Comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, & Toyota RAV4
Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5, RAV4 & CR-V. See why the CX-5 with standard AWD is the best choice for New London drivers at Whaling City Mazda. Shop now!
Welcome to Whaling City Mazda! At our dealership in New London, CT, we have been putting our customers first since 1957. Our mission is to continue the legacy of providing the highest level of automotive service to drivers in Southeastern Connecticut and beyond. Today, we are taking a closer look at three of the most popular SUVs on the market: the 2026 Mazda CX-5, the 2026 Toyota RAV4, and the 2026 Honda CR-V. While each vehicle offers unique strengths, we believe the redesigned CX-5 provides the perfect balance of style, performance, and standard features for New London drivers.
First Impressions: Sophisticated Style Meets Real-World Stature
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been redesigned with a silhouette following the KODO: "Soul of Motion" design philosophy, creating a sense of movement even when standing still. Its signature wing and angular headlight elements give it a refined, athletic stance.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6 in. | 184.8 in. | 181 in. |
| Width | 73.2 in. | 73.5 in. | 73 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 8–8.2 in. | 7.8–8.2 in. | 8.1 in. |
The CR-V offers a rugged design with a slightly wider stance , while the RAV4 maintains a more compact length for easier parking. However, the CX-5 strikes a balanced middle ground, offering a sophisticated appearance with standard 17-inch or available 19-inch wheels to enhance its stability.
Built for the Drive: Power, Handling, and Standard AWD
When it comes to New England driving, capability is key. The Mazda CX-5 stands out by offering i-ACTIV AWD standard across every single trim level, ensuring you're ready for Connecticut winters without an extra upgrade.
- 2026 Mazda CX-5: Features a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L engine with Cylinder Deactivation and i-Stop, producing 186 lb-ft of torque. Sport and Off-road drive modes are standard on all models.
- 2026 Honda CR-V: Uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. AWD is available but not standard.
- 2026 Toyota RAV4: Offers an electrified performance with 236 combined hp and impressive fuel economy (up to 47 mpg city for FWD). AWD is available.
While the RAV4 excels in fuel efficiency and the CR-V offers slightly more horsepower, the CX-5 provides more standard torque than the CR-V and the peace of mind of standard AWD.
Interior Elegance: How Mazda Outclasses the Competition
What the CX-5 Offers
Inside the cabin, the CX-5 emphasizes premium materials and versatility. It comes standard with a leather-wrapped gear selector and steering wheel. For cargo, it features a 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback, offering 66.5 cubic feet of volume.
The Competition
The Honda CR-V provides the most storage volume at 76.5 cubic feet , though the leather-wrapped steering wheel is only available on its highest trim. The Toyota RAV4 offers available suede or leather-trimmed seats and a 60/40 split reclining rear seat , but its storage volume is more limited at 37.8 cubic feet.
Digital Sophistication: Connectivity That Puts You First
Mazda has equipped the 2026 CX-5 with impressive standard technology to keep you connected:
- 12.9-inch touchscreen center display (standard on all trims).
- 10.25-inch LCD meter display (standard on all trims).
- Standard 8-speaker audio with an available Bose 12-speaker system.
What Does the Competition Offer?
In comparison, the CR-V comes with a 9-inch touchscreen and a standard 4-speaker audio system. The RAV4 offers a 10.5-inch multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, along with an available 10-inch color head-up display.
Trim Levels: Finding Your Perfect Match
The CX-5 offers a competitive starting price and a clear path of upgrades, ranging from the 2.5 S at $29,990 to the 2.5 S Premium Plus at $38,990. The 2026 Honda CR-V starts slightly higher at $30,920 , and the Toyota RAV4 LE begins at $31,900, with top trims like the Limited reaching $43,300.
Why New London Drivers Choose the 2026 CX-5
While the CR-V offers more cargo space and the RAV4 provides hybrid efficiency, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the better choice for New London drivers who value a premium interior, standard AWD capability, and superior standard technology at a more accessible starting price. At Whaling City Mazda, you can view our 2026 Mazda CX-5 inventory or visit us in New London today for a test drive to see why we've been the area's trusted dealer since 1957!