The latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluations show a clear difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V when it comes to overall safety performance. Although both compact SUVs earned strong marks in several categories, only the Mazda CX-5 qualified for the organization’s highest safety recognition.
As two of the most popular compact crossovers on the U.S. market, the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V continue to attract buyers looking for a balance of practicality, comfort, and safety. With the IIHS publishing its first safety ratings for the redesigned 2026 CX-5, the results offer a direct comparison between the two Japanese rivals.
Crash Test Results Favor the Mazda CX-5
The IIHS evaluates vehicles in three major crashworthiness categories: Small Overlap Front, Moderate Overlap Front, and Side Impact. Each test receives one of four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
| Crash Test | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | Good | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good | Poor |
| Side Impact | Good | Good |
The Mazda CX-5 received the highest possible rating in all three crash tests, helping it earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
The Honda CR-V matched the Mazda in the Small Overlap Front and Side Impact evaluations but received a Poor rating in the Moderate Overlap Front test, preventing it from qualifying for an IIHS safety award.
Why the Honda CR-V Lost Ground
According to IIHS researchers, the Moderate Overlap Front test revealed an increased risk of chest injuries for rear-seat passengers in the Honda CR-V.
The organization also found that the rear-seat restraint system did not perform as effectively as expected. During the crash test, the shoulder belt moved too far upward toward the dummy’s neck, while the lap belt shifted from its intended position on the pelvis onto the abdomen.
Despite those findings, IIHS reported that front-seat occupants remained well protected in every crash test performed on the Honda CR-V.
Mazda Also Performs Better in Crash Prevention
Beyond crashworthiness, the IIHS evaluates how effectively a vehicle’s safety technology can prevent collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. Headlight performance is also included in the overall assessment.
| Safety Category | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle-to-Vehicle Crash Prevention | Good | Acceptable |
| Pedestrian Crash Prevention | Good | Acceptable |
| Headlights | Good or Acceptable (depending on trim) | Good |
The Mazda CX-5 successfully avoided collisions with another vehicle in all six IIHS crash-prevention evaluations. The Honda CR-V avoided a collision in four of the six tests.
At the highest evaluated speed of 43 mph, the Honda CR-V struck the second vehicle, while the Mazda CX-5 successfully avoided the collision.
In the pedestrian test simulating a child crossing the road during daylight, the Honda reduced its speed but still hit the dummy. The Mazda avoided the collision completely.
Honda Earns Better Headlight Ratings
One area where the Honda CR-V outperformed its rival was headlight performance. Every CR-V trim received a Good rating from the IIHS.
For the Mazda CX-5, headlight ratings vary by trim level. Some versions earned a Good rating, while lower-priced trims received an Acceptable rating.
Safety Comparison at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Crashworthiness | Mazda CX-5 | Highest ratings in all three crash tests. |
| Rear-Seat Protection | Mazda CX-5 | Honda CR-V received a Poor rating in the Moderate Overlap Front test. |
| Vehicle Crash Prevention | Mazda CX-5 | Avoided collisions in all six IIHS evaluations. |
| Pedestrian Crash Prevention | Mazda CX-5 | Avoided a collision in the child-crossing test. |
| Headlights | Honda CR-V | Good rating across every trim level. |
| IIHS Safety Award | Mazda CX-5 | Earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation. |
Bottom Line
Both the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V meet minimum safety requirements and provide a high level of occupant protection. However, the latest IIHS evaluations place the Mazda CX-5 ahead thanks to stronger crashworthiness scores, more effective crash-prevention systems, and its Top Safety Pick+ award, while the Honda CR-V’s lower rating in the Moderate Overlap Front test kept it from receiving the organization’s highest safety recognition.
