2027 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2027 Honda CR-V: Standard AWD, More Torque and a Longer Wheelbase

The compact SUV is the vehicle many Canadian households rely on for everything from the school run to a long weekend away. The 2027 Mazda CX-5 and the 2027 Honda CR-V are two names that show up on almost every shortlist, so a side-by-side look is a smart step before you decide.

This guide compares the two where it counts most in daily driving: all-wheel drive, engine response, cabin space, technology, safety and warranty coverage. Across those areas, the CX-5 gives you a longer list of standard equipment and stronger protection for the years you own it.

At a Glance: 2027 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2027 Honda CR-V

i-Activ AWD Comes Standard on Every CX-5

Every 2027 CX-5 sends power to all four wheels through i-Activ AWD. There is no two-wheel-drive version to avoid and no extra box to tick. The CR-V lineup includes a 2WD LX, so all-wheel drive depends on the version you pick.

The CX-5 pairs its AWD system with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), which offers Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes. These modes adjust the transmission and the AWD system to suit the conditions. The latest G-Vectoring Control Plus adds an electronic brake limited-slip differential that improves traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.

A 2.5 L Engine and a 6-Speed Automatic

The CX-5 uses a Skyactiv-G 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. It works with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The CR-V gas models use a 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

That gives the CX-5 a larger engine, 7 lb-ft more torque and a transmission with six real gears. The result is a direct, predictable feel when you press the accelerator, which drivers notice when merging or passing.

• Towing capacity: 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
• Fuel tank: 58 L, 5 L larger than the CR-V's
• Fuel consumption: 9.9 L/100 km city, 7.9 L/100 km highway, 9.0 L/100 km combined

More Room Between the Wheels and a Bigger Screen

The CX-5 rides on a 2,815 mm wheelbase, which is 115 mm longer than the CR-V's. A longer wheelbase helps ride comfort and gives designers more space to work with inside. Rear passengers get 1,020 mm of headroom, 50 mm more than in the CR-V, and the rear seat reclines.

Cargo space measures 954 L behind the rear seats and 1,882 L with them folded. The rear seat splits 40/20/40, so you can carry long items down the middle and still seat two people in the back. The CR-V uses a 60/40 split.

Technology is another clear CX-5 strength. Every trim has a 12.9-inch centre touchscreen with Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, plus a 10.25-inch driver display. A 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever fitted to a Mazda, is available on the GT. The CR-V has a 9-inch touchscreen, and Google built-in is limited to select trims.

• 12.9-inch touchscreen and Google built-in from the GX trim up
• 8 speakers on the GX; 12-speaker Bose audio on the GT
• Front and rear parking sensors on every trim

Safety Credentials and Unlimited Mileage Warranty

The CX-5 holds the IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the highest honour IIHS gives. Standard i-Activsense features on every trim include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert.

Ownership protection sets Mazda apart from every other brand in Canada. According to CAA-Québec's 2026 New-Vehicle Warranties report, Mazda is the only automotive brand in the country with unlimited mileage coverage on both its New Vehicle Limited Warranty and its Powertrain Warranty. That means 3 years of new vehicle coverage and 5 years of powertrain coverage with no kilometre cap, plus 3 years of roadside assistance. High-mileage drivers keep full coverage for the whole term.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Start with how you drive. If you want all-wheel drive without having to choose the right version, the CX-5 has it on every trim. If you carry adults in the back seat, its longer wheelbase and extra rear headroom pay off on every trip. If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, the unlimited mileage warranty protects you no matter how far you go.

Add a 12.9-inch screen with Google built-in, front and rear parking sensors and an 8-speaker audio system on the entry GX trim, and the CX-5 delivers more of what compact SUV buyers ask for from the first trim to the last. It is the stronger choice of the two.

Drive the 2027 CX-5 at Metrotown Mazda

Numbers tell part of the story, and time behind the wheel tells the rest. Book a test drive at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby and bring your questions about trims, features and warranty coverage. Our product specialists will help you compare the CX-5 with anything else on your list.