Verdict
The Honda CR-V costs RM178,200 against the Mazda CX-5’s RM134,469, a RM43,731 stretch that buys a hybrid system with two motors, an 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time and a much larger 589-litre boot. It is also 141 mm longer, so its extra luggage room is no surprise. The CX-5 counters with a 162 hp, 213 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine versus the CR-V’s 146 hp, 190 Nm petrol engine, but it is slower at 10.4 seconds to 100 km/h. For a Malaysian family, the Honda’s safety kit and space make the stronger case if the budget reaches it.
Pick the Honda CR-V if you want hybrid performance, a 589-litre boot and Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you want to save RM43,731, prefer a conventional six-speed automatic and can accept less boot space and active safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Honda CR-V RM178,200; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469.
- 0-100 km/h: Honda CR-V 8.9 seconds; Mazda CX-5 10.4 seconds.
- Boot space: Honda CR-V 589 litres; Mazda CX-5 442 litres.
- Power and torque: Honda CR-V petrol engine 146 hp and 190 Nm; Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Length: Honda CR-V 4,691 mm; Mazda CX-5 4,550 mm.
- Warranty mileage: Honda CR-V unlimited; Mazda CX-5 100,000 km.
CR-V
- Two-motor hybrid system with 181 hp and 335 Nm motor output
- 589-litre boot, 147 litres larger than the CX-5’s
- Honda Sensing, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- RM43,731 more expensive
- Petrol engine produces 146 hp and 190 Nm versus the CX-5’s 162 hp and 213 Nm
- No wireless phone charger; the CX-5 has one
CX-5
- RM43,731 lower purchase price
- 162 hp and 213 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with manual shift and Sport mode
- 442-litre boot is 147 litres smaller
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind-spot information system
- 100,000 km warranty limit versus the CR-V’s unlimited mileage cover
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM178,200 | RM134,469✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM437✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Atkinson Cycle Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,993 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 146 hp | 162 hp✓ |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 213 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.9 | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 181 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 335 Nm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.9 seconds✓ | 10.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 185 km/h✓ | 176 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,691 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,866 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,681 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,701 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,616 kg | 1,588 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 57 litres | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 589 litres✓ | 442 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 225/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental CrossContact LX Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtains, Front Knee Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Driver's Memory, 4-way Power Adjustable Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline and Sliding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Power Boot with Hands-Free Function | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CR-V & CX-5 for sale
CR-V vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 better?
The Honda CR-V is the better family all-rounder if budget permits: it is quicker, has a 589-litre boot and adds autonomous braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring. The Mazda CX-5 is the lower-cost choice with stronger petrol-engine figures.
What is the price difference?
The Honda CR-V costs RM43,731 more than the Mazda CX-5. That gap accompanies its two-motor hybrid setup, 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time, larger 589-litre boot and more comprehensive driver-assistance equipment.
Which has the better safety equipment?
The Honda CR-V has the fuller active-safety package, adding Honda Sensing autonomous braking, steering-correction lane keeping, collision warning and blind-spot information. Both have ABS/EBD, stability control, six airbags, ISOFIX and rear parking sensors.