When it comes to compact SUVs, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Honda CR-V stand out as strong contenders. Both vehicles offer reliability, practicality, and style, making it difficult for buyers to choose between the two. To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare these SUVs in terms of space, performance, and value.

More space for your head in the Mazda CX-5

Comfort and space play a significant role in a vehicle’s appeal, and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 takes the lead here. The CX-5 offers more head room for front passengers, measuring 1,008 mm compared to the CR-V’s 970 mm. The 2023 CX-5 also gives you a full 2 cm of extra head room in the back. For taller drivers, the Mazda compact SUV is the better option.

Better overall performance in the 2023 Mazda CX-5

Mazda is known for building fun, dynamic vehicles with surprisingly agile handling, and the 2023 CX-5 is no exception. Although the CR-V boasts higher horsepower (190 hp) compared to the CX-5’s 187 hp, the latter provides more torque with 186 lb-ft versus the CR-V’s 179 lb-ft. Torque is crucial for passing and acceleration in daily driving situations, and the CX-5 delivers more torque sooner, leading to quicker reactions and better overall performance. Additionally, the handling in the CX-5 is more enjoyable, earning it a reputation as the most fun-to-drive SUV in its class.

Better value in the CX-5

Price is always a key consideration for buyers, and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offers better value for your money. The CX-5’s base price starts at $33,807, whereas the Honda CR-V begins at $36,355. The top trim in the CX-5 lineup is also more affordable, starting at $46,710, compared to the CR-V’s $51,005. Moreover, the CX-5 offers more features across the board, and you pay less for features shared by both models. For example, you get standard AWD and 17-inch alloy wheels in the CX-5 while the CR-V is FWD and offers steel wheels with hubcaps. The CX-5 GS, which starts at less than the base CR-V, includes a power liftgate and heated steering wheel. The base model also offers more features for a significantly lower price. You get a larger screen inside the CX-5, along with more comfort and convenience features, for less.

	2023 Mazda CX-5	2023 Honda CR-V
Starting Price	$33,807	$36,355
Top Trim Starting Price	$46,710	$51,005
Standard Powertrain	2.5-litre four-cylinder	1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo
Standard Torque	186 pound-feet	179 pound-feet
Max Powertrain Output	250 hp/320 lb.-ft.	204 hp/247 pound-feet
All-Wheel Drive	Standard	Optional
Standard Infotainment Screen	10.25 inches	7 inches
Standard Wheels	Alloy	Steel with hubcaps

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Honda CR-V both have their merits, but when it comes to space, performance, and value, the CX-5 holds an edge. With more room for passengers, a better overall driving experience, and a lower price tag with additional features, the Mazda CX-5 emerges as the more appealing option in the compact SUV segment.

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2025 Mazda CX-5

Lease starting at

^$105^*

weekly | 48 months | at 4.95% with $1,145 cash down

More details

▼Connected vehicle service is available for a 2-year trial period from your vehicle’s in-service date; a paid subscription is required upon expiry of the trial period. Available on 2023 MX-30, Mazda3, Mazda3 Sport, CX-5, CX-9, CX-30, CX-50 and 2024 Mazda3, Mazda3 Sport, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-90. Requires MyMazda App (on a compatible smartphone), a working vehicle electrical system (including battery), wireless coverage and GPS satellite signal. Services, connectivity and capabilities vary by conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. See mazda.ca for details. *To learn more about the Mazda Unlimited Warranty, go to mazdaunlimited.ca. ***Purchase price, based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda3 Sedan GX (DVXL85 AA00) is $28,238. Purchase price, based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda3 Sedan Sport GX (SVXL85 AA00) is $28,988. Purchase price, based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-30 GX (ZXXL85 AA00) is $32,388. Purchase price, based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-5 GX (NXXL85 AA00) is $35,988. Purchase price, based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-50 GS-L 2025 AWD (JXLN85AA00) is $42,888. Purchase price, based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-50 GS-L Hybrid (MXLH85AA00) is $46,188. Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-90 GS AWD MHEV (WXSF85) is $48,938. Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-90 GS 4RM PHEV (VXSP85) is $57,938. Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-70 GS-L AWD MHEV (XXLF85) is $52,788. Suggested Retail Price, for new 2025 Mazda CX-70 GS-L X4RM PHEV (YXLP85) is $62,188. Suggested Retail Price, for new 2024 Mazda MX-5 GS (L2SK64) is $34,738. Offer includes freight, P.D.E.of $1,950 and $100 Air Conditioning Charge and fees. Offer excludes HST. **Offer valid for monthly lease of a new base-model Mazda3 Sedan GX 2025 (DVXL85 AA00) / Mazda3 Sport GX 2025 (SVXL85 AA00) / Mazda CX-30 GX 2025 (ZXXL85 AA00) / Mazda CX-5 GX 2025 (NXXL85 AA00) / Mazda CX-50 GS-L 2025 4RM (JXLN85AA00) / Mazda CX-50 GS-L Hybrid 2025 (MXLH85AA00) / Mazda CX-90 GS 2025 4RM MHEV (WXSF85) / Mazda CX-90 GS 4RM PHEV 2025 (VXSP85) / Mazda CX-70 GS-L 2025 4RM MHEV (XXLF85) / Mazda CX-70 GS-L 4RM PHEV 2025 (YXLP85) / MX-5 GS 2024 (L2SK64) priced at $28,238 / $28,988 $/ $32,388 / $35,988 / $42,888/ $46,188 / $48,938 / $57,938 /$52,788 / $62,188 / $34,738, equivalent to 48 / 48 / 48 / 48 / 48/ 48/ 36/ 36/ 36/ 36 monthly payments of $385 / $400 / $427 / $457 / $495 / $556 / $517 / $694/ $560 / $759/ $472, with $800 / $575 / $700 / $1,145 / $1,925 / $1,925 / $1,675 / $0/ $2,095 / $0 down, includes freight and P.D.E. of $2,095 / $2,095 / $2,095 / $2,095 / $2,095 / 2,095 / $2,195 / $2,195 / $2,195 / $2,195 / $2,095 as well as $100 Air Conditioning charge (all models). 20,000 km/year kilometer allowance; charge of $0.08 per excess kilometer. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis and are shown for informational purposes only. Registration, license, insurance, taxes and down payment (if applicable) are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. The retailer may be required to place an order or trade for some vehicles, but the order/trade may not be available in all cases. Unless otherwise stated herein, offers valid December 3, 2024 to January 2, 2025 or while supplies last. Lease and finance on approved credit for qualified customers only. Offers subject to change without notice. Visit mazda.ca or see your dealer for complete details. ▲$4,000/$3,000/$1,000/$1,000 Event Bonus (“Bonus”) is available on new and previously unregistered 2024 MX-30/2024 MX-5/2025 CX-90/2025 CX-70 models that are purchased or financed/leased (on approved credit) and delivered between December 3, 2024 and January 2, 2025, from an authorized Mazda retailer in Canada. Bonus will be applied to the negotiated selling price of the eligible vehicle before taxes and: (i) has no cash surrender or other value; and (ii) cannot be applied to past transactions. Conditions apply. See mazda.ca or your local Mazda retailer for details. ■Limited time finance offer provided through Mazda Financial Services on approved credit. Representative finance offer based on a new and previously unregistered 2025 CX-90 MHEV Signature model (WXKG85AA00). Vehicle Price is $64,197. 2.9% finance APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $1,927.83, which includes: $2,195 freight and PDI; $100 A/C charge; regulatory fees (up to $12.50); retailer administration fee (up to $595); lien registration fees (up to $153.25, including lien registering agent fee); as well as all other applicable fees, levies and duties (all of which may vary by region and retailer). 36 monthly payments required. Licence; insurance; registration; and applicable taxes are extra. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in required. Cost of borrowing is $3,010.05 for a total obligation of $69,401.80. Retailer may sell for less. Retailer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offer ends January 2nd, 2025, and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit mazda.ca or your Mazda retailer for more information. ◆◆CX-90 PHEV and CX-70 PHEV: Available to residents of Quebec only. Government of Quebec “Roulez Vert” and Government of Canada iZEV Program incentives are offered to qualifying residents of Quebec on the purchase/lease of a qualifying new electric vehicle until the respective programs end, or until available funds are exhausted (whichever occurs first). Up to $7,500 in combined EV government rebates consist of: (i) up to $2,500 Federal iZev incentive, and (ii) up to $5,000 Quebec “Roulez Vert” incentive available to qualifying residents of Quebec, on a new and previously unregistered 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-In Hybrid vehicle (GS-L, GT only) and 2025 CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid vehicle (GS, GS-L, GT only) purchased or leased (48+ months) from a participating Mazda dealer in Quebec and delivered by December 31, 2024. Amount of the Quebec “Roulez Vert” incentive will be reduced to $2,000 as of January 1, 2025, and further reduced in 2026. Incentive amount varies depending on (amongst other things) the length of the lease period and purchase/lease dates, and will be deducted from the eligible vehicle’s negotiated selling price after taxes. Maximum rebate amounts are only available on lease terms of 48 months or longer. Incentives are administered by the Government of Quebec and the Federal Government of Canada, as applicable, and may be modified or terminated without notice. Mazda Canada is not responsible for any changes to the government incentive programs, and makes no representations about the actual amount thereof or eligibility for a government incentive. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only, and is subject to change. Conditions, restrictions, and eligibility criteria apply; not all customers will be eligible. For more details or to determine if you are eligible, visit https://www.quebec.ca/en/transports/electric-transportation/financial-assistance-electric-vehicle/new-vehicle (Quebec program) or https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/innovative-technologies/zero-emission-vehicles/incentives-zero-emission-vehicles/eligible-vehicles (Federal program). Certain limitations apply. Battery life affected by cold weather. See mazda.ca for more details.

Mazda CX-5