2025 CR-V vs 2025 CX-50 in Bradenton, FL

2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

For many years, the Honda CR-V has reigned supreme in the compact SUV market. It has gained popularity because of its spacious interior, pleasant ride, and dependable performance.

The Mazda CX-50 is a relatively new addition to its segment. As one would expect from a Mazda, the CX-50's handling is responsive. However, this Honda vs. Mazda comparison shows that the CR-V is still on top.

Interior Comparison

The CX-50’s two rows of seats are cozy and comfortable. The front seats are spacious, but the back seats are more suitable for children. The cloth upholstery that comes standard on the CR-V offers comfort and functionality. For those looking for a more upscale experience, upgrades like leather upholstery and heated front seats are available. On chilly winter days, the CR-V's heated steering wheel, covered in leather, is a pleasant addition.

With its standard synthetic leather upholstery, the CX-50's interior exudes elegance. The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to the vehicle's polished appearance. Optional features like heated rear seats and genuine leather upholstery add a touch of luxury to the cabin.

The CR-V has a larger cargo capacity than the CX-50. With all seats up, the Honda SUV offers an impressive 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class. With seats folded, the volume climbs to 76.5 cubic feet. This makes the CR-V ideal for drivers who frequently move large cargo.

The CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this may meet most people's everyday needs, it falls short of many competitors, including the CR-V, which could be a dealbreaker for those who need more space. Each SUV comes with two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the back outboard seats, which are essential for families.

2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Mazda CX-50

Max Seating: Five

Max Cargo Capacity: 76.5 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: Cloth (Standard), Leather (Optional)

Max Seating: Five

Max Cargo Capacity: 56.3 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: Synthetic Leather (Standard), Genuine Leather (Optional)

Honda CR-V Interior

Honda CR-V Center ConsoleHonda CR-V Steering WheelHonda CR-V Cargo space

Mazda CX-50 Interior

Mazda CX-50 Center ConsoleMazda CX-50 Steering WheelMazda CX-50 Seating

Power and Performance

The CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Every trim level is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available. This capable powertrain is ideal for both everyday driving and interstate merging. Surprisingly, for a non-performance SUV, the CR-V is enjoyable to drive because of its smooth ride on uneven terrain.

The CX-50's standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated unit that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can upgrade to a turbocharged engine with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both options come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is standard on all models.

The CX-50 boasts dynamic handling with a low body roll. Due to its enhanced suspension, it can tackle light off-road terrain. The CX-50's precise steering provides more engaging handling. However, low-speed maneuvering with the CX-50 can be more challenging compared to the CR-V.

2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Mazda CX-50

Base Engine: turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-Cylinder

Horsepower: 190

Torque: 179 lb-ft

Transmission: CVT

Base Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 187

Torque: 186 lb-ft

Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic

Available Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-Cylinder

Horsepower: 256

Torque: 320 lb-ft

Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic

Tech and Entertainment

The CR-V's infotainment system is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive UI, vivid images, and responsive touchscreen. The tactile knobs and buttons make it simple to navigate the menus and execute essential functions like climate control and volume.

The CX-50's center console control knob and buttons, which are used for the majority of functions, may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, this vehicle has a touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto™.

2025 Honda CR-V Top Technology Features

2025 Mazda CX-50 Top Technology Features

Infotainment Screen Options: 7-inch Touchscreen (Standard)

Audio System Options: Four-Speaker Stereo System (Standard), Six or Eight-Speaker stereo system (optional)

  • 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (Standard)
  • Remote Keyless Entry (Standard)

Infotainment Screen Options: 10.25-Inch Touchscreen (Standard)

Audio System Options: Eight-Speaker Sound System (Standard), 12-Speaker Bose Stereo System (Optional)

  • 7-inch Digital Gauge Cluster (Standard)
  • Amazon Alexa (Standard)

Safety Features

The CR-V includes an impressive set of driver assistance systems. Among these features is adaptive cruise control, which is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping a safe following distance. It also includes lane-keep assist, which aids drivers on longer trips by preventing accidental lane changes. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the CR-V a perfect rating for overall safety. The International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded this Honda with a Top Safety Pick designation.

The CX-50 has also received great accolades from the NHTSA and the IIHS. It also includes remarkable driver aids. These include lane-departure warnings that can help you stay in your lane, and blind-spot monitoring helps drivers become aware of surrounding vehicles when changing lanes.

2025 Honda CR-V Standard Safety Features

2025 Mazda CX-50 Standard Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Lane-Departure Warning
  • Lane-Keep Assist
  • Rear-Seat Alert
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights
  • Traffic-Sign Recognition
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Driver-Attention Monitoring
  • Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Lane-Departure Warning With Lane-Keep Assist
  • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
  • Rear-Seat Alert
  • Rearview Camera
  • Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise Control

Hendrick Honda Bradenton’s Bottom Line

This 2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50 shows that both vehicles are strong options in the compact SUV market. However, your lifestyle and priorities will determine the better match. If you value a roomy interior, excellent cargo space, and a smooth, reliable ride, the CR-V is the better fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more exciting driving experience and want a sportier design, the CX-50 stands out.

If you think the CR-V is the best option for you, then take it for a test drive today. Swing by Hendrick Honda Bradenton in Bradenton, FL. Our dealership offers a wide selection of CR-V trims and packages.