Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50: Comparing the Compact-SUV Siblings
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—Ford does the same with the Escape and Bronco Sport, 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 are 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.
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 in height and longer overall, meaning it casts a sleeker profile than the more upright and stubby CX-5. On the inside, this results in slight differences in passenger room: The CX-5 has a bit more passenger space and more headroom, while the CX-50 has slightly more rear-seat legroom. In our testing, we were able to fit nine carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats in both models, and both have split-folding rear seats that expand the cargo area should you need to carry larger items.
The CX-50 and CX-5 offer the same gas engine as standard, but the major difference is that the CX-50 has an available hybrid model that the CX-5 lacks. The base engine for the CX-5 and CX-50 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower, while the optional, more powerful engine is 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). The 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.
In our testing, the naturally aspirated CX-5 got to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the turbocharged version took 6.2 seconds. We haven't tested a CX-50 with the base engine, but the turbo version of that car got to 60 mph in 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.
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 and all versions of the CX-5 are rated to tow 2000 pounds. The Hybrid is good for just 1500 pounds.
EPA gas-mileage ratings for the CX-5 and CX-50 are nearly identical, with the base-engine versions of both rated at 28 mpg combined. Opting for the turbocharged engine drops the combined rating to 25 mpg for the CX-50 and 24 mpg for the CX-5. 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 and the turbocharged CX-5 achieved 28 mpg.
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.
The CX-5 has a lower base price than the CX-50 because its lineup starts with the less well-equipped 2.5 S, whereas the CX-50 lineup starts with the 2.5 S Select. Otherwise, the pricing is similar, except that the CX-50 has a hybrid version that commands a price premium over the non-hybrid.
Prices for the 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
Prices for the 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
Prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid:
Preferred: $35,840
Premium: $39,270
Premium Plus: $41,920
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