2023 MAZDA CX-5 VS 2023 HONDA CR-V

THE 2023 COMPACT SUV SHOWDOWN

With proven reliability and performance, the Mazda CX-5 has been Mazda’s staple compact SUV since 2012. However, the Mazda CX-5 is not the only popular compact SUV in the market. Enter the Honda CR-V. First introduced in 1997, the Honda CR-V has also been enjoyed by generations of drivers, with various accolades under its belt. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, these two options are probably at the top of your list. For those still trying to make that final decision, we will go over the differences between the 2023 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Honda CR-V. Read on to discover more.

PERFORMANCE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 comes with standard AWD and two fantastic engine options. The base model enjoys a 2.5-liter inline-4, outputting a healthy 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims sport a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 capable of 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The performance of the engine options can be further enjoyed by the fact that the base engine lasts 24/30 mpg on the road while the turbocharged engine does 22/27 mpg. Impressive, for the performance you’re getting. The 2023 Honda CR-V arrives equipped with standard FWD and with optional AWD for an additional cost. The CR-V has only one engine option, a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is the highlight of the Honda CR-V as it goes 28/34 mpg in FWD and 27/32 in AWD form.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 incorporates various luxury and performance technologies to deliver a dynamic driving experience that’s completely unique to Mazda. If you know, you know. The precisely tuned suspension, premium sound-deadening, and responsive handling provide a driving experience that is not only fun but premium. Don’t forget that the 2023 Mazda CX-5 comes with standard AWD, and paired with the increased ride height, gives drivers a sense of confidence and stability. The CR-V is no slouch either. With quick steering and responsive braking, the CR-V has a sense of sportiness that was seriously lacking in the CR-Vs of yesteryear. With improved suspension and tuning, the CR-V is as sporty as ever, but still can’t keep up with the likes of the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5, or any Mazda for that matter, feels like a driver’s car while the CR-V feels less refined.

INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY

One word defines the interior quality and design of the CR-V: Utilitarian. The interior isn’t bad looking, but it won’t win any awards. However, all the buttons (both touch and physical) are smartly and ergonomically placed, allowing easy access and control. Various leather options are available as well, allowing for further customization. At the end of the day, however, the interior is nothing to write home about. Where the CR-V does shine, is in its interior volume and cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded down, the 2023 Honda CR-V provides a generous 76.5 cubic feet. Overall interior volume comes out to 102.9 cubic feet of interior volume. Regarding safety, the NHTSA has not tested the 2023 Honda CR-V as of yet. However, the CR-V did receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award. For safety and driver assist technology, the CR-V offers Honda Sensing, which comes with:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• ADapptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition System

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 ‘s interior is what you’d expect from Mazda – quality. Leather upholstery, along with optional layered wood trimming and Cattura Brownbn Nappa Leather can be fitted into the CX-5, giving the CX-5 a sophisticated and luxurious feel. The interior also feels welcoming as if you’re not simply stepping into a car, but an actual living space. Regarding cargo space, the CX-5 offers 58.1 cubic feet and 134.4 cubic feet of EPA interior volume. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 was awarded a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award. To back up these accolades, the Mazda provides i-Activsense, Mazda’s suite of technology and driver assist features. i-Activesense offers:

• Bling Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Radar Cruise Control
• Adaptive Front Lighting System
• Smart Braking System
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist
• Driver Attention Alert
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support
• Day and Night Pedestrian Detection
• Traffic Jam Assist
• and much more.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

First things first, yes the CR-V does have a slightly larger cargo space, and yes the CR-V does have a better fuel economy. To counter, the Mazda CX-5 offers more overall interior volume, standard AWD, a more dynamic driving experience, and a premium interior. Not to mention that the 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at $26,700 while the 2023 Honda CR-V starts higher at $28,410. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference; does sacrificing performance, interior space, and quality for a little bit more cargo space and fuel economy sound worth it to you? Then go for the 2023 Honda CR-V. If cargo space and fuel economy don’t matter as much, the more dynamic and luxury 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a no-brainer. We have plenty of 2023 Mazda CX-5 in stock at Safford Mazda Chantilly! Come in and take a test drive today.