Compare the2025 Mazda CX-50VS 2026 Honda CR-V

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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With its standard Smart Brake Support, the Mazda CX-50 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Honda CR-V, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	CX-50	CR-V
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	-10 MPH
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-18 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-17 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-33 MPH
37 MPH Low beams	-35 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.8 sec	No Warning

The CX-50 has standard Secondary Collision Reduction System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CR-V doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-50. But it costs extra on the CR-V.

The CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus has a standard 360° Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The CR-V only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CX-50 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking on the Turbo Premium Plus automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the CR-V EX/Hybrid offers Cross Traffic Monitor and the CR-V’s Cross Traffic Monitor does not include automatic braking.

Both the CX-50 and the CR-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-50 is safer than the Honda CR-V:

	CX-50	CR-V
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	100	211
Neck Compression	11 lbs.	48 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	222/219 lbs.	217/317 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	211	357
Neck Injury Risk	22%	54%
Neck Stress	106 lbs.	211 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	264/347 lbs.	408/341 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the CX-50 is much safer than the CR-V:

	CX-50	CR-V
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	POOR

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-50 is safer than the Honda CR-V:

	CX-50	CR-V
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	35	72
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.8 inches
Hip Force	114 lbs.	347 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	67	71
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	499 lbs.	613 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	214	302
Spine Acceleration	28 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	521 lbs.	753 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Mazda CX-50 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The CR-V is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Honda is rated below average.

Engine

The CX-50 has more powerful engines than the CR-V:

	Horsepower	Torque
CX-50 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	187 HP	185 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	219 HP	163 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder	256 HP	320 lbs.-ft.
CR-V 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder	190 HP	179 lbs.-ft.
CR-V Hybrid 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	204 HP	247 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-50 4 cyl. is faster than the Honda CR-V turbo 4 cyl.:

	CX-50	CR-V
Zero to 60 MPH	8.5 sec	8.7 sec
Quarter Mile	16.5 sec	16.7 sec

As tested in Car and Driver the Mazda CX-50 is faster than the CR-V Hybrid 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid:

	CX-50	CR-V
Zero to 60 MPH	7.6 sec	7.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	20.4 sec	24.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	16.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89 MPH	85 MPH
Top Speed	117 MPH	117 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CX-50 gets better mileage than the CR-V:

			MPG
CX-50
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	39 city/37 hwy
CR-V
	FWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	28 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/34 hwy
		TrailSport 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/33 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-50 (except Turbo/Hybrid)’s fuel efficiency. The CR-V doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the CX-50 Turbo/Hybrid and the CR-V have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All CX-50 Turbo/Hybrids have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The CR-V Hybrid doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The CX-50’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CR-V (15.9 vs. 14 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CX-50’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CR-V:

	CX-50	CR-V 1.5T	CR-V Hybrid
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	12.3 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.8 inches	12.2 inches	12.2 inches

The CX-50 stops much shorter than the CR-V:

	CX-50	CR-V
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	171 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	142 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CR-V (245/45R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo has standard 20-inch wheels. The CR-V’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The CX-50 has engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The CR-V doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-50’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches longer than on the CR-V (110.8 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the CX-50 is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the CR-V.

The CX-50 handles at .87 G’s, while the CR-V EX-L AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid (26.8 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the CX-50 Hybrid’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the CR-V Hybrid’s (35.4 feet vs. 37 feet). The CX-50’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the CR-V 1.5T’s (36 feet vs. 37.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CR-V (8.6 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the CX-50 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The CX-50 has .4 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more rear headroom than the CR-V.

Cargo Capacity

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CX-50’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CR-V doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The CX-50’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CR-V’s (2000 vs. 1000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Honda CR-V is only 1500 pounds. The CX-50 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Ergonomics

The CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo Premium has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The CR-V doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CX-50’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The CR-V’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

The CX-50’s standard Advanced Keyless Entry and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CR-V only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the CR-V EX/EX-L/Sport/TrailSport/Sport-L/Sport Touring.

The CX-50’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The CR-V’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-50’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the CR-V’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-50 Turbo has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The CR-V doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the CX-50 Turbo is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The CR-V’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The CX-50’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CR-V offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The CX-50 offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the CR-V’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

Both the CX-50 and the CR-V offer available heated front seats. The CX-50 Turbo also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CR-V.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The CR-V doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The CX-50 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CR-V EX/EX-L/Sport/TrailSport/Sport-L/Sport Touring.

Compared to the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-50 eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mazda CX-50’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CR-V EX-L/Sport-L/Sport Touring.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-50 and the Honda CR-V, based on reliability, safety and performance.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its April 2024 issue and they ranked the Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus first. They ranked the Honda CR-V EX-L AWD third.

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