2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V: Standard AWD, Bigger Screens and a Lower Starting Price

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the third generation of Mazda's best-selling vehicle in Canada. It has a longer body, a roomier cabin, new screens and a fresh list of safety features. The 2026 Honda CR-V returns with a turbocharged gas engine and a range of hybrid trims.

This guide lines up the two compact SUVs on price, safety ratings, power, technology and cabin space. The CX-5 comes out ahead in the areas shoppers ask about most, starting with what you get for your money.

At a Glance: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Honda CR-V

More Standard Equipment for Less Money

The CX-5 costs less than the CR-V at every step of the lineup. The base CX-5 GX starts at $39,412 with all-wheel drive. The CR-V LX starts at $40,228 with front-wheel drive, which is $816 more for a model that powers only two wheels. Adding AWD to the LX raises its price to $43,028.

The value gap grows as you move up. The mid-level CX-5 GS comes in $716 below the base CR-V LX AWD. For that price, the GS adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, a power rear liftgate, wireless phone charging and a 10-way power driver's seat with memory. The CR-V LX rides on 17-inch wheels and has a 4-speaker stereo, while the GS has 8 speakers.

The top CX-5 GT also sits well below the CR-V's upper trims. The CR-V EX-L hybrid starts at $51,947 while the Touring hybrid starts at $54,447. That puts the Touring Hybrid $9,135 above the CX-5 GT.

IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ for 2026

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2026 CX-5 a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+. This is the institute's highest safety award. The 2026 CR-V has not earned a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ or a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK award.

Every CX-5 trim comes with a long list of standard driver assistance features. These include Smart Brake Support, Rear Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Turning-Across Path alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert and front and rear parking sensors. The GT Premium Package adds a 360 View Monitor, Cruise and Traffic Support and Driver Monitoring.

A 2.5 L Engine With More Torque and Standard AWD

Every 2026 CX-5 uses a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine that makes 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It runs on regular fuel and pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CR-V's gas trims use a 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. The CX-5's extra torque helps when you pull away from a stop or merge with a full load.

Mazda's i-Activ AWD is standard on every CX-5. G-Vectoring Control Plus and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select are also standard, helping the CX-5 stay steady through corners and in slippery conditions.

The CX-5 has 209 mm (8.2 in) of ground clearance and is rated to tow 680 kg (1,500 lbs) on every trim. CR-V hybrid trims are rated for 453 kg (999 lbs).

Bigger Screens and Google Built-In on Every Trim

Every CX-5 has a larger centre screen and a larger driver display than the CR-V's LX and Sport trims. Google built-in comes standard on the CX-5. On the CR-V, it is limited to the Touring Hybrid.

• Screens: A 12.9-inch touchscreen is standard, and the GT offers a 15.6-inch screen, the largest Mazda has ever offered. The CR-V uses a 9-inch screen.
• Google built-in: Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store run directly on the CX-5's screen, with voice control and new steering wheel controls.
• Phone connection: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard from the GS trim.
• Sound: The GT includes a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. The CR-V Sport has 6 speakers.

A Longer, Roomier Cabin

The new CX-5 grew in length, and almost all of that growth went into the wheelbase. At 2,815 mm, it is 115 mm longer than the CR-V's 2,700 mm wheelbase. Larger door openings make it easier to climb in or install a child seat.

Rear-seat passengers get 1,020 mm of headroom, compared to 970 mm in the CR-V. Front-seat passengers get 1,058 mm of legroom, compared to 1,049 mm. The rear seat folds in a 40/20/40 split, so you can carry long items and still seat two people in back.

The GT adds ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and ambient door lighting with seven colour choices. A panoramic sunroof is available on the GT.

Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Is Right for You?

The GX suits buyers who want AWD, the 12.9-inch screen, Google built-in and the full safety suite at the lowest price. It costs less than the front-wheel-drive CR-V LX.

The GS suits drivers who want more comfort for daily use. The heated steering wheel, power liftgate, 19-inch wheels and power memory seat add everyday convenience, and the GS still costs less than the base CR-V LX AWD.

The GT suits families who want the most features. The Bose system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and available 15.6-inch screen and Premium Package bring upscale features for less than the mid-range CR-V Sport Hybrid, and much less than the top-of-the-line CR-V Touring Hybrid.

Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Regina Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gives you standard AWD, an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, more torque and bigger screens for less money than the CR-V. Book a test drive at Regina Mazda in Regina, and our team will walk you through the GX, GS and GT trims side by side.