2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V: Three SUVs, One Standout

The latest crossovers from Mazda and Toyota play their hands against the carry-over Honda

2026 Mazda CX-5 v Toyota RAV4 v Honda CR-V

written by Emme Hall
edited by Steven Ewing
5/22/2026
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What's new: The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are new this year, while the Honda CR-V carries over.
Why it matters: Toyota and Honda offer hybrid powertrains options, but the Mazda doesn't — for now.
Edmunds says: In our testing, one of these very similar SUVs stands out above the rest.

The new Mazda CX-5 might not be better than Mazda's own CX-50, but what about traditional heavy-hitter competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4? The former is a segment stalwart, and the latter is all-new for 2026. So we put all three to the test, comparing fuel economy, driving dynamics and cabin tech to see which one most deserves your hard-earned dollars.

The price of power

The Honda CR-V is available with a 190-horsepower gas-only powertrain, but for this comparison, we have the CR-V Hybrid with 204 hp. Unfortunately, you can only get the hybrid powertrain on the CR-V's higher trim levels. So while a base CR-V starts at just over $32,000 including destination, the hybrid adds $4,000 to the bottom line, plus another $1,500 for all-wheel drive. If you want all the bells and whistles, the Sport Touring Hybrid comes close to $43,000.

The RAV4 is only available as a hybrid, with 236 hp; there's also a plug-in hybrid for those who can charge at home. The base LE trim starts at $33,495 with an added $1,400 for all-wheel drive. The top Limited trim gets into the mid-$40,000s, a few grand above the CR-V.

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The Mazda CX-5 doesn't have a hybrid option just yet. And without that electric boost, you're looking at just 187 hp. However, all-wheel drive is standard, and the CX-5 has the lowest starting price of the bunch, with the base S model coming in at $31,485. On the top end, the S Premium Plus still maxes out a few thousand bucks less than the Honda and Toyota.

Let's talk tech

In terms of cabin tech, the Honda lags behind its competitors. The screen measures just 9 inches, but it's got a simple setup with everything you need and nothing you don't. The Sport Touring gets the Google Built-In suite with Google Maps, the Google Assistant and the Play Store. But with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all trim levels, I'm not sure the whole Google integration is really necessary.

Toyota upgraded its technology for 2026. A 10.5-inch screen comes standard, but a 12.9-inch touchscreen is optional on some trims, and it's super easy to use and very responsive to inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, and there is even a built-in dashcam for every RAV4. It's not the prettiest system out there, but it works, and works well.

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2026 Mazda CX-5 pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Mazda dropped its traditional rotary controller in favor of a touchscreen this year. The 15.6-inch screen on the range-topping CX-5 is the largest in the segment, but you won't feel like you're missing anything with the standard 12.9-inch screen found in the rest of the lineup. The Mazda's menus are neatly organized, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available with wireless connectivity on all but the lowest trim.

On the road and at the pump

The CX-5 has lost a bit of its on-road verve in this generation. Part of that is the lack of horsepower — and the fact that there's no longer a turbocharged engine option — but the handling is a downgrade too. The Mazda used to stand out as a sporty little SUV, but now it's just your run-of-the-mill family hauler. And since it doesn't have any hybrid assist, the best fuel economy you'll get is an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined.

The CR-V, meanwhile, returns a combined 40 mpg with front-wheel drive, and it has great ride quality and decent handling. All-wheel drive dips the fuel economy down to 37 mpg, which is still 11 mpg better than the Mazda. The Honda's engine can get a bit noisy when you lay into the throttle to eke out power, but overall the CR-V provides a solid if uninspired driving experience.

In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4 takes the crown. With front-wheel drive, the RAV4 returns up to 43 mpg combined, but even all-wheel-drive models deliver at least 41 mpg, save for the Woodland with its more aggressive off-road tires. The RAV4 is peppy and smooth, though it suffers a bit with wind noise. That's a small trade-off for great fuel economy.

Which one is best?

If you're price-conscious and want a good-looking SUV in your driveway, the CX-5 is your best choice. It's lost some of its sportiness and we'd like to see a hybrid version, but it's still a fine option with plenty of standout features. The CR-V is best for families on the go who value practicality over all else.

Still, at the end of the day, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the best of these three popular crossovers, thanks to its excellent fuel economy, useful interior and zippy performance.

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by Emme Hall

Emme Hall is an award-winning automotive journalist who has been testing and evaluating vehicles since 2009. During that time she's written for the likes of Car and Driver, MotorTrend, TechCrunch, The Verge, Jalopnik, Motor1 and SAE Automotive. You may have also seen her on video with CNET Roadshow, TFL Car, The Hoonigans and Top Gear: American Tuned. Emme is an accomplished off-road racer, having won her class in the Mint 400 in her 2001 lifted and supercharged Miata named Buddy. She also won the Rebelle Rally twice and was the and was the first to campaign an EV in the competition. Emme enjoys adventure travel and hopes to one day explore the Himalayas in a tuk tuk.

edited by Steven Ewing

Steven Ewing is Edmunds' director of editorial content. An automotive journalist for more than half of his life, Ewing's been on staff at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog, Motor1.com, CNET, and he was the U.S. correspondent for Top Gear magazine. He's also contributed to publications like Automobile magazine, Car and Driver, The Drive, Jalopnik, Porsche Panorama, and more. Ewing has worked in the automotive industry since 2003. From testing prototype cars in the Arctic Circle to spilling a beer on a Formula 1 driver at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (oops), he's always got an interesting story to tell.

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