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2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Honda CR-V and 2018 Mazda CX-5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Honda CR-V and the 2018 Mazda CX-5.

When we compare the 2018 Honda CR-V's and the 2018 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2018 Honda CR-V and 2018 Mazda CX-5 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Honda CR-V's and the 2018 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda CR-V is a better car than the 2018 Mazda CX-5.

Pricing: A used 2018 Honda CR-V ranges from $17,900 to $26,999 while a used 2018 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $15,799 to $23,999.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Honda CR-V loses 31.1 percent of its value and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 loses 36.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Honda CR-V retains 5.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Mazda CX-5.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.9 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 1 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 28 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 1 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 10.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V an advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower. Both the CR-V and the CX-5 are rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 448 and 459 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2018 Honda CR-V has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Honda CR-V and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

In a category once derided as “cute-utes,” both the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V have evolved into crossover vehicles for grown-ups. The CX-5’s bold styling, both inside and out, is more eye- catching and distinctive. The CR-V, while attractive, is a little generic. Similarly, the CX-5 is more fun to drive, riding on the same platform as the highly regarded Mazda3. The CR-V has a stellar reputation for reliability, functional interior space, and strong resale value, while the CX-5 is considered reliable, but resale values are not as strong. Both models come standard with front- wheel drive while offering all-wheel drive as an option, but only the CR-V also has a hybrid option.

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Model & Pricing
2018 Honda CR-V
2018 Mazda CX-5

2018 Honda CR-V
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2018 Honda CR-V for Sale

2018 Mazda CX-5
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2018 Mazda CX-5 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,250

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,550 - $27,895

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,150

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,550 - $27,895

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$22,454

Price Range:

$17,900 - $26,999

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,697

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$15,309 - $27,261

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,150

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

77,448

# Good or Great Deals:

357

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$19,960

Price Range:

$15,799 - $23,999

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,697

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$15,309 - $27,261

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

385

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

74,023

# Good or Great Deals:

159

Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.9 / 10

Reliability:

9.0 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.2 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Honda CR-V

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.4

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

3.8 - 7.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

57%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Mazda CX-5

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

3.8 - 7.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

23.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

11.8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 13

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 13

Honda CR-V Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Best Small SUVs

1 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

1 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

1 / 10

Best Small SUVs Under $35k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $35k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $40k

1 / 2

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

2 / 19

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

3 / 30

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

5 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

5 / 6

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

8 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

9 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

9 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

12 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

12 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Most Affordable Small SUVs

17 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

20 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

28 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

30 / 59

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

42 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

43 / 67

Mazda CX-5 Rankings

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

3 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

4 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

4 / 6

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

8 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

9 / 20

Best Small SUVs for Towing

9 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

9 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

9 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

9 / 14

Best Small SUVs

10 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

12 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

14 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

14 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

14 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

17 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

18 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

20 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

20 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs

28 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

32 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

34 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

35 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

35 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

39 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

43 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

47 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

50 / 67

Summary Review

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.

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Summary Review

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.

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Pros and Cons

  • Hybrid version available
  • Assertive exterior design
  • Highly functional and comfortable interior

  • Priced higher than some competitors
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
  • Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models

Pros and Cons

  • Dynamic driving experience
  • Near-luxury interior design and materials
  • Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models

  • No hybrid available
  • Fuel economy lags class leaders
  • Non-turbo models could use more power

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2018 Honda CR-V Trim Levels

EX, EX-L, EX-L w/Navi, LX, Touring

2018 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels

Grand Touring, Sport, Touring

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

180 foot-lbs @ 3900 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.056 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.052 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


26 / 32 / 28

Range (city/hwy):

364 / 448 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


25 / 31 / 28

Range (city/hwy):

370 / 459 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.6 inches

Cargo Space:

39.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

75.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

145.1 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.8 inches

Cargo Space:

30.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

59.6 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

134.5 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3307 lbs

Width:

73 inches

Height:

66.1 inches

Length:

180.6 inches

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.8 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3563 lbs

Width:

72.5 inches

Height:

66.2 inches

Length:

179.1 inches

Wheelbase:

106.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P225/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Blue

Obsidian Blue Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Red

Basque Red Pearl II

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

White Diamond Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Blue

Eternal Blue Mica

Gray

Not available

Red

Soul Red Crystal Metallic

Silver

Sonic Silver Metallic

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Interior Colors

Beige

Ivory

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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