2024 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Honda CR-V
The compact SUV segment is one of the most popular segments in the US auto industry, and as such, there are plenty of choices for any prospective buyer in this space.
With this wide array of purchase choices, finding just the right buy comes with serious decision-making. To help you with this decision-making, we look at two top Japanese contenders in the compact SUV market.
2024 Mazda CX-50
Recently revealed as a new model in 2022, there are a few notable changes for the 2024 Mazda CX-50. This model, produced at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant in Huntsville, Alabama, continues for 2024 with the same specs but with some suspension and steering upgrades to enhance handling.
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is available in Base, Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. A more rugged "Meridian Edition" trim level is available on turbocharged models.
2024 Honda CR-V
Now in its sixth generation, the current Honda CR-V was introduced as a completely new design in 2023. This latest generation model offers more technology and is available with gasoline or gasoline/electric hybrid powertrains. Little has changed for the 2024 Honda CR-V models besides introducing an additional trim level in the Sport-L.
This Honda model comes in EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring trim levels, with the hybrid powertrain standard on the latter two trims and the Sport L mentioned above.
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 emphasizes the active and outdoor lifestyle persona, using square styling and larger body cladding than previous Mazda SUV or Crossover offerings.
Compared to the smaller Mazda CX-5, this model's lower roof design allows easier access to the roof racks despite this model's enhanced ground clearance.
For those who need to know such details as external dimensions, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 measures 185.8 inches long, is 75.6 inches wide and has a wheelbase of 110.8 inches. Curb weight varies from 3,706–3,907 lb depending on trim level. Ground clearance is either 8.3 or 8.6 inches, depending on trim levels.
An optional panoramic sunroof is on a Mazda vehicle for the first time. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range, with 20-inch wheels an option for buyers.
The Meridian trim level is an extra cost option at the dealer level that adds all-terrain-inspired features, including a roof platform, roof-mounted black crossbars, front and rear splash guards, and all-terrain tires.
The 2024 Honda CR-V, like the Mazda, offers a rugged squared-off design with a large gloss black front grill across the range. The Honda has a wheelbase of 106.3 inches and measures 185.2 inches long and 73.5 inches wide. Standard features such as roof rails and a powered tailgate make for versatility.
The 2024 Honda CR-V is available in eight exterior colors, and alloy wheels are standard fit across the range except for the base LX, which has steel wheels and covers.
Powertrain
Standard fitment in the Mazda is the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine offering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with power going to all wheels. The more fun option of a 256-and 320 lb-ft torque turbocharged variant of the four-cylinder gasoline engine is available.
The 2024 Honda CR-V comes standard on the LX, EX, and EX-L models with a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. This unit is married to a CVT with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Sport and Sport Touring trims are only available with a hybrid powertrain, which comprises a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to two electric motors, giving a combined total of 204 horsepower. The Sport trim can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, while the Sport Touring is standard with all-wheel drive.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The CX-50 seats five passengers in two rows of seats. All models have a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, push-button start, and a partially digital gauge display.
Heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats, are available on all trim levels.
The standard fitment climate control system uses old-style buttons and knobs rather than the often-seen touchscreen controls on most new vehicles. This setup makes everything easy to operate and reach while driving, while the rear seat passengers get their own air vents.
Cargo loading space of 31.4 cubic feet is found behind the second-row seats, growing to 56.3 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down.
The CR-V's interior features a honeycomb-textured insert across most of the dash, discreetly hiding the air vents. A digital gauge cluster combined with an analog speedometer and a 7.0-inch display allows the driver to swap between menus.
A large center console bin is available between the front-seat passengers, and reclining back seats offer comfortable legroom.
On offer is 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with 39 cubic feet on the gas-only models fitted with an adjustable load floor.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base 2024 Mazda CX-50 has an 8.8-inch infotainment display, while all other trims receive a 10.3-inch screen. All trims run the latest version of the Mazda Connect interface controlled via a center console-mounted click wheel.
All trims offer Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto with wireless connectivity. Eight speakers are standard with Premium and Premium Plus models fitted with a 12-speaker Bose stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-of-range Turbo Premium Plus offers a wireless phone charger.
Moving to the Honda CR-V, a fitted 7.0-inch touchscreen on the LX, EX, and Sport trim levels features physical volume, tuning knobs, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Further up the range, the EX-L and Sport Touring trims offer a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety Features
The CX-50 does not skimp on driver-assistance features. On offer is lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control. Key standard safety features also include automated emergency braking.
Honda has also equipped their models with plenty of driver-assistance technology such as blind-spot monitoring,driver-attention monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
Fitted key safety features on offer are adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking.
Visit Our Dealership
Seacoast Mazda, located in Portsmouth, NH, has provided great prices and service for many years. Whether you are looking for a new or certified pre-owned Mazda or other vehicle, the committed dealership team will help you find the right vehicle.
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