Compact SUV shoppers in McKinney often end up cross-shopping the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Honda CR-V. This page keeps the focus on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 while using current official model-year information to provide a clear, neutral side-by-side look at how these two popular SUVs compare.
El Dorado Mazda shoppers can review CX-50 pricing, trim highlights, available capability, and a straightforward comparison against another popular compact SUV category entry.
On paper, these two compact SUVs overlap closely in size and purpose, but they do not start from the same place. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select begins with standard i-Activ AWD, a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, and an outdoor-oriented design. The 2026 Honda CR-V LX starts with front-wheel drive, a turbocharged 1.5L engine, and one of the most spacious cabins in the segment on paper.
That makes the next step less about declaring a universal winner and more about deciding which details matter most to your daily drive: standard AWD, cargo room, passenger space, towing, infotainment, and the kind of trim structure that fits the way you use a compact SUV in North Texas.
When you are ready to move from research into a closer look at the CX-50, El Dorado Mazda offers a simple next stop for McKinney-area drivers.
| Category | 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select AWD | 2026 Honda CR-V LX 2WD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29,900 MSRP plus $1,495 destination and handling | $30,920 starting MSRP |
| Engine | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder | 1.5L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | Standard i-Activ AWD | 2WD standard, AWD available |
| EPA-Estimated MPG | 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined | 28 city / 33 highway / 30 combined |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 31.4 cu ft behind rear seat / 56.3 cu ft with rear seat folded | 39.3 cu ft behind second row / 76.5 cu ft max |
| Passenger Volume | 100.3 cu ft | 106.0 cu ft |
| Headroom (front / rear) | 39.1 in / 38.6 in | 40.0 in / 38.2 in |
| Legroom (front / rear) | 41.7 in / 39.8 in | 41.3 in / 41.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 106.3 in |
| Length | 185.8 in | 184.8 in |
| Base Display / Driver Display | 10.25-inch center display / 7-inch TFT meter display | 9-inch touch-screen / 7.0-inch TFT meter display |
Published figures above reflect current official 2026 model-year information from Mazda USA, Honda, and El Dorado Mazda. Mazda CX-50 MSRP shown is Mazda's published starting MSRP before destination and handling, while Honda pricing is shown as published on Honda's 2026 CR-V trim-comparison page.
The 2026 CX-50 lineup begins with standard i-Activ AWD and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select. For shoppers who want all-weather confidence or trail-ready flexibility without stepping up into an option package, that changes the value story right away.
Even naturally aspirated CX-50 models publish up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity, while turbo models push that figure as high as 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. For many buyers, that makes the CX-50 easier to picture as an everyday SUV that can still handle weekend gear or light towing needs.
El Dorado Mazda's CX-50 research emphasizes outdoor flexibility, a panoramic moonroof on select trims, roof-rail utility, and a cargo floor designed to carry gear lengthwise. The result is a vehicle that feels intentionally shaped around active use instead of simply maximizing cabin volume.
Mazda's 2026 CX-50 materials point to Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Mazda Connected Services, and a 10.25-inch center display in the naturally aspirated lineup. The cabin approach stays simple and driver-oriented while still covering the features many shoppers expect every day.
For shoppers comparing compact SUVs online, this is often where the CX-50 starts to feel meaningfully different from the CR-V even before a test drive enters the conversation.
The 2.5 S Select serves as the entry point into the naturally aspirated CX-50 lineup and is the trim used in this comparison. It includes standard i-Activ AWD, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, a wireless phone charger, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
Moving up the lineup adds features like a panoramic moonroof, rear power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, all-terrain tire options, ventilated front seats, and higher-end seating materials. These trims are a strong fit for shoppers who want more convenience without moving into the turbo lineup.
El Dorado Mazda also highlights turbo and hybrid CX-50 models for shoppers who want more power or a different efficiency path. Turbo models raise towing capacity and horsepower, while hybrid trims push total system output to 219 horsepower and up to an EPA-estimated 38 combined mpg.
*MSRP shown reflects Mazda's published starting MSRP and excludes taxes, title, license fees, destination and handling, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer pricing may vary.
Cross-shopping usually gets clearer once you sit in the vehicle, check second-row space for yourself, and see which trim structure makes the most sense for your budget. El Dorado Mazda can help you review available CX-50 inventory, compare trims, and line up a test drive close to home.
Visit us at 2150 N. Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070 or call 972-928-0673 to connect with the sales team.
For many shoppers, the first difference is packaging. The 2026 CX-50 starts with standard all-wheel drive and a more adventure-oriented design, while the 2026 Honda CR-V LX starts with front-wheel drive and emphasizes passenger and cargo space on the published spec sheet.
Yes. Mazda lists i-Activ AWD as standard across the 2026 CX-50 gas lineup, including the naturally aspirated 2.5 S models and turbo models.
On the published specification sheet, yes. The CR-V lists more cargo volume and more passenger volume than the gas CX-50, along with more rear legroom. The CX-50 counters with standard AWD and a different capability-focused layout.
You can visit El Dorado Mazda at 2150 N. Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070 to explore available CX-50 inventory and schedule a test drive. If you want to confirm trim availability first, call 972-928-0673.
That pairing gives shoppers a clean starting point by comparing entry-level gas trims from each lineup. It helps show how price, standard drivetrain, fuel economy, cargo room, and everyday features stack up before moving deeper into upper trims or hybrid variants.
