2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V: Which SUV Is Better for New England Drivers?
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If you are a driver looking for a new SUV in New England, you’ve probably looked into the CX-5 and CR-V. When it comes to what car is best: the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V, you have two solid options from two of America’s favorite car brands. However, our team here at Seacoast Mazda wants to break down the differences among these five-seaters and bring you in for a test drive before you make any final decisions. We want to give you all of the information you need to decide between the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V, plus lay out what each of these models gives you as an owner for this year. Stay tuned, and let our friendly team introduce you to these SUVs below!
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V: At a Glance
Here at Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, we’re always getting people coming in debating between the CX-5 and the CR-V. Because both models feature seating for five and a design that suits most people’s everyday lives, the comparison is fair. That said, the Mazda CX-5 is a nicer vehicle overall, with features that outpace even the highest CR-V trim. With the Mazda CX-5, you get features including available i-Activ all-wheel drive, a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (186 horsepower), and a new minimalist cabin design centered on a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen or an available 15.6-inch one. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V is a choice between an elevated driving experience with Mazda and a more basic option with Honda.
Note: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has an elevated, luxury-leaning design compared to the 2026 CR-V. Both are similar in size, but their features become different once you look into each model.
Exterior Highlights: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V
If you take a look outside of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V, you should immediately notice that the Mazda feels more luxurious. That is thanks to its Kodo design. Below, we can break down what to expect in terms of aesthetics for both SUVs this year.
2026 Mazda CX-5
- Sharper design elements and LED light integration
- A smooth, low-hanging grille design
- Gloss black design elements
- 17-inch alloy wheels standard
2026 Honda CR-V
- Reflector LEDs and incandescent rear turn signals
- Active shutter grille for aerodynamics
- 17-inch steel wheels standard
- A rear roofline spoiler
Interior Highlights of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V
Next, our team here at Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, wants to explore the interior design differences of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V. Much like the outside differences of these SUVs, you can bet on better standard features in the Mazda, as well as a more refined and luxury-leaning design for the CX-5.
2026 Mazda CX-5
- A 12.9-inch central touchscreen
- Google Built-In integration
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- A 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat
2026 Honda CR-V
- A new 9.0-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- Body-stabilizing front seats
- Reclining 60/40 split rear seats
Note: The Honda CR-V offers more space inside for passengers due to its bulkier design, but at the cost of nice technology, comfort, and layout choices.
Which SUV Offers Better Performance: 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Honda CR-V?
Looking at the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V performance, you are going to be more impressed when driving the CX-5. That is thanks to its standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s also much smoother when handling everyday road conditions. In comparison, the 2026 Honda CR-V offers you a standard 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder making 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and will not be as smooth in terms of its handling.
Although the CR-V is technically a bit faster in horsepower, you will not experience as smooth a drive here in New England conditions as with the 2026 CX-5, so that is something to keep in mind. You also have the available i-Activ all-wheel drive, perfect for snow and ice.
Which SUV is Safer for New England Drivers: the 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Honda CR-V?
If safety is a concern when looking for a new car in New England, let our team at Seacoast Mazda put your worries at ease. The 2026 CX-5 and 2026 CR-V both offer impressive safety suites and plenty of driver-assistance technology. If you compare the two at a base level, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is rated higher in safety thanks to its comprehensive i-Activsense® safety suite across all trim levels. You get all of the assistance tech you’d need when on the road, all at a base-model level.
Mazda’s safety suite includes:
- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Forward Turn-Across Traffic Braking
- Blind Spot Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Emergency Lane Keeping
- Lane Change Assist
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control
- Speed Limit Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
According to the IIHS, Mazda also wins the title of Top Safety Pick+ for this model year, beating out the CR-V and many other competitors in crashworthiness. Honda actually did not score well at all in the IIHS official testing, not even earning a Top Safety Pick award.
The Ultimate Winner: the 2026 Mazda CX-5
Now that we’ve gone over the pros, cons, and comparisons of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. the Honda CR-V, the team here at Seacoast Mazda wants to invite you to our Portsmouth, NH, dealership for an official test drive. Not only does the CX-5 impress in design and aesthetics when stacked against a competing SUV like the CR-V, but it also shines in safety and AWD capability in New England conditions year-round, and it feels like a truly luxurious SUV for the everyday commute. Seacoast Mazda has plenty of new inventory to explore on-site, and our team is here to assist with any further questions you have about this award-winning five-seater. Drive safe, and let’s connect soon!
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