2025 CR-V vs 2025 CX-50 in Birmingham, AL

2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

The Honda CR-V has long been dominant in the compact SUV segment. It is known for its generous interior space, comfortable ride, and a well-earned reputation for reliability. The Mazda CX-50 is relatively new to the market. It offers the engaging driving dynamics for which Mazda is known. While the CX-50 is certainly a fresh and spirited alternative to the CR-V, the Honda SUV is still the benchmark many families and discerning drivers continue to gravitate toward.

This Honda vs. Mazda comparison examines each vehicle. You’ll learn more about the features of the CR-V and the CX-50, including their technology and safety elements.

Interior Comparison

The CR-V features comfortable front seats, making long-distance trips more enjoyable. Meanwhile, the back seats provide enough head and legroom for passengers. They can also recline for a more comfortable sitting position.

Both rows of seats in the CX-50 are comfortable and supportive. However, the front is slightly larger than the back. Although adults can fit in the back seats, they are more adequate for children.

The CR-V's standard cloth upholstery provides comfort and functionality. For those seeking a more upscale experience, features like leather upholstery and heated front seats are available. The inclusion of a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel makes the CR-V more appealing, particularly in colder months.

The CX-50’s interior has a luxury look right out of the box, thanks to its standard synthetic leather upholstery. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard, which adds a sophisticated touch. The whole experience is enhanced by optional features like genuine leather upholstery and heated rear seats for buyers looking for more luxury.

In terms of cargo capacity, the CR-V beats the CX-50. The CR-V offers one of the largest cargo areas in its class, with an impressive 39.3 cubic feet of space with all seats upright. This grows to 76.5 cubic feet when those seats are folded. This makes it ideal for families or anyone who frequently needs to transport large items.

The CX-50 has a smaller cargo area, measuring 31.4 cubic feet behind the back seats and 56.3 cubic feet when the seats are folded. Most people can use it for everyday needs, but it is not as good as many competitors, like the CR-V, which may be a consideration for those who demand more space. Both SUVs come equipped with two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats, an essential feature for families.

2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Mazda CX-50

Max Seating: 5

Max Cargo Capacity: 76.5 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: cloth (standard), leather (optional)

Max Seating: 5

Max Cargo Capacity: 56.3 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: synthetic leather (standard), genuine leather (optional)

Power and Performance

A 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque powers the CR-V. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on all versions. Front-wheel drive is also standard, but all-wheel drive is available. The power output of the CR-V is sufficient for daily driving and highway merging. With minimal body roll and a smooth ride on a variety of road surfaces, this Honda is surprisingly enjoyable to drive for a non-performance SUV.

On the other hand, the CX-50’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, a more potent turbocharged engine with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque is available. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. All models also come with all-wheel drive.

The CX-50 has sporty handling with minimal body roll. Additionally, it has light off-road capabilities with a stiffer suspension. Accurate steering improves the CX-50's engaging handling. However, maneuvering at low speeds may take a little more work than with 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: 6-speed automatic

Available Engine: turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower: 256

Torque: 320 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Tech and Entertainment

The CR-V's infotainment system is user-friendly, with clear graphics and a responsive touch screen. It includes physical knobs and buttons for essential functions like climate control and volume, making it easy to navigate the menus.

In contrast, the CX-50 uses a center console control knob and buttons for most functions, which may not appeal to everyone. However, it does have a touchscreen feature when using Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. Although its design might not be the most modern, it remains user-friendly once users become accustomed to its layout.

2025 Honda CR-V Top 5 Technology Features

2025 Mazda CX-50 Top 5 Technology Features

  • 7-inch touchscreen (standard)
  • 7-inch digital instrument cluster (standard)
  • Four-speaker stereo system (standard)
  • Remote Keyless Entry (standard)
  • Six or eight-speaker stereo system (optional)
  • 10.25-Inch Touchscreen (standard)
  • 7-inch digital gauge cluster (standard)
  • Eight-speaker sound system (standard)
  • Amazon Alexa (standard)
  • 12-speaker Bose stereo system (optional)

Safety Features

The CR-V has an impressive set of standard driver aids. These include adaptive cruise control, which is especially helpful for keeping a safe following distance. It also has lane-keep assist, which eliminates inadvertent lane changes and provides further assistance to drivers on longer trips.

The CX-50 has an impressive array of driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Blind-spot monitoring is especially useful for improving a driver's awareness of cars in their blind spots, which is important when changing lanes.

2025 Honda CR-V Safety Features

2025 Mazda CX-50 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

Test Drive the 2025 Honda CR-V at Brannon Honda

Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-50 are capable compact SUVs, but they cater to different priorities and lifestyles. The CR-V remains a standout choice for those prioritizing practicality, passenger comfort, and cavernous cargo space.

So, if you're looking for a Honda CR-V for sale in Birmingham, AL, look no further than Brannon Honda. Call us today to learn more about this excellent compact SUV or schedule a test drive. We're excited to show you everything that the CR-V can do.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.

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300 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL, 35235
Brannon Honda 33.5882518, -86.6940434.