Mazda is known for producing stylish, fun-to-drive, and reliable SUVs. Within its SUV range, the Mazda CX-5 has long appealed to families and urban driving for its performance, comfort, and affordability. More recently, Mazda introduced another compact SUV in the form of the Mazda CX-50, which is designed with an outdoor or rugged, adventure-centric feel.
So, if you are wondering if you should choose the CX-5 or the CX-50, take a look at this in-depth comparison. In this Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50 comparison guide, we will lay out the differences in styling, specs, features, performance, and price.
Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50 Specs: At a Glance
Before a comprehensive comparison, we should take a glance at some of the key attributes of these SUVs. These attributes come in handy when selecting one of these vehicles for yourself.
It is important to note that both SUVs from Mazda are great in the compact SUV segment. Choosing between these two would come down to personal preferences, as they look different inside and out.
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50 specs.
| Feature | Mazda Cx-5 | Mazda Cx-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 72.6 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 63.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 in | 8.3 in |
| Cargo Space (behind rear seats) | 30.9 cu ft | 31.4 cu ft |
| Engine Options | 2.5L I-4, 2.5L Turbo | 2.5L I-4, 2.5L Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187–256 hp | 187–256 hp |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | AWD standard |
| Starting MSRP | ~$29,300 | ~$31,000 |
From looking at this table of Mazda Cx-5 vs Mazda Cx-50 specs, we can conclude that Cx5 is slightly smaller and more city-friendly, while the Cx50 offers more rugged styling and higher ground clearance.
Mazda Cx 50 Vs Cx 5: Exterior Design
One of the main differences between the Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50 is their exterior styling.
- Mazda Cx-5: The CX-5 has a beautiful urban-inspired design with elegant curves and an urban silhouette. Overall, it looks more premium and boring than the formerly designed to fit in city environments.
- Mazda Cx-50: Strongly appealing to the adventurous lifestyle, the CX-50 has a bolder overall look, wider stance, higher ground clearance, etc., along with bold bumpers and roof rails for additional space utility. It simply looks more rugged and SUV-like for drivers who want that look too.
Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50: Interior & Comfort
The Cx-5 and Cx-50 are both compact SUVs, which means they are similar in size. However, there are differences in proportions and interior dimensions. Having a lower height but greater overall length, the Cx-50 sits at a sleeker angle compared to the more upright and stubbier Cx-5. On the inside, the differences in overall dimensions mean some minor differences in passenger space. The Cx-5 has a touch more passenger space in total and more headroom, while the Cx-50 has a touch more legroom in the rear seat.
The Cx-5 offers a cozy, luxurious feel with high-quality soft-touch materials, leather options, and a more compact cabin design. The rear seat of this vehicle is comfortable but slightly tighter than the Cx-50. On the other hand, Cx-50 is built with a wider cabin and more cargo space. That is why it is considered one of the more practical choices for families and travelers.
Mazda Cx-5 Vs Mazda Cx-50: Performance & Engine Options
The CX-50 and CX-5 offer the same gas engine as standard, but the Cx-50 offers a hybrid variant as well. The standard engine has:
- 2.5L Inline-4 – 187 hp, 186 lb-ft torque
- 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 – Up to 256 hp, 320 lb-ft torque (with premium fuel)
The Cx-50 hybrid has a powertrain similar to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid that features a 2.5-liter gas engine and three electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower.
The Mazda Cx-5 is more agile, tuned for smooth city and highway driving, while offering a sporty yet comfortable ride. Mazda Cx-50 is slightly heavier and tuned with off-road drive modes and higher ground clearance. It will give you better performance on rugged terrains.
Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50: Technology and Features
Both SUVs from Mazda come with the intuitive infotainment system from the company. However, the Cx-50 offers some upgrades. Here is the list of standard features available on both vehicles.
Standard Features on Both Vehicles:
- 10.25-inch infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Mazda i-Activsense driver-assist safety suite (lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, etc.)
However, the Cx-50 model has some extra features. It has a larger panoramic sunroof and slightly updated software interface. It also has more off-road drive modes. So, in the technology and features department of this battle of Mazda Cx 5 vs Cx 50, the Cx 50 model has an edge.
Mazda Cx-5 Vs Cx-50: Fuel Economy
The fuel efficiency of the Mazda Cx-5 vs Cx-50 is nearly identical, but Cx-5 has an edge. Here is the complete table of the fuel efficiency of these vehicles.
| Engine | Mazda CX-5 | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L I-4 | 24/30 MPG (city/hwy) | 24/30 MPG (city/hwy) |
| 2.5L Turbo | 22/27 MPG (city/hwy) | 22/28 MPG (city/hwy) |
The hybrid Cx-50 model is rated far higher at 38 mpg combined.
Mazda Cx-5 Vs Cx-50: Pricing
The Cx-5 has a lower starting price than the Cx-50 because its lineup starts with the less well-equipped 2.5 S. The Cx-50 lineup starts with 2.5 S Select. For the hybrid Cx-50 model, you will have to pay a premium.
Here is the complete list of pricing for all models of Mazda Cx-5 vs Cx-50.
| Model | Trim | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2.5 S | $29,990 |
| 2.5 S Select | $31,320 | |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $32,670 | |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | $34,020 | |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | $36,620 | |
| 2.5 Carbon Turbo | $39,015 | |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium | $39,220 | |
| 2.5 Turbo Signature | $42,020 | |
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 | 2.5 S Select | $31,720 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $33,070 | |
| 2.5 S Premium | $35,420 | |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | $38,920 | |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | $42,670 | |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium | $42,720 | |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $44,720 | |
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | Preferred | $35,840 |
| Premium | $39,270 | |
| Premium Plus | $41,920 |
Conclusion
The Mazda Cx 5 Vs Cx 50 may have much in common, but they cater to different lifestyles. The CX-5 is the city-oriented SUV with sophistication, the CX-50 is rugged, and the perfect option for the adventure seeker. Both models perform well, but in the end, which route do you want to take: urban comfort or outdoor versatility?
