose an automatic transmission over a CVT.

Handling

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 comes with engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, which makes it easier to park, delivers more control when driving at highway speeds and while cornering, and provides better road feel. The 2019 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering. The CX-5 has a turning circle that’s 1.4-feet smaller than the CR-V, which makes the CX-5 more maneuverable. The CX-5 also has a larger wheelbase, which delivers more stable handling and a smoother ride.

Reliability

According to Consumer Reports, Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Hondas. The consumer organization rated Mazda third for reliability, while Honda was rated 15th.

Safety

While both crossovers received the highest rating of five stars in overall crash testing from the NHTSA, the CX-5 comes with more standard driver-assist safety features than the CR-V, including blind-spot monitoring and low-speed emergency braking. Buyers looking for these features in the CR-V will have to step up to one of the more expensive trim levels.

Our Conclusion

The 2019 Honda CR-V is an excellent vehicle that’s very popular, but it’s eclipsed by the 2019 Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 costs less to own, has a more powerful base engine, delivers better driving dynamics, is more reliable and has more standard safety features than the CR-V.