2026 Honda HR-V EX-L vs 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition
$2,560 less and 2 mpg better vs 69 more hp and 172 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,560 price gap, 158 vs 227 hp, 27 vs 25 MPG.
The HR-V EX-L leads on $2,560 less, 2 MPG better. The CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition leads on 69 more hp, 172 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L | 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,850 | $34,410 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 27 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.0 gal | 12.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,600/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,336 lbs | 3,527 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 104.4" |
| Length | 179.8" | 173.0" |
| Width | 72.4" | 70.7" |
| Height | 63.4" | 61.4" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L and 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L starts at $31,850, $2,560 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition at $34,410. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $45/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L?
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,560 in your pocket and the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $124/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition is the stronger pick when the extra 69 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L or 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L rates 27 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L or 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition produces 227 hp, 69 more than the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L at 158 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft. The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L bigger than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L is 6.8″ longer at 179.8″ vs 173.0″. The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L has a 0.1″ 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-30 trims
How the HR-V and CX-30 Stack Up
Two subcompact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L ($31,850) and 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition ($34,410) solve similar problems in different ways. The $2,560 gap is about $45/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: HR-V vs CX-30
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition has 69 more hp (227 vs 158). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition adds 172 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 138), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L saves roughly $124/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $620. The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L when you want to keep $2,560 in your pocket and the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition when the extra 69 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $45/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.