The has consistently been one of the most popular small crossover SUVs on sale in America. It鈥檚 also coming off a full 2023 redesign in which it received more rear legroom, an improved hybrid powertrain option, and updated technology features. It鈥檚 an intriguing choice and highly recommended by Edmunds鈥� experts. But it鈥檚 not the only one. The is a new competitor that boasts distinctive styling, a classy interior design, and a strong turbocharged engine option. Which one of these SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds compares them to find a winner.
FUEL ECONOMY AND POWER
The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. In this configuration, the EPA estimates that it will get 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is a bit below average for a small SUV. The CX-50鈥檚 optional turbocharged engine is even lower at 25 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the base CR-V with all-wheel drive gets an EPA estimate of up to 30 mpg. The hybrid CR-V is even more efficient at 37 mpg combined.
Mazda makes up for the lower economy figures with a bit more punch. Its base engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V鈥檚 base engine makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Things really get interesting with the CX-50 Turbo, which generates 256 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when using 93 octane gas. The top-level CR-V hybrid produces 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds鈥� testing, the turbocharged CX-50 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which was better than the Honda hybrid鈥檚 8.0 seconds.
Both SUVs offer excellent performance in their respective ways. Honda provides better fuel economy, but Mazda鈥檚 available turbocharging and standard all-wheel drive make it the quicker of the two SUVs.
Winner: tie
TECHNOLOGY AND INTERIOR SPACE
The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with an 8.8-inch center display screen. This is bigger than the CR-V鈥檚 standard 7-inch touchscreen, though upscale trims of the CR-V get an upgraded 9-inch touchscreen. We like both of these interfaces, but some drivers might find the CR-V鈥檚 system easier to use because it鈥檚 purely touchscreen-based. The CX-50鈥檚 screen requires you to interface with its menus and buttons by way of a rotary control knob unless you鈥檙e using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration.
Each SUV offers plenty of standard driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering and more. However, Honda鈥檚 blind-spot warning system is optional, whereas Mazda makes it standard on every trim.
The Honda CR-V鈥檚 main advantage is cargo capacity. The rear holds 39.3 cubic feet compared to the Mazda鈥檚 31.4 cubic feet. Stow the CR-V鈥檚 second row, and that number grows to 76.5 cubic feet. While the technology you favor mostly comes down to preference, there is a clear-cut winner in the all-important cargo category.
Winner: Honda CR-V
COMFORT AND DRIVING
The CX-50鈥檚 interior is nicer than the Honda鈥檚 with more premium materials and more comfortable front seats. This makes it a more relaxing place to spend time. Heated and ventilated seats, in addition to heated rear seats, are available, and road noise is surprisingly minimal. The CX-50 is also fun to drive, featuring sharp handling. But a trade-off is necessary in the form of a slightly firmer ride.
The softer CR-V eats up most road imperfections. They will be felt, but the CR-V returns to its smooth ride quickly. Hard acceleration in the CR-V also feels more stressed than in the CX-50, and the Honda鈥檚 hybrid powertrain can be a little noisy. Thankfully, the cabin is otherwise quiet. Honda does not offer ventilated front seats or heated rear seats in the CR-V.
Winner: Mazda CX-50
PRICING AND VALUE
Honda鈥檚 reputation for solid build quality is bolstered by the CR-V. Honda does make use of hard plastics in the interior, though they are thankfully placed strategically 鈥� buyers won鈥檛 interact with these surfaces much. Pricing for the CR-V starts at $30,795 鈥� including the destination fee 鈥� for the base LX trim and rises to $40,795 for the top Sport Touring Hybrid.
Mazda charges more for the CX-50. The base 2.5 S checks in at $31,675 and the top Turbo Premium Plus is an eye-opening $45,125. However, Mazda鈥檚 well-appointed interior, standard all-wheel drive and premium design are worth it. The CX-50 feels closer to name-brand entry-level luxury cars than any other small SUV.
Winner: tie
EDMUNDS SAYS: Our two SUV contenders are closely matched, and each takes a different approach. If you want a comfortable ride and lots of storage space, the Honda is the obvious choice. But if bargain luxury is your goal, the Mazda can鈥檛 be beaten.
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This story was provided to by the automotive website .
is a contributor at Edmunds and is on
Chase Bierenkoven, The Associated Press
