2025 Honda HR-V LX vs 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S

$2,150 less and 2 mpg better vs 29 more hp and 48 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,150 price gap, 158 vs 187 hp, 27 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The HR-V LX leads on $2,150 less, 2 MPG better. The CX-5 2.5 S leads on 29 more hp, 48 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$2,150
Price Gap
29 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Honda HR-V LX
Starts at $26,900
VS
Higher price
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S
Starts at $29,050

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.0L I4
vs
2.5L I4
Horsepower
158 hp
vs
187 hp
Torque
138 lb-ft
vs
186 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
27 MPG combined
vs
25 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,276 lbs
vs
3,679 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$26,900HR-V LX
$29,050CX-5 2.5 S
Engine
2.0L I4HR-V LX
2.5L I4CX-5 2.5 S
Horsepower
158 hpHR-V LX
187 hpCX-5 2.5 S
Torque
138 lb-ftHR-V LX
186 lb-ftCX-5 2.5 S
Transmission
continuously variable-speed automaticHR-V LX
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-5 2.5 S
City MPG
25HR-V LX
23CX-5 2.5 S
Highway MPG
30HR-V LX
29CX-5 2.5 S
Combined MPG
27HR-V LX
25CX-5 2.5 S
Fuel Tank
14.0 galHR-V LX
15.3 galCX-5 2.5 S
Curb Weight
3,276 lbsHR-V LX
3,679 lbsCX-5 2.5 S
Wheelbase
104.5"HR-V LX
106.2"CX-5 2.5 S
Length
179.8"HR-V LX
180.1"CX-5 2.5 S
Width
72.4"HR-V LX
72.6"CX-5 2.5 S
Height
63.4"HR-V LX
66.1"CX-5 2.5 S

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Honda HR-V LX2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S
Pricing
MSRP$26,900$29,050
Powertrain
Engine2.0L I42.5L I4
Horsepower158 hp187 hp
Torque138 lb-ft186 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2523
Highway MPG3029
Combined MPG2725
Fuel Tank14.0 gal15.3 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,600/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,276 lbs3,679 lbs
Wheelbase104.5"106.2"
Length179.8"180.1"
Width72.4"72.6"
Height63.4"66.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Honda HR-V LX and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S?

The 2025 Honda HR-V LX starts at $26,900, $2,150 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S at $29,050. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $38/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Honda HR-V LX?

The 2025 Honda HR-V LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,150 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda HR-V LX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $124/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S is the stronger pick when you prefer the Mazda approach to the compact SUV segment.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Honda HR-V LX or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S?

The 2025 Honda HR-V LX rates 27 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Honda HR-V LX or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S produces 187 hp, 29 more than the 2025 Honda HR-V LX at 158 hp. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S also leads in torque at 186 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda HR-V LX runs a 2.0L I4; the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S uses a 2.5L I4.

Is the 2025 Honda HR-V LX bigger than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S is 0.3″ longer at 180.1″ vs 179.8″. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S has a 1.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Honda trims, Honda HR-V trims, Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims

Official sources

The HR-V–CX-5 Decision

Cross-shopping subcompact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the HR-V and CX-5 compare. The $2,150 gap is about $38/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2025 Honda HR-V LX runs a 2.0L I4; the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S uses a 2.5L I4. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S has 29 more hp (187 vs 158), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S adds 48 more lb-ft of torque (186 vs 138), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2025 Honda HR-V LX saves roughly $124/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $620. The 2025 Honda HR-V LX wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Living With the HR-V vs the CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S weighs 403 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

The Decision

Choose the 2025 Honda HR-V LX when you want to keep $2,150 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda HR-V LX covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S when you prefer the Mazda approach to the compact SUV segment. At $38/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or Mazda or any dealership.

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