Comparison · family SUVs

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Honda CR-V does better at the MOT, with a score of 109 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 260,089 real MOT tests in 2024.

Honda CR-V

109Well above average
MOT tests194,809

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testHonda CR-VMazda CX-5
3–5 years
107Above average
102About average
6–9 years
112Well above average
104Above average
10–14 years
119Well above average
102Above average
15+ years
100About average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearHonda CR-VMazda CX-5
202192.4%89.2%
202092.6%88.2%
201991.6%86.7%
201888.9%85.9%
201786.6%84.5%
201686.3%79.3%
201585.0%76.4%
201482.3%72.8%
201381.0%66.3%
201275.3%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaHonda CR-VMazda CX-5
Lights & electrics15.73.6
Suspension11.46.0
Brakes6.85.2
Tyres5.44.4
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.63.3
Emissions & leaks3.41.9
Steering2.62.6
Body & chassis2.90.2

Honda CR-V: top failures

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
  4. Stop lamp: not working1.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5?

The Honda CR-V does better at the MOT, with a score of 109 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The Honda CR-V had the higher pass rate in 10 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 0.

What fails most on each?

Honda CR-V: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; position lamp: not working. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.