Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5: Which Should You Buy?

Both are inexpensive to keep at independent shops. The CX-5's known expense is the infotainment screen on 2016 cars with Mazda Connect, roughly $200 to $900 depending on whether the touch panel is repaired or the display replaced; the CR-V's are on-time CVT fluid changes on 2015 to 2016 cars and an A/C that should be checked for cold air. Compare asking prices for both: the Mazda sometimes undercuts the Honda at equal age and miles.

Both have strong reliability reputations. The CX-5's naturally aspirated Skyactiv engine and conventional 6-speed automatic are a simple combination; its best-known fault is electronic, the Mazda Connect touchscreen's ghost touch on 2016 and later cars, rather than the drivetrain. The CR-V counters with Honda's track record and a vast service network, with the CVT-fluid caveat on 2015 to 2016 cars.

No contest on enjoyment: the CX-5 steers with actual feel, corners flatter, and rides with intent; the CR-V prioritizes softness and isolation. The flip side is the Mazda's firmer ride on broken city streets and a bit more engine noise when pressed. Drive both back to back, this is the rare comparison where ten minutes behind each wheel decides it.

The CX-5 leads on cabin ambience, materials, design, and seat feel, while the CR-V leads on practical features: the bigger cargo hold, easy-folding rear seats and clever storage. Neither came with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from the factory in these years. From the 2016 refresh the Mazda pairs its Mazda Connect touchscreen (the known weak point) with a console control knob that keeps it usable if the touch layer acts up; the Honda's screens are basic but stable.

This is the clearest personality split in the segment: the CR-V is the practical champion, more cargo space, softer ride, bigger owner base, while the CX-5 is the one you pick because driving matters, with sharper steering, a nicer cabin and, surprisingly, a little more rear legroom. Both have strong reliability reputations, and in these years neither has a turbo; the Mazda also skips the CVT that 2015 to 2016 CR-Vs use. Decide what the car is for: hauling life (CR-V) or enjoying the drive between hauls (CX-5).

Both have strong reliability reputations. The CX-5's naturally aspirated Skyactiv engine and conventional 6-speed automatic are a simple combination; its best-known fault is electronic, the Mazda Connect touchscreen's ghost touch on 2016 and later cars, rather than the drivetrain. The CR-V counters with Honda's track record and a vast service network, with the CVT-fluid caveat on 2015 to 2016 cars.

Both are inexpensive to keep at independent shops. The CX-5's known expense is the infotainment screen on 2016 cars with Mazda Connect, roughly $200 to $900 depending on whether the touch panel is repaired or the display replaced; the CR-V's are on-time CVT fluid changes on 2015 to 2016 cars and an A/C that should be checked for cold air. Compare asking prices for both: the Mazda sometimes undercuts the Honda at equal age and miles.