Honda
Honda Accord (2026)
$28395Cheaper
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Honda Accord (2026) vs Mazda CX-5 (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Honda Accord (2026) is cheaper at $28395. Every spec and price links to its source.
Mazda
Mazda CX-5 (2026)
$29990
Released 2026
Which is better: the Honda Accord (2026) or Mazda CX-5 (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Honda Accord (2026) is the cheaper at $28395.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Honda Accord (2026) | Mazda CX-5 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $28395 | $29990 |
| Brand | Honda | Mazda |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | midsize sedan | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 32 | 26 |
| Horsepower | 192 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 1.5L inline-4 turbocharged, automatic CVT | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Honda Accord (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Mazda CX-5 (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Honda Accord (2026) and Mazda CX-5 (2026)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Body style: Honda Accord (2026) midsize sedan vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) compact SUV
- Mpg combined: Honda Accord (2026) 32 vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) 26
- Horsepower: Honda Accord (2026) 192 vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) 187
- Drivetrain: Honda Accord (2026) FWD vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) AWD
- Powertrain: Honda Accord (2026) 1.5L inline-4 turbocharged, automatic CVT vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Honda Accord (2026)
Two whitelisted testers with hands-on track data — Car and Driver and MotorTrend — rate the 2026 Accord a class leader (C/D's 10Best pick and #1 midsize sedan, MT #2). Both praise its ride, handling and hybrid efficiency; both flag the lack of all-wheel drive and thin gas-trim options. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Composed ride, precise steering and confident handling; Efficient, punchy hybrid powertrain preferred over the gas engine; Spacious interior with a large trunk.
Flagged: No all-wheel drive offered, unlike several rivals; Few standalone options; base gas trims miss hybrid-grade features; Wind and road noise noticeable at highway speed.
Mazda CX-5 (2026)
Two whitelisted outlets reviewed the redesigned 2026 CX-5. Both praise the roomier cabin, upscale materials and retained fun-to-drive handling, while faulting the dropped turbo, modest acceleration and the loss of physical controls. Only Car and Driver ran instrumented numbers (0-60 in 8.0 sec, 173-ft braking, 0.83 g skidpad); MotorTrend's first drive was hands-on but unmeasured. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Retains engaging, fun-to-drive handling and Mazda driving character; Roomier rear seat and larger cargo area after the redesign; Upscale, class-above interior materials.
Flagged: Loss of physical switchgear, especially the volume knob; No turbo option; modest, unremarkable acceleration from carryover 2.5L; Mediocre / mid-pack fuel economy (26 mpg combined).