Latest news with #CX50
Auto Blog
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mazda Explains Why the CX‑5 and CX‑50 Can Coexist
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. CX-5 for City, CX-50 for Adventure Despite sharing a segment, a badge, and even some drivetrain DNA, Mazda insists the CX‑5 and CX‑50 are not competitors — at least not with each other. With the 2026 CX‑5 officially confirmed and the CX‑50 continuing strong into 2025, Mazda has laid out a clear case for why these two compact SUVs aren't stepping on each other's toes. 'We believe in the coexistence of these two vehicles because this is the largest segment in the industry,' said Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of Strategic Planning at Mazda North America, in an interview with Motor1. 'We see customers who lean more towards the urban, sophisticated direction — which is obviously CX‑5. But we also see the more rugged and more adventure-oriented customer in the CX‑50.' 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse: Which is America's best family hauler? Watch More Source: Mazda Two Mazdas, Two Philosophies The CX‑5 has long been Mazda's bread-and-butter crossover — stylish, city-friendly, and road-focused. The redesigned 2026 model continues that legacy with sharp new styling, meaningful cabin upgrades, and the introduction of a Mazda-developed hybrid system. As we reported recently, the new CX‑5 brings stunning innovations to one of the most crowded vehicle classes in the country, and it's doing so without copying the CX‑50's playbook. Meanwhile, the CX‑50 is all about versatility. It rides a bit higher, wears more rugged bodywork, and has quickly gained traction with weekend adventurers and trail-goers. It's also the first Mazda built in Alabama alongside Toyota, and the first to use Toyota's hybrid system. In fact, the 2025 CX‑50 Hybrid offers up to 38 mpg, standard AWD, and the kind of confident steering feel that's earned praise across the board — even from drivers loyal to Honda. Source: Mazda Built for Different Buyers Meisterfeld says Mazda is one of the only mainstream brands offering two compact SUVs in the same class with such distinct identities. 'We see them coexist perfectly next to each other… I think we have a unique proposition here.' The sales data backs that up. In 2024, Mazda moved over 134,000 CX‑5s and nearly 81,000 CX‑50s, making them the brand's top-selling vehicles behind only the subcompact CX‑30. With both models pulling their weight and appealing to different types of buyers, there's no immediate need to choose one over the other. For those still undecided, the CX‑50 review offers a helpful breakdown: it's got capability, efficiency, and genuinely good looks — though its ride comfort and interior materials leave room for thought. What's Next? Mazda has already confirmed the CX‑5 Hybrid will arrive in 2027, using an in-house system rather than Toyota's setup. While the CX‑50 Hybrid is focused on fuel economy and affordability, the CX‑5's future hybrid will lean toward performance and Mazda's signature driving feel. Built in Japan, the CX‑5 will maintain its distinct flavor — smooth, athletic, and focused. The CX‑50, built in Alabama and tuned for active lifestyles, will continue to do its own thing. They share a segment, yes, but according to Mazda, that's where the overlap ends. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
The Drive
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Mazda Admits It Was Wrong About Touchscreens, Bets On Steering Wheel Controls
The latest car news, reviews, and features. For the past several years, Mazda has remained the sole mainstream holdout in the broader industry push toward touch-based infotainment systems, relying instead on a now-anachronistic, console-mounted dial. It wasn't bad to use, and it leaned heavily into Mazda's 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the road' safety philosophy. But after a generation of development as the only major outlier in the industry, the company is now pivoting to a conventional, touchscreen-style experience—and axing most of its physical controls in the process. 'It's all new,' Mazda's Stefan Meisterfeld, U.S. VP of operations, told The Drive in a one-on-one interview. And not just 'new,' but a ground-up redesign, Mazda said, and not just a re-skin of its existing operating system, and even that is underselling it somewhat. '[It] will be powered by Google built-in technology. So we have Google Maps natively integrated, we have access to the Google Play Store. The Google Assistant will enhance the voice control. And that's very important for us because despite this large touch screen, we continue to believe in our safety philosophy, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road,' Meisterfeld said. The first car to embrace this strategy is the company's redesigned CX-5, which is the best-selling model in its lineup by far. The CX-5 and its close sibling, the CX-50, comprise more than 50% of Mazda's total volume—all in just one segment. Put another way, there's a lot riding on this redesign, and Mazda knows it. But it's not just the navigation and other digital features that are moving behind the touchscreen interface with this generation; Mazda swept the dashboard of most of its knobs and switches, including the controls for the audio and climate control systems. Both are now found in the central, 15.6-inch screen. And according to Meisterfeld, this is what customers were asking for. 'We conducted customer research and we have been working on this for quite a while because we really want it to be intuitive, easy to use, easy to operate, and at the same time, as I mentioned, we want to adhere to our safety philosophy,' he said. 'But yeah, customer feedback has definitely been a part of the decision making process.' But since Mazda was late to adopt the touchscreen, it may already be positioning itself somewhat behind the 8-Ball. As we've heard from others in the business, customers love to look at their touchscreens, but they're not nearly as enthusiastic about how they work. Some, including Hyundai, are even predicting an industry-wide retreat from glass interfaces in the near future. To hedge against this, Mazda redesigned the CX-5's steering wheel. 'We have also developed an all new steering wheel layout with physical buttons where you can quite intuitively control most of the critical functions while driving so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, which as I mentioned, is really critical to our safety philosophy,' Meisterfeld told us. He said further details about the new wheel controls would be revealed closer to launch, but from what we're hearing so far, it sounds like we'll be seeing more than just a simple collection of redundant shortcuts. 'We believe that now with the integration of Google Assistant, which is very critical with the voice command and this newly designed steering wheel, that we can offer this together with this large touchscreen so that we don't have the situation where people want to control parts of the vehicle and are not focused on the road,' Meisterfeld said. It's Mazda's hope that this integration of different technologies will strike a balance between satisfying customers' interests in the latest tech and preserving occupant safety. It's a big swing at a strange time; we'll see if Mazda connects. Got a news tip? Send it our way at tips@
Car and Driver
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Mazda CX-5 Hits a Growth Spurt but Thankfully Stays Pretty
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been revealed, and the new generation has grown larger but still looks handsome. The compact SUV is 4.5 inches longer than before, and its roomier interior has new tech like an available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in software. Mazda hasn't yet released pricing for the 2026 CX-5, but that will be announced before it goes on sale early next year. Compact SUVs are America's most popular models, and the Mazda CX-5 has been one of our favorites for going on a decade. While we've certainly appreciated its attractive styling and Mazda's gorgeous Soul Red paint option, the CX-5 has remained perennially appealing because it is both uniquely satisfying to drive for its segment and feels like a luxury vehicle, despite its mainstream pricing. Making big changes to such a beloved recipe can be risky, but the time has come for the brand to improve its bestselling model for a new generation. Enter the 2026 Mazda CX-5. An Evolved CX-5 Mazda's designers are among the best in the biz. Despite the CX-5's growth spurt, it still wears sophisticated bodywork, especially compared with overwrought competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson. The new CX-5 actually looks a lot like its predecessor, with the changes highlighted by its elongated headlights and a reshaped grille that more closely aligns with the similarly sized Mazda CX-50, as well as the larger CX-70 and three-row CX-90. The 5's taillights also take inspiration from its big sibs, but it's the first to flaunt the brand's secondary logo. "MAZDA" lettering on the rear liftgate now replaces the familiar logo that still appears on the SUV's snout. Going forward, only toddlers and illiterate folks won't know that snazzy ute in their neighbor's driveway is a Mazda. View Exterior Photos Mazda What's not obvious in these photos is that the new CX-5 is a lot longer than before, as its overall length has grown by 4.5 inches, putting its overall length at around 185.6 inches. Mazda says it's about a half-inch wider too, and its wheelbase has been stretched three inches, which suggests there are now 109.2 inches between its axles. That increase is said to significantly improve passenger space and cargo volume, though Mazda hasn't yet shared any dimensions. Still, the outgoing CX-5's smaller-than-average cargo space was one of its few faults, so we welcome the change. A larger rear opening and lower lift-over height should also make it easier to load and unload groceries, luggage, or the family mutt. When the 2026 Mazda CX-5 first reaches showrooms, the standard powertrain will be familiar, though not our favorite. The future of the outgoing CX-5's optional 256-hp turbo four (still offered in the CX-50) is up in the air, but the current 187-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is being ported over with some minor software adjustments aimed at improving its responsiveness. Along with standard all-wheel drive, the new CX-5 will feature a six-speed automatic transmission like before. We're still awaiting fuel-economy ratings, but the EPA estimates that the thriftiest 2025 CX-5 with the 2.5-liter four-pot will earn 28 mpg combined, so that might be the bogey for its successor. View Exterior Photos Mazda For those hoping for a hybrid powertrain like the one that's available on the CX-50, Mazda plans to offer a CX-5 hybrid for the 2027 model year. What's with the wait? Well, this gas-electric powertrain will be different than the Toyota-sourced unit that powers the CX-50. Instead, Mazda is building this hybrid system in-house, and it's expected to be mightier and more fuel-efficient than the base engine. Stay tuned for more details on that. Inside the New CX-5 For its third generation, the CX-5 continues to have more than just a pretty face; its interior appears to uphold its predecessor's upscale environment. The dashboard and upper parts of the doors on the likely top-of-the-line model in these images are trimmed with what looks like soft-touch materials, and they match the upholstery on the center console and seats. Mazda says the latter now features thinner headrests and concave seating surfaces. Larger door openings are said to make climbing in and out of the CX-5 easier, and the same goes for installing child car seats. If you're sitting in the second row, Mazda says you'll enjoy more headroom and legroom. The outboard back seats can also be heated, and there's a pair of USB-C ports on the back of the center console. View Interior Photos Mazda One of the biggest differences between the new and old CX-5, for better or worse, is the introduction of a bigger touchscreen infotainment system. A 12.9-inch display is standard and replaces the previous 10.3-inch unit. Every new CX-5 comes with Google built-in software, meaning the tech giant's comprehensive apps (Google Maps, Google Play, etc.) are standard fare; the same goes for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda also confirmed that the CX-5's rotary controller has been scrapped, and—concerningly—it said there was a "strategic reduction of buttons." It's unclear if the smaller screen is paired with unique switchgear, but the pictures of the available 15.6-inch touchscreen don't show any physical knobs or buttons for the climate controls or audio system—volume knob, where art thou? That would be a downgrade from the outgoing system's user-friendly setup. At least the new CX-5 still has a traditional shift lever rather than a finicky push-button shifter that's become common on its competitors. Along with a variety of specific specifications, Mazda hasn't yet said how much the new CX-5 will cost. Since it will still be imported from Japan, it could be affected by the ever-changing tariff situation. However, Stefan Meisterfeld, vice president of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told Car and Driver that the company will monitor the situation to make sure the 2026 CX-5's price is competitive with the rest of its classmates. We will find out more about the available trim levels and pricing details before the SUV goes on sale sometime early next year. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
Car and Driver
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Mazda Explains Why It Thinks the New CX-5 and CX-50 Can Coexist
When Mazda introduced the CX-50 in 2023, there was some expectation that it would replace the CX-5 completely in the North American market. It was slightly larger and styled more towards American tastes for chunky little off-roaders, and it offered a more modern interior. Folks were surprised when Mazda chose to continue offering both compact SUVs, but execs said then that there were different buyers for the CX-5 and the CX-50, and there was no reason not to keep both available. "CX-5 leans towards the urban driving customer," Mazda's CEO Masahiro Moro told Car and Driver earlier this year during a visit to the company's headquarters in Hiroshima. "CX-50 is more outdoors, buyers looking for a taste of adventure." We could follow that logic, especially since the CX-50 offered some things the CX-5 didn't, like more room and a hybrid option. Now that the CX-5 is coming out with its third generation, featuring a larger footprint that brings it even closer in size to the CX-50 and a new hybrid option coming in 2027, we asked again if there were any concerns at Mazda about having two such similar offerings. Stefan Meisterfeld, vice president of strategic planning at Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), says Mazda is still not worried. Meisterfeld repeats Moro's points about styling differences, giving CX-5 a more upright city-cruising elegance, while CX-50 will continue to lean towards a more hiking and camping–oriented crowd. Mazda CX-50 View Exterior Photos Mazda CX-5 Meisterfeld's biggest argument in favor of keeping both models is the popularity of the compact-SUV segment worldwide, but especially in North America. In 2024, Mazda sold 134,088 CX-5s and 81,441 CX-50s. So far this year, CX-5 sales are maintaining that same pace, while CX-50 sales are growing, so clearly the CX-50 isn't stealing its sister's lunch money. Through June 2025, Mazda recorded 70,260 CX-5 sales and 46,914 CX-50 sales. Put together, that's more than 50 percent of all Mazda sales in the U.S., and that's with the current CX-5 being an aging model that hasn't been refreshed since 2022. The updated CX-5 will likely bump up customer interest. Mazda may still have a ways to go to catch up to its competitors, as Honda sold 212,561 CR-Vs and Toyota sold 239,451 RAV4s through the first half of this year, but it's clear that Meisterfeld is correct that there is room for many models in the segment. Mazda CX-50 View Interior Photos Mazda CX-5 "We believe you can make a sub-segmentation of different customers with different preferences," he says. "So the CX-5, as you know, is designed more for this urban, sophisticated audience, and the CX-50 is more for the adventurous, maybe more rugged. We see that also from our customer traffic, that there is a difference in these customers with a clear preference for one or the other." He agrees that there may be some customers who are undecided between rugged and sophisticated, but feels that as long as they drive away from the dealership in one or the other, everyone wins. Another reason why Mazda is keeping the CX-5 around is that the U.S. is not the company's only market. The CX-5 is a global bestseller for Mazda, so it's not such a risk to offer it alongside the more market-specific CX-50 in the States. Mazda hasn't announced 2026 CX-5 pricing yet, but says changing tariffs shouldn't affect things dramatically, which would keep it around the same cost as the CX-50. Still, it's worth noting that the CX-50 is built in a U.S. facility, which might be reason enough to keep it as an option alongside the imported CX-5, which is built in Japan. Elana Scherr Senior Editor, Features Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn't know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver's license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2." In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club. Read full bio
Motor 1
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Two Different Choices:' Mazda Explains How the New CX-5 and CX-50 Can Coexist
When the CX-50 debuted in 2023, there were whispers that Mazda's new compact SUV might replace the perennial best-selling CX-5. But as the arrival of the 2026 CX-5 confirms, that's not the case. In fact, Mazda executives are adamant that the two compact SUVs can live together in perfect harmony. Speaking with Motor1 , Mazda North America's VP of Strategic Planning, Stefan Meisterfeld, says that the CX-5 and CX-50 offer two unique choices for two different types of customers. 2026 Mazda CX-5 Photo by: Mazda 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 "We believe in the coexistence of these two [vehicles] because this is the largest segment in the industry," Meisterfeld notes. "We do see customers who lean more towards the urban, sophisticated direction—which is obviously CX-5. But we also see the more rugged and more adventure-oriented customer in the CX-50." "We see them coexist perfectly next to each other," Meisterfeld continues. "In fact, I think we have a unique proposition here as one of the very few—if not the only—manufacturer that offers these two different choices in this segment." It's hard to disagree. Mazda sold more than 134,000 examples of the CX-5 in 2024, and more than 80,000 CX-50s, putting them first and third on the automaker's sales chart, respectively. Only the subcompact CX-30 finished better than the CX-50. Photo by: Mazda This year also marks the first full year of sales for the new CX-50 Hybrid, which combines a Toyota hybrid system with the company's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. As we note in our review, the more efficient CX-50 should only help bolster sales . Mazda has already confirmed the arrival of a hybrid CX-5 in 2027, but it won't use the same Toyota unit as the CX-50. "The CX-50, as you know, is built alongside Toyota vehicles in our plant here in the US," Meisterfeld tells us. "The [new CX-5] will be built in Japan, and we believe that the Mazda hybrid system will have unique characteristics that will just fit perfectly for this vehicle." The 2026 Mazda CX-5 goes on sale toward the end of the year, but we'll have to wait for official pricing. More On The CX-5 Mazda's Skyactiv-Z Will Be 'The Ideal Internal Combustion Engine' The Next-Generation Mazda CX-5 Will Be Hybrid Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
