Honda HR-V vs. Mazda CX-5
The 2026 Honda HR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,520 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Mazda CX-5 counters with more cargo room (33.7 vs 24.4 cu ft).
Go with the Honda HR-V for the better long-term value; consider the Mazda CX-5 if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda HR-V vs. Mazda CX-5
| Metric | Honda HR-V | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 78 | 73 |
| Cost of Ownership | 91 | 84 |
| Powertrain | 62 | 62 |
| Driver Assistance | 43 | 32 |
| Livability | 54 | 51 |
| Safety | 79 | 80 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $37,922 | $43,442 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $8,533 | $12,146 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $12,027 | $12,829 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $9,135 | $9,545 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $1,915 | $1,765 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $1,500 | $1,750 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $3,987 | $4,512 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $825 | $895 |
| Starting Price | $26,500 | $29,990 |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 187 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 24.4 cu ft | 33.7 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,500 lbs |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Honda HR-V scores higher overall.
Which vehicle is right for you
Honda HR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,520 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-5 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Honda HR-V ranks #1 of 3 in Best Compact SUV and #1 of 3 in Cheapest Compact SUV to Own.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in Texaswhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Californiawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Floridawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in New Yorkwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in New Jerseywhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →