2025 Mazda CX-30 Vs. 2026 Honda HR-V: 5 Major Differences

Miami Herald

8 hours ago

While small crossovers might not be as popular as their larger siblings, they can bring incredible value to the road for the right driver. The Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V are two close competitors, with similar pricing and equipment. Once they're compared head-to-head, however, each crossover has some distinct advantages over the other.
Small crossovers are some of the most affordable vehicles in the automotive industry. When it comes down to the 2026 Honda HR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-30, there's a decisive winner. The Mazda CX-30 is priced from $25,195, while the Honda HR-V starts at $26,200. That difference grows larger once you take into account that the CX-30 comes with all-wheel drive, while the HR-V comes with front-wheel drive.
At the top of the range, the difference in price shrinks, although the CX-30 still has the advantage of standard AWD. The top-spec Honda HR-V EX-L is available from $30,050 and includes leather-trimmed seats, an eight-speaker audio system, and a nine-inch touchscreen display. The most comparably-equipped Mazda CX-30 model, the 2.5 S Carbon Edition, is available from $30,140. It comes equipped with an eight-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display.
Compact crossovers, as their segment name implies, aren't the most spacious, but they still offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V have comparable wheelbases, measuring 104.4 and 104.5 inches, respectively. Despite that similarity, the HR-V has a significant advantage when it comes to both passenger and cargo space.
The Honda HR-V boasts up to 98.7 cu ft. of passenger space, with 39.4 inches of front headroom, 55.2 inches of rear shoulder room, and 37.7 inches of rear legroom. The Mazda CX-30 tops out at 94.1 cu ft. of passenger space without a moonroof, and it only tops the HR-V in a handful of measurements. In terms of cargo space, the Honda HR-V offers 24.4 cu ft. with the rear seats in their upright position, topping the Mazda CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. With the rear seats stowed or folded down, the Honda HR-V packs in 55.1 cu ft. of cargo space, while the CX-30 boasts just 45.2 cu ft.
Both the 2026 Honda HR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-30 come equipped with a long list of standard safety systems, but convenient infotainment options are a major purchasing factor for many drivers. In that sense, the Honda HR-V has several advantages over its rival. While the CX-30 features an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, the HR-V comes with a slightly larger nine-inch screen. The HR-V also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across all trim levels, whereas you'll have to upgrade to the CX-30 2.5 S Carbon Edition to get rid of the wire. The Honda HR-V also comes with a standard wireless smartphone charging pad on all models, a feature that is reserved for higher CX-30 models.
When it comes to performance, the Mazda CX-30 is the clear winner. In addition to standard AWD, the CX-30 comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. If you aren't a fan of CVTs, the Mazda CX-30's power is transmitted via a six-speed automatic transmission, making it a great alternative. In terms of efficiency, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is rated for 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The Honda HR-V comes stocked with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. FWD comes standard, but you can upgrade to AWD for $1,500. 2026 Honda HR-V FWD models are rated for 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to AWD reduces fuel economy by one to two miles per gallon, respectively.
If you move up the Mazda CX-30 range, there's a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the docket. With premium fuel, that engine produces up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Power continues to be delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission. Efficiency takes a slight hit, with turbocharged CX-30 models earning up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Outside of a new native navigation system and more controls via voice commands, the Mazda CX-30 doesn't have many notable changes on the docket for the 2025 model year. That's not the case for the 2026 Honda HR-V. In addition to a slightly refreshed styling, the HR-V comes stocked with an updated list of standard equipment.
Perhaps most notably, all 2026 Honda HR-V models now include a nine-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Rear privacy glass now comes standard on all trims as well, and the base LX model rides on gray 17-inch alloy wheels. The mid-tier Sport model gets a bit more stylish, with black tailgate badging and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The EX-L model gets new 18-inch wheels as well. Inside, the EX-L trim rounds out the major changes with silver steering wheel spokes, dynamic climate control knob lighting, and front footwell lighting.
When it comes down to brass tacks, a small crossover can make for a great first car, as well as a viable option for drivers looking to downsize. With affordable pricing, respectable efficiency, and key features that hit all the right notes, it's hard to go wrong with either the Mazda CX-30 or Honda HR-V. If driving dynamics are the name of the game, however, the former's more powerful engine and standard all-wheel drive make it the easy choice. If you're more techy or need more space, then the HR-V's interior is likely the better option.
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