Mazda sells two SUVs in the compact-SUV segment: the CX-5 and the CX-50. It’s not the only automaker to have two models competing in the same class—Jeep does the same with the Compass and Cherokee, for instance—but you may wonder why both Mazda crossovers exist when there’s so much overlap in terms of the two models’ sizes, prices, and capabilities. We’re here to shine a light on the similarities and differences between the two when it comes to features, performance, design, and specifications.
It’s important to note that you can’t really go wrong with either of these Mazda SUVs. They both sit near the top of our compact-SUV rankings, have won Car and Driver comparison tests, and have been among our Editors’ Choice picks. Choosing between the two mostly comes down to personal preferences, as they look different inside and out but otherwise feel similar from behind the wheel.
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Passenger and Cargo Space
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, meaning it casts a sleeker profile than the more upright CX-5. The redesigned 2026 CX-5 has been stretched, though, meaning it now has the same wheelbase as the CX-50. On the inside, this results in slight differences in passenger room: The CX-5 has a bit more passenger space and more headroom for both front and rear passengers. In our cargo-space testing, we were able to fit nine carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats of the CX-50, but we haven’t yet tested the new CX-5 to see how many cases it holds. Both models have split-folding rear seats that expand the cargo area should you need to carry larger items.
Technology and Infotainment
Mazda has made a major change to its infotainment system in the 2026 CX-5, meaning it has 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 that were previously hard buttons and knobs. The lower trims have a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the higher trims have a 15.6-inch touchscreen.
CX-50
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
The CX-50 and CX-5 offer the same gas engine as standard, but the major difference is that the CX-50 has two other available powertrains. The base engine for the CX-5 and CX-50 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower, while the CX-50 also offers an optional, more powerful engine: a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (these numbers apply if you use premium fuel; Mazda quotes slightly lower power and torque figures on regular fuel). There’s also a CX-50 Hybrid, which has a powertrain borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, features a 2.5-liter gas engine and three electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower. Mazda plans to add CX-5 Hybrid to the lineup in the near future, but we don’t yet have details on that powertrain.
In our testing, the naturally aspirated CX-50 got to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, while the turbocharged version took 6.4 seconds. The CX-50 Hybrid with its 7.6 second result splits the difference between the base-engine CX-5 and the turbos. We haven’t yet tested the new 2026 CX-5.
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. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the CX-50 Hybrid earned a result of 34 mpg, while the turbocharged CX-50 achieved 29 mpg.
Off-Road Capabilities
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.
CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition with Apex Package
Pricing and Trim Levels
The CX-50 has a lower base price than the CX-5, but only slightly. Otherwise, the pricing is similar, except that the CX-50 offers more trim levels. The CX-50 also has a hybrid version that commands a price premium over the nonhybrid.
Prices for the 2026 Mazda CX-5:
- 2.5 S: $31,485
- Select: $33,485
- Preferred: $35,745
- Premium: $38,395
- Premium Plus: $40,485
Prices for the 2026 Mazda CX-50:
- 2.5 S Select: $31,395
- 2.5 S Preferred: $33,895
- 2.5 S Meridian Edition: $35,240
- 2.5 S Premium: $36,395
- 2.5 Turbo: $39,395
- 2.5 S Premium Plus: $38,920
- 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition: $42,490
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $44,395
Prices for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid:
- Preferred: $36,840
- Premium: $40,240
- Premium Plus: $42,540
Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Hearst Autos team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.