Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Toyota isn't the only dependable Japanese brand aroundMost of the world’s never-say-die cars come out of Japan, and we’re not only referring to Toyotas. Conservative but thorough engineering can also be seen in Mazda and Honda models, many of which last for hundreds of thousands of miles. In our recent reliability comparison between Toyota and Mazda, the two brands were more closely matched than expected, but what about Mazda vs. Honda? To answer that question, we’ll compare both brands’ reliability rankings using surveys and data from sources like Consumer Reports, JD Power, and others. Read on to find out which one comes out on top. Consumer Reports: Honda Surges Ahead2026 Honda CR-VHondaThe latest brand reliability ratings from Consumer Reports draw data from approximately 380,000 vehicles between the 2000 and 2025 model years, making it one of the largest reliability surveys of its kind. It is based on 20 problem areas, from smaller trim issues to serious engine and transmission defects. This survey assesses all powertrain types, including fully electric vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the latest rankings, Toyota ranked first out of 28 brands with a predicted reliability score of 66. Honda achieved a fourth-placed finish with a score of 59, but Mazda was down at 14th (roughly in the middle) with a score of 43. All other Japanese brands finished ahead of Mazda. The maker of the MX-5 dropped by eight spots in the latest survey, with its overall score dragged down by poor performances from the CX-70 and CX-90 crossovers. It also suffered because the CX-5 didn’t form part of the 2026 predicted reliability ratings, due to the fact that it was replaced by an all-new model. Honda put in a strong showing overall, with models like the CR-V Hybrid posting particularly high ratings.Related: Mazda’s Push for More Features May Be Hurting Its ReliabilityJD Power: Mazda Wins, But Only Just2026 Mazda CX-30MazdaThe JD Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) was released in February this year. Unlike the Consumer Reports ranking, this one was based on 2023 model-year vehicles only, with 33,268 owners surveyed about experiences with their cars after three years of ownership. Nine vehicle categories and 184 problem areas are considered, such as the powertrain, seats, interior, software systems, and digital displays.The industry average was 204 problems per 100 vehicles, and Honda and Mazda both ranked below this. Out of 29 brands, Mazda ranked 15th with 210 problems per 100 vehicles, just a single spot ahead of Honda (211 problems per 100 cars). Both were well behind Toyota, which saw 185 problems per 100 cars. Lexus was the industry leader, with only 151 problems for every 100 models. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs in the CR study, Mazda saw a major drop off in the latest rankings; JD Power ranked it third in the 2025 VDS. Honda was also slightly better with a ranking of 12th last year. In 2026, it’s close enough to call it a tie.RepairPal: Both Strong, But Honda is Ahead2026 Honda Accord LXHondaBoth brands put in a good showing based on RepairPal reliability ratings, which is based on 2010 to 2019 models. This score considers the cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance. RepairPal uses a database with millions of vehicle repair invoices, which it considers when formulating brand reliability rankings.While both have ratings of 4 out of 5, RepairPal ranks Honda in the top spot out of all 32 brands assessed, with Mazda ranking fifth. Mazda models are expected to need a repair shop visit 0.4 times per year on average, slightly worse than Honda’s 0.3 times annually. Both have a 10% probability of those repairs being severe in nature. Honda Vs. Mazda Reliability: Most Popular Models Compared2026 Honda CR-V HybridHondaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are the most popular models sold by each brand in the United States. Thousands of these crossovers are sold each year, so they have a significant impact on the overall reliability ratings of these brands. The scores seen here reflect the reliability of the outgoing CX-5; 2026 ushered in a new generation of the Mazda.According to JD Power, the 2025 Honda CR-V has a quality and reliability rating of 83 out of 100, while the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s score is 82. Over the last five years, dating back to 2021, both crossovers maintained quality and reliability scores in the 80s, reflective of their high dependability and solid build quality. They’re neck-and-neck in RepairPal reliability scores, too. Both have ratings of 4.5 out of 5, with the Mazda being ranked first out of 26 similar SUVs and the Honda ranked second. Over the course of the last five or so years, the CX-5 and CR-V have had remarkably few complaints on file. Both have robust four-cylinder engines, with the Mazda having an optional turbo mill and the Honda being available with an efficient hybrid. These powertrains are shared with other smaller Hondas and Mazdas.Related: Mazda CX-5 Vs. Toyota RAV4 Reliability: Close, But One Has The EdgeFinal Verdict: Honda Takes It2025 Honda Prologue EliteJames RiswickMazda and Honda have above-average reliability ratings, although neither brand manages to ascend to the high standards of Lexus and Toyota. Like any brand, both have their issues: Honda’s V6 engine has been hit with a lawsuit and Mazda has seen poorer reliability in its larger CX-70 and CX-90 models. The smaller, simpler models from both brands tend to be the most trouble-free.AdvertisementAdvertisementOverall, Honda takes the win, owing to its much better performance in the comprehensive Consumer Reports survey. When Mazda did come out on top, it only just managed to edge out Honda but wasn’t able to pull far ahead of its rival in any particular survey.This story was originally published by Autoblog on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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