2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a more affordable option for those seeking an electrified SUV experience. With a base price of $48,909, including destination and other fees, the CR-V EX-L Hybrid trim offered a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. However, the interior was relatively basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, featured Canyon River Blue paint and no optional accessories. Its conservative styling, with a technical face resembling an angry robot, was expected to age well, though it carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. The best viewing angle was from the rear quarter, where Volvo-adjacent taillights and a tidy design gave the CR-V an upscale appearance. Inside, the Touring featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous details that imparted a sense of quality, such as the sound of the doors when slammed shut and the soft-touch upper dashboard pad.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a compelling interplay of light, shadow, and reflection, while a short front overhang, long hood, and a cabin placement that positioned most of the visual mass over the rear axle contributed to a low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's elegantly rendered interior featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, design-related complaints revolved around ergonomics, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these issues, the CX-90's interior was convincingly upscale, and the vehicle oozed sophistication compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid drive system, combining an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to all four wheels, providing a relatively quiet and compliant ride with predictable handling traits. However, the CR-V Hybrid fell short of its fuel economy expectations, achieving 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop compared to the expected 6.4 L/100 km. The steering was noted for its unusually heavy effort level, even in Normal driving mode, but the CR-V remained easy to drive with hints of fun.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, offered three powertrain variants, including the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models generated 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The power flowed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after engine start-up. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the vehicle suffered from a general lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness, and the fussy electronic shifter didn't inspire confidence.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive control layout, and comfortable seats. The CR-V featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The roomy back seat and wide-opening rear doors made it easy to install child safety seats, while adults found the back seat comfortable with generous legroom. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo area provided 1,028 litres of space, expanding to 2,030 litres with the back seat folded down.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats, struggled with climate control efficiency. The panoramic sunroof offered ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, the CX-90's unusually long rear doors could make loading children challenging. The third row was best reserved for children, and the CX-90's cargo space was smaller than some rivals, with 451 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was basic and struggled with conversational commands. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a standard walk-away automatic locking feature for added peace of mind.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the centre console. The CX-90's voice recognition system was hit and miss, but the vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display. The CX-90's blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for 2024, though it was a downgrade from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. The CX-90 offered a comprehensive list of driver aids, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. However, the CX-90's driver aids occasionally caused irritation with excessive warning chimes.