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

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a sporty exterior with its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though its interior was relatively basic. The Sport-L Hybrid offered an upgrade with leather-lined interiors, while the Sport Touring Hybrid topped the lineup. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, featured Canyon River Blue paint and a price tag of $41,175, including destination charges. Its conservative styling, with a technical face and tusks framing the lower air intake, gave it a unique look, though it carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. The rear quarter view was its best angle, with Volvo-adjacent taillights and a tidy design. Inside, the Sport Touring boasted leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers, contributing to a sophisticated cabin feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded luxury with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle gave it a low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, like a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel, standing out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to either the front or all four wheels. The EPA estimated 37 mpg in combined driving for the Sport Touring, but our test vehicle returned 32.4 mpg on a mountainous loop. The CR-V Hybrid offered a quiet ride with predictable handling, though the steering felt unusually heavy. While it was easy to drive, it lacked the off-road capability and driving excitement some might seek in a compact SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo, with its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo S variant offered even more power, with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but the lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness detracted from the experience.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while the front passenger seat offered similar comfort. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel enhanced comfort on chilly days. The CR-V's back seat was roomy, with a high bottom cushion for leg support and adjustable backrest angles. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's long rear doors facilitated loading and unloading. Cargo space was limited, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system delivered a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display provided helpful data, and the blind-spot monitoring system added an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The CR-V earned impressive ratings from the IIHS, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2023.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It also earned five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.