Why the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Outshines the Honda CR-V
Compare The 2026 Mazda CX-5 To The 2026 Honda CR-V
When shopping for a compact SUV, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Honda CR-V are two of the most popular choices—but they deliver very different experiences. The CR-V focuses on practicality and efficiency, while the CX-5 is designed to elevate your daily drive with premium craftsmanship, standard AWD, and a more engaging feel behind the wheel. If you want more than just basic transportation, the CX-5 stands out as the more refined and rewarding option.
Quick Overview Of How Mazda Earns Its Spot At The Top
Why Most Shoppers Choose The 2026 Mazda CX-5
- 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque
- Seating for up to 5 passengers comfortably
- 12.9 inch touchscreen center display
- Available SX Premium and Premium Plus trims
Why Some Shoppers Consider The 2026 Honda CR-V
- Good fuel economy
- Spacious cargo space and rear seat room
- Familiar, conservative styling that some buyers prefer
- Available hybrid options
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine
|
2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
|
Horsepower
|
187 HP | 190 HP |
|
Torque
|
186 LB-FT | 179 LB-FT |
|
Seating Capacity
|
Up to 5 passengers | Up to 5 passengers |
|
Infotainment
|
12.9" Touchscreen Center Display | 9" Color Display |
|
AWD
|
Standard | Available |
|
Towing Capacity
|
Up to 1,500 LBS | Up to 1,500 LBS |
Performance That Feels More Connected to the Road
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with a 2.5L engine producing 187 horsepower and is paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the CR-V’s CVT, this setup delivers smoother, more natural acceleration and a more responsive driving feel. Another major advantage is that i-Activ AWD® comes standard on every CX-5, giving you added confidence in rain, snow, or rough road conditions. The CR-V, on the other hand, requires an upgrade to get AWD. While the CR-V’s turbocharged engine focuses on efficiency, the CX-5 prioritizes driving enjoyment with composed handling and confident cornering—making it the better choice for drivers who actually enjoy being behind the wheel.
Premium Design Inside and Out
Mazda has built its reputation on upscale design, and the 2026 CX-5 continues that tradition. Its sculpted exterior, inspired by Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, gives it a sleek, upscale presence that stands out from the more conservative CR-V. Inside, the difference is even more noticeable. The CX-5 offers available Nappa leather, real wood accents, and ambient lighting to create a truly premium cabin environment. By comparison, the CR-V’s interior is functional and practical, but it leans more toward simplicity than sophistication. If you want an SUV that feels closer to a luxury vehicle without the luxury price, the CX-5 clearly delivers.
More Advanced Technology Where It Matters
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is designed with modern drivers in mind, offering a large available 15.6-inch touchscreen—the biggest ever in a Mazda—along with Google built-in integration. Even standard models come well-equipped, with features like a large infotainment display, advanced connectivity, and premium audio options that often require higher trims in the CR-V. While the CR-V offers a user-friendly system, its smaller screen and more basic setup can feel dated next to the CX-5’s modern, high-end interface.
Value That Goes Beyond the Price Tag
The 2026 Honda CR-V may have a slightly lower starting MSRP, but the CX-5 delivers more standard features and standard AWD, giving it a stronger overall value. Mazda’s approach means you spend less time climbing trim levels just to get the features you actually want. The result is a more premium SUV experience without the premium price.
Why Buy the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Southern States Mazda?
If you’re ready to upgrade your daily drive, there’s no better time to experience everything the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has to offer at Southern States Mazda. This redesigned SUV delivers a refined, quiet cabin, engaging performance, and standard i-Activ AWD®—giving you confidence and control in all conditions. With its spacious, thoughtfully crafted interior, advanced safety features included on every model, and available large touchscreen with Google built-in, the CX-5 brings together comfort, innovation, and driving enjoyment in one standout package. Visit today to explore current inventory, take a test drive, and see firsthand why the CX-5 is one of Mazda’s most popular and rewarding SUVs.
Final Outcome: Choose Mazda
The 2026 Honda CR-V is a solid, practical SUV—but the 2026 Mazda CX-5 goes further by offering a more refined design, more engaging performance, and more features as standard. If you’re looking for an SUV that feels upscale, drives better, and delivers more value right out of the gate, the CX-5 is the clear winner.
Exterior Color: Navy Blue Mica
Interior Color: Black
Stock: M71140
$41,245
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,480
Dealer Discount
$39,610
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Jet Black Mica
Interior Color: Black
Stock: M71096
$41,235
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,470
Dealer Discount
$39,610
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Jet Black Mica
Interior Color: Black
Stock: M70751
$41,060
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,295
Dealer Discount
$39,610
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Color: Black
Stock: MM0002
$41,565
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,600
Dealer Discount
$39,810
Internet Price
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
Exterior Color: Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Color: Black
Stock: M71042
$41,890
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$3,125
Dealer Discount
$39,610
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Machine Gray Metallic
Interior Color: Pure White
Stock: MM0091
$34,355
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,415
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$31,785
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Color: Black
Stock: MM0031
$34,540
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,600
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$31,785
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Machine Gray Metallic
Interior Color: Pure White
Stock: MM0035
$34,655
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,715
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$31,785
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Color: Black
Stock: MM0056
$34,480
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,540
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$31,785
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Jet Black Mica
Interior Color: Pure White
Stock: MM0070
$36,445
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,301
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$33,989
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Machine Gray Metallic
Interior Color: Pure White
Stock: MM0071
$36,890
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,746
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$33,989
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
Exterior Color: Navy Blue Mica
Interior Color: Pure White
Stock: MM0342
$36,470
MSRP
+$845
Doc Fee
$2,326
Dealer Discount
$1,000
Customer Cash
$33,989
Internet Price
- $239 / MONTH LEASE FOR 36 MONTHS
- 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS
- $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH
- $750 - MAZDA LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM
- $500 - MAZDA MILITARY APPRECIATION BONUS CASH
- $1,000 - UP TO MAZDA MOBILITY PROGRAM CASH BONUS
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In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price does not include dealer installed equipment. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.
In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price does not include dealer installed equipment. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.
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In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price does not include dealer installed equipment. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.
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In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price does not include dealer installed equipment. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.
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In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price does not include dealer installed equipment. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.
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In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price does not include dealer installed equipment. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.In lieu of special rate* NOTE: Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees , $845 administrative fees and taxes. Vehicle inventory and promotional offers are updated frequently. Please note that all vehicles are subject to prior sale and promotional offers may be canceled without notice. By filling out this form, you authorize our dealership to call, text, or email you in the future. Must finance with Mazda financial.
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