2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50 at Hendrick Honda Charlotte

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-50 are two standout options that likely top your list. While they both offer capable powertrains and modern tech, they take different approaches to impress drivers. As a result, one may be a better fit, depending on your priorities.

In this 2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50 matchup, experts from Hendrick Honda Charlotte will explore the vehicles’ interior, performance, tech, and safety. In the end, you’ll be able to pick the SUV that suits your needs and lifestyle best.

Interior Comparison

Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 leans toward a premium feel while the 2025 Honda CR-V favors practicality.

You’ll fit the same number of people in the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V. They both offer five seats in two rows, with matching headroom and legroom in the front row. However, the Honda CR-V provides an extra inch of headroom and legroom in the back row, allowing your rear passengers to have a bit more space to stretch out. Additionally, the Honda offers about 20 cubic feet more of cargo space than the Mazda.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard across the Mazda CX-50 lineup but optional in the Honda CR-V. You can have both SUVs with amenities like a power liftgate and moonroof.

2025 Honda CR-V Interior	2025 Mazda CX-50 Interior
Rows: 2 Max seating: 5 Max cargo capacity: 76.5 Cubic Feet Upholstery options: Cloth, Genuine Leather	Rows: 2 Max seating: 5 Max cargo capacity: 65.3 Cubic Feet Upholstery options: Synthetic Leather, Genuine Leather

Power and Performance Comparison

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Honda CR-V both offer two engine options. The Mazda’s base engine delivers 187 horsepower, and the optional turbo-four churns out 256 horsepower. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard.

The Honda CR-V starts you off with a base turbo engine with 190 horsepower. You can opt for a 204-horsepower hybrid engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. A continuously variable automatic transmission feeds power to the wheels.

The Honda CR-V delivers a smooth and balanced driving experience, making it ideal for those seeking a refined ride. The Mazda CX-50 exhibits more lively steering and handling, so it appeals to those seeking a sporty driving experience.

2025 Honda CR-V Power and Performance	2025 Mazda CX-50 Power and Performance
Max Towing Capacity: 1,500 Pounds	Max Towing Capacity: 2,000 Pounds (base engine) and 3,500 Pounds (optional engine)
Base Engine: 1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder Horsepower: 190 Torque: 179 lb-ft Transmission: CVT	Base engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Horsepower: 187 Torque: 186 lb-ft Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Optional Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Engine Paired with Two Electric Motors Horsepower: 204 Torque: 247 lb-ft Transmission: CVT	Optional Engine: 2.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder Horsepower: 256 Torque: 320 lb-ft Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Tech and Entertainment Comparison

The 2025 Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 are both endowed with impressive tech. For commanding the infotainment system, Honda offers a choice between a seven-inch touchscreen in the base trims and a nine-inch touchscreen.

All the Mazda CX-50 trims come with a 10.3-inch infotainment system display running the Mazda Connect interface. The Mazda’s infotainment system is primarily controlled through a rotary dial rather than touch input. While this design may help drivers keep their focus on the road, it can take longer to navigate menus.

Both Honda and Mazda offer wireless device charging in the higher trims.

2025 Honda CR-V Top Technology Features	2025 Mazda CX-50 Top Technology Features
Infotainment Screen Options: 7-inch Touchscreen (standard), 9-inch Touchscreen (available) Audio System Options: 4-Speaker Stereo (Base), 6-Speaker or 8-Speaker Stereo (available) Wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility Remote Keyless Entry Push-Button Start	Infotainment Screen Options: 10.25-inch Screen (Standard) Audio System Options: 8-Speaker Stereo (standard), 12-Speaker Bose Stereo® (available) Wireless Apple CarPlay® And Android Auto™ Compatibility Proximity Keyless Entry Push-Button Start

Safety Features

Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 offer a solid suite of standard safety features designed to support drivers and protect passengers. These include systems that assist with automatic speed control, lane-keeping, and automatic braking in emergency situations.

There are additional features for those seeking extra protection. If you choose the Mazda CX-50, you can add a traffic-sign recognition system. This feature comes standard in the Honda CR-V.

2025 Honda CR-V Standard Safety Features	2025 Mazda CX-50 Standard Safety Features
Forward Automatic Emergency Braking Adaptive Cruise Control Traffic-Sign Recognition Lane-Keeping Assist Automatic High-Beam Headlights	Forward Automatic Emergency Braking Blind-Spot Monitoring Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go Lane-Keeping Assist Automatic High-Beam Headlights

Hendrick Honda Charlotte’s Final Verdict

Which is the better ride? Both compact SUVs offer reliable power, good comfort, and an impressive array of safety and technology features. The choice depends on the attributes desired the most.

If you’re seeking a luxurious cabin feel and a sporty driving experience, get the 2025 Mazda CX-50. If you’re after practicality, intuitive tech, and a more refined ride, the 2025 Honda CR-V lands at the top.

Stop by Hendrick Honda Charlotte to see a 2025 Honda CR-V for sale in Charlotte, NC, in person. You’ll have a chance to take a test drive and explore the 2025 Honda CR-V features firsthand.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.