The Honda CR-V Hybrid Faces Off Against the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

The Honda CR-V Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid are top performers in their segment. Find out which of these impressive compact SUVs takes home the prize.

There’s no denying that the CR-V is one of the most popular Honda SUVs for sale today. The same can be said of the CX-50 for Mazda. The question is, how do the hybrid variants of these two popular compact SUVs compare? Let’s find out.

Which Hybrid SUV Offers More Bang for the Buck?

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is available at the top three trim levels of the compact SUV’s lineup: the Sport, Sport L, and Sport Touring. It combines a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to maximize power and efficiency. The system puts out 204 hp.

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid isn’t the cream of the crop. It falls in the middle of the CX-50 lineup between the base four-cylinder and more powerful turbo options and is available on the Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus models.

Despite falling in the middle of the lineup’s trim levels, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid costs nearly as much as the Honda CR-V. The difference is that the Honda SUVs for sale come with more desirable accouterments found on higher trims.

How the Interior and Exterior Styling Compare

Honda’s most recent CR-V model features a squared-off appearance compared to its predecessors and has black wheels and trim. The Mazda CX-50 has a more wagon-like appearance with a long hood and set-back cabin.

The differences continue to pile up when you climb inside the two SUVs. The CR-V wins the battle regarding outward visibility and layout. Drivers can see what’s going on around them easily and will have no problem learning the straightforward controls.

The Mazda CX-50 outperforms its rival regarding materials, featuring soft leather accents at the highest trim level. However, it has a lower roofline, which reduces visibility and the space available for passengers.

Infotainment Technology in Two Modern SUVs

Hybrid SUVs are supposed to appeal to modern drivers who prioritize efficiency, style, and comfort. The infotainment centers in these two vehicles don’t necessarily add to that effect in the same ways.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid’s infotainment system features a nine-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring and charging in the top trims. The Mazda CX-50’s infotainment center isn’t as easy to use, featuring a knob and buttons rather than a touchscreen. Touchscreen functionality is only available with wireless smartphone mirroring enabled.

Fuel Economy and Driveability

The Honda CR-V Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highways. The CX-50 Hybrid performs similarly at 39 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Few drivers will decide based solely on this aspect of hybrid ownership.

The Honda CR-V wins out for most when it comes to driveability. The Sport trim levels feature firmer suspension tuning and stronger anti-roll bars than the lower-trim non-hybrid models, giving it an edge on less-than-perfect roads. The CX-50 has a stiffer ride.

Drivers who need to choose between these Mazda and Honda SUVs for sale shouldn’t take our word that the CR-V is a better buy. They should head to their local dealership to take one for a test drive and find out why for themselves.