If there’s one vehicle that appeals to an incredibly wide swath of buyers, it’s the compact SUV. These vehicles tout practicality, efficiency, comfort, and good manners. Plus, they are large enough to carry five passengers and gear without being overly cumbersome to drive. Two of the most appealing models are the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V.
The Honda CR-V is a familiar name, as it helped create the small SUV segment nearly three decades ago. The Mazda CX-50, meanwhile, is a fresher face. Let’s see how these two compare.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is a newer entry in the compact SUV class, joining Mazda’s lineup just two years ago. Similar in size and name to the veteran Mazda CX-5, the CX-50 is tougher-looking and more off-road-oriented. The CX-50 distinguishes itself with robust and scratch-resistant fender flares, high-strength roof rails, and enhanced ground clearance. Pricing begins at $31,720, including destination fee.
Like all current Mazda SUVs, the CX-50 comes standard with traction-enhancing all-wheel drive (AWD). Furthering the CX-50’s adventurous spirit, this model has a dedicated off-road mode that optimizes the powertrain when the asphalt ends. Still, across its eight trims, the CX-50 retains what we call – and fans know of – as “Mazda-ness.” That is to say, it’s also highly engaging to drive on the road. In another modern Mazda trait, the CX-50 boasts an interior and exterior design that is a cut above the mainstream. Joining the lineup this year is the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which we review separately.
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Turbo engine: This optional engine really invigorates the CX-50 with up to 256 horsepower and a seriously stout 320 lb-ft of torque. Those are meaningful upgrades over the standard engine’s 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers also handily beat those of the Honda CR-V.
Premium feel: If you haven’t stepped inside a Mazda recently, prepare to be impressed. From premium materials and elegant lines to literally the way the steering wheel and various knobs feel, the Mazda CX-50’s cabin is a wonderful place. The CR-V has a grown-up feel but does not approach premium levels.
Impressive tech: From the latest active safety and driver-assist features to standard wireless Apple CarPlay integration, the CX-50 boasts tech that is cool and convenient. This year, Amazon Alexa compatibility also comes on board. The CR-V opts for a touchscreen interface in its center stack, a difference in approach that ergonomics nerds can debate.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-50 models for sale near you.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V hardly needs introduction, carrying a name that is known in households nationwide and boasting a reputation for reliability that stretches decades. In fact, the CR-V debuted in the U.S. back in 1997 and was an immediate hit. This model hasn’t looked back since. It has sold over 6 million units in the U.S. and has been Honda’s best-selling model every year since 2017.
That kind of reputation and sales success was earned, not granted. And the Honda CR-V has gained it by being supremely practical, reliable, and efficient. The latest generation debuted just last year, meaning this new model is very fresh. In addition to offering a standard 190-horsepower turbo engine, the CR-V can also be had as a hybrid that earns up to 40 mpg combined. The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $31,450, including destination fee.
Honda CR-V Highlights
HondaSensing: This suite of active safety features and driver assists is standard in the CR-V and includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, to name just a few.
Cargo room: Honda has long had a knack for making vehicles roomier than you might think. Case in point, the latest CR-V boasts 76.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded – that’s over 20 cubic feet more than the CX-50.
Resale value: Both the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 have exceptional resale value, but the Honda just edges its rival in this respect.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both of these compact SUVs are available in a wide range of trims, start around the same price, and boast excellent resale value.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (39466)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,920 |
$31,122 |
|||
$33,270 |
$32,118 |
|||
$35,620 |
$34,348 |
|||
$39,120 |
$38,040 |
|||
$42,420 |
$41,172 |
|||
$42,920 |
$41,735 |
|||
$44,920 |
$43,797 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 vehicles and New 2025 Honda CR-V vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| | 2025 Mazda CX-50 | 2025 Honda CR-V |
| Popular Powertrains | | |
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 – 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/27 mpg combined | 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; hybrid | AWD; hybrid |
| Specs | | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | 80.8 inches | 73.5 inches |
| Height | 63.5 inches | 66.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 37.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 40 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 31.4/56.3 cubic feet | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
This is a choice between two winners. The Mazda CX-50 is the more adventurous of the two and can be had with a more powerful engine. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, has more cargo room, can be had as a hybrid, and comes at a slightly lower starting price. It’s also our Best Buy Award winner in its segment. Which of these traits will win you over?
