Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Honda HR-V

$27,940 - $38,888

2024 price

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Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 Honda HR-V

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.3L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Seriously good-looking inside and out
Affordable price tag for grade level
Easy to drive in the city

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

Missing features you'd expect for top model
Safety could and should be better
Engine gets whiny on open roads

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

2024 Honda HR-V Summary

Like many car brands, Honda is storming the hybrid field. The new HR-V brings with it a hybrid powertrain and external facelift but is it enough to keep it competitive in the small SUV segment?

As with any cosmetic surgery you may wonder whether the facelift has been successful.

No tricks – I’ll tell you straight up the new external design might be what you’re looking for if you’re on the hunt for a small SUV that doesn’t look like it moonlights as an Uber for Mr Big Ears (a Noddy reference for any youngsters out there).

We're testing out the top hybrid model, the L, to see what else this urban dweller gets right and what it sometimes gets wrong.

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2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2024 Honda HR-V 2026 Mazda CX-5

Verdict

The Honda HR-V e:HEV L offers a respectable driving experience in the city but compared to its rivals, it’s features list and safety don’t always stack up. It sort of straddles the fence between basic and lux at times, which is an odd place for a top-model to be but its sharper styling will win hearts and the cabin is still practical.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.

Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?