2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select vs 2026 Honda CR-V EX

$4,750 less vs 3 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,750 price gap, 187 vs 190 hp, 26 vs 29 MPG.

The short answer

The CX-50 2.5 S Select leads on $4,750 less. The CR-V EX leads on 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$4,750
Price Gap
3 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select
Starts at $29,900
VS
Higher price
2026 Honda CR-V EX
Starts at $34,650

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
190 hp
Torque
185 lb-ft
vs
179 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
29 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,741 lbs
vs
3,616 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$29,900CX-50 2.5 S Select
$34,650CR-V EX
Engine
2.5L I4CX-50 2.5 S Select
1.5L I4 TurboCR-V EX
Horsepower
187 hpCX-50 2.5 S Select
190 hpCR-V EX
Torque
185 lb-ftCX-50 2.5 S Select
179 lb-ftCR-V EX
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-50 2.5 S Select
continuously variable-speed automaticCR-V EX
City MPG
24CX-50 2.5 S Select
27CR-V EX
Highway MPG
30CX-50 2.5 S Select
31CR-V EX
Combined MPG
26CX-50 2.5 S Select
29CR-V EX
Fuel Tank
15.9 galCX-50 2.5 S Select
14.0 galCR-V EX
Curb Weight
3,741 lbsCX-50 2.5 S Select
3,616 lbsCR-V EX
Wheelbase
110.8"CX-50 2.5 S Select
106.3"CR-V EX
Length
185.8"CX-50 2.5 S Select
184.8"CR-V EX
Width
75.6"CX-50 2.5 S Select
73.5"CR-V EX
Height
63.5"CX-50 2.5 S Select
66.5"CR-V EX

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.

Spec2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select2026 Honda CR-V EX
Pricing
MSRP$29,900$34,650
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I41.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower187 hp190 hp
Torque185 lb-ft179 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2427
Highway MPG3031
Combined MPG2629
Fuel Tank15.9 gal14.0 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,500/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,741 lbs3,616 lbs
Wheelbase110.8"106.3"
Length185.8"184.8"
Width75.6"73.5"
Height63.5"66.5"
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 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select and 2026 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select starts at $29,900, $4,750 less than the 2026 Honda CR-V EX at $34,650. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $83/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,750 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2026 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $167/year less on fuel.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2026 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX rates 29 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2026 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX produces 190 hp, 3 more than the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select at 187 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select also leads in torque at 185 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Honda CR-V EX uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select bigger than the 2026 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select is 1.0″ longer at 185.8″ vs 184.8″. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select has a 4.5″ 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: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-50 trims, Honda trims, Honda CR-V trims

Official sources

CX-50 vs CR-V: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select and 2026 Honda CR-V EX sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $4,750 gap adds up to $83/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Under the Hood

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Honda CR-V EX uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 3 hp difference (190 vs 187) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

Running Costs: CX-50 vs CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V EX saves roughly $167/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $835.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select when you want to keep $4,750 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Honda CR-V EX when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $167/year less on fuel. At $83/month more, the 2026 Honda CR-V EX needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

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 Mazda or Honda or any dealership.

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