Mazda sells two SUVs in the compact-SUV segment: the CX-5 and the CX-50. While they share many similarities, there are key differences in features, performance, design, and specifications. The CX-5 and CX-50 are both compact SUVs, meaning they are similarly sized, but there are differences in their proportions and interior dimensions. The CX-50 is lower, wider, and slightly longer overall, casting a sleeker profile than the more upright CX-5. However, the redesigned 2026 CX-5 has been stretched, resulting in slight differences in passenger room: the CX-5 has a bit more passenger space and more headroom for both front and rear passengers. Mazda has made a major change to its infotainment system in the 2026 CX-5, featuring a completely different interface than what you’ll find in the CX-50. The new CX-5 has a significantly larger touchscreen infotainment system that integrates many controls previously hard buttons and knobs. The lower trims have ...
Mazda sells two SUVs in the compact-SUV segment: the CX-5 and the CX-50. While they share many similarities, there are key differences in features, performance, design, and specifications.
The CX-5 and CX-50 are both compact SUVs, meaning they are similarly sized, but there are differences in their proportions and interior dimensions. The CX-50 is lower, wider, and slightly longer overall, casting a sleeker profile than the more upright CX-5. However, the redesigned 2026 CX-5 has been stretched, resulting in slight differences in passenger room: the CX-5 has a bit more passenger space and more headroom for both front and rear passengers.
Mazda has made a major change to its infotainment system in the 2026 CX-5, featuring a completely different interface than what you’ll find in the CX-50. The new CX-5 has a significantly larger touchscreen infotainment system that integrates many controls previously hard buttons and knobs. The lower trims have a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the higher trims have a 15.6-inch touchscreen.
The CX-50, meanwhile, continues with the older Mazda infotainment setup, which uses a control knob on the console to operate the 8.8-inch screen, though a touchscreen function is available when you’re using smartphone-mirroring functions.
Engines, transmissions, and towing are where the CX-50 has a significant advantage. The CX-50 offers the same gas engine as standard, but it also has two other available powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, and a CX-50 Hybrid with a powertrain borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, featuring a 2.5-liter gas engine and three electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower.
The CX-50 is the vehicle to choose if you want to tow. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds with the turbo engine, while the naturally aspirated model is rated to tow 2000 pounds. The Hybrid is good for just 1500 pounds, and the CX-5 is also rated for 1500 pounds.
Fuel economy EPA gas-mileage ratings for the CX-5 and CX-50 are nearly identical, with the base-engine versions of both rated at 26 mpg combined. Opting for the turbocharged engine drops the combined rating to 25 mpg for the CX-50. The CX-50 Hybrid is rated far higher, at 38 mpg combined.
Neither of these Mazda SUVs are pitched as hardcore off-roaders, but the CX-50 has a bit more trail cred than the CX-5 does. The CX-50 has 8.3 inches of ground clearance to the CX-5’s 7.6 inches, meaning you’re less likely to scrape the bottom of the CX-50 if you take it on more challenging terrain.
The CX-50 also offers a more rugged-looking trim level, the Meridian Edition, that comes with all-terrain tires and other accessories that make it look more adventurous than the standard models.
Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $31,485 to $44,395, while the 2026 Mazda CX-50 ranges from $31,395 to $42,490. The CX-50 Hybrid commands a price premium over the nonhybrid model.
In conclusion, while both the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 are excellent choices in the compact SUV segment, the CX-50 offers more towing capacity, a more advanced hybrid powertrain, and a more rugged exterior design. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
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