Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50: An In-Depth Comparison of Our Compact Crossover SUVs

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Mazda CX-5 Overview

Mazda CX-50 Overview

CX-5 vs. CX-50: Biggest Differences

Side by Side Spec Comparison

In-depth Comparison

 

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Mazda CX-50 sit at the heart of our crossover SUV lineup, with both vehicles offering a compelling combination of dynamic performance, timeless design, and real-world versatility. While they share many core strengths, each brings a distinct personality to the road. Think of the CX-5 as the polished, go-anywhere professional — equally comfortable navigating city streets or arriving at a formal event. The CX-50, by contrast, is your all-in, let’s-go trail guide whose primary mission is adventure.

The right choice between the CX-5 and CX-50 comes down to you — your lifestyle, your priorities, and the kind of roads you want to explore. To help you find the Mazda that fits your needs best, this article explores how the CX-5 and CX-50 features, performance, comfort, etc., compare.



 

Mazda CX-5 overview

The Mazda CX-5 is designed for urban warriors and suburban families who want more from their compact crossover — more style, more refinement, and more of the joyful driving experience for which Mazda is known. It's sized for the city but equally at home on winding backroads to far-flung destinations, offering generous room and versatile cargo space for everything from double-date nights to outings for young families. With the option of turbocharged power to lengthen any passing zone, the CX-5 delivers confident performance and elevated comfort across a wide range of trim levels — from well-equipped to available genuine wood-trim luxury.

CX-5 specs of note

Compared to the CX-50, the CX-5 is about half a foot shorter, making it slightly easier to park. It also sits a bit taller than the CX-50, offering a higher seating position. Interior space is generous and, when the rear seats are folded, it edges out the CX-50 in total cargo capacity.

Safety ratings for the CX-5 are top-tier, with a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA

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Available CX-5 trims and powertrains

The CX-5 is offered in eight variations across two 2.5-liter powertrain options. The Mazda i-ACTIV all-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup.

Mazda CX-5

 

TrimDescription
2.5 SThe base CX-5 2.5 S comes standard with Lane Keep Assist
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, Smart Brake Support
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, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
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, a 10.25-inch color center display, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Integration
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, Mazda Connect™, 40/20/40 folding rear seatbacks, G-Vectoring Control Plus, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2.5 S SelectAdds heated front seats, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, and leatherette-trimmed seats.
2.5 S PreferredAdds a power sliding-glass moonroof, a power rear liftgate, leather-trimmed seats, a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and 2-position memory.
2.5 S Carbon EditionAdds 19-inch alloy wheels with Black Metallic finish, leather-trimmed seats available in Black or Red, Bose® 10-speaker Surround Sound system, wireless phone charger, wireless Android Auto™ / Apple CarPlay® Integration
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and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector with red stitching.
2.5 Premium PlusAdds Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), Adaptive Front-lighting System, a 360-degree View Monitor
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, front and rear parking sensors
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, heated side mirrors, windshield wiper deicer, SiriusXM radio 3-month trial
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, Active Driving Display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
2.5 Carbon Turbo227-hp turbocharged engine (256 hp on 93-octane fuel), gloss black exterior trim, exclusive terracotta leather-trimmed seats with black faux suede inserts.
Note: Previously mentioned wiper deicer, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel are not included in this trim.
2.5 Turbo PremiumAdds wiper deicer, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, automatic power-fold side mirrors and traffic jam assist.
2.5 Turbo SignatureAdds Caturra Brown Nappa leather, genuine layered wood trim, Driver Attention Alert
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, ambient LED interior lighting, Mazda Navigation System, and Smart Brake Support - Reverse
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.

 

Mazda CX-50 overview

From its aggressive styling and more elevated ground clearance, the CX-50 knows you may be deskbound during the week, but the great outdoors beckons every weekend. Fill it with backpacks or boards, a roof tent or drum set, and hit the road with the confident road manners Mazda is known for. But you needn’t stop when the pavement ends or when you want to camp on the beach, not adjacent to it

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. For power, the CX-50 can be equipped with a 2.5-liter engine, with or without turbo, or a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain. And all CX-50 are assembled in the USA.

CX-50 specs of note

The CX-50 has a slightly larger footprint than CX-5, though it’s not as tall. Gasoline-powered CX-50 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models offer comparable EPA-estimated fuel economy to that of similarly-powered CX-5 models

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, but CX-50 2.5 Turbo models are able to tow more than CX-5
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. And CX-50 is available with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain that delivers superior fuel economy over CX-5. It has earned both a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
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and a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. It offers an available power panoramic moonroof, wireless phone charging and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay® integration
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Available CX-50 trims and powertrains

The CX-50 is offered in four standard 2.5 S trims, three 2.5 Turbo versions, and three trims of CX-50 Hybrid. All come standard with all-wheel drive and a generous array of safety features. While CX-50 Hybrid models are in the middle of the lineup by MSRP, they are the most fuel-efficient

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of the CX-50 lineup.

Mazda CX-50

 

The CX-50 is offered in four standard 2.5 S trims, three 2.5 Turbo versions, and three trims of CX-50 Hybrid. All come standard with all-wheel drive and a generous array of safety features. While CX-50 Hybrid models are in the middle of the lineup by MSRP, they are the most fuel-efficient

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of the CX-50 lineup.

 

TrimDescription
2.5 SelectAlexa Built-in
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, Lane-keep Assist
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, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
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, Smart Brake Support
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, Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System
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, wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ Integration
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, LED headlights with High-Beam Control, front-knee airbags
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, dual-zone automatic climate control, 40/60 split rear seatback, rear privacy glass, G-vectoring Control Plus (GVC+), vehicle exit warning
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, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
2.5 S PreferredAdds a rear power liftgate, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, wireless phone charger
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and a windshield wiper deicer.
2.5 S PremiumAdds a power panoramic moonroof, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with speed limit assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, a 12-speaker Bose® Surround Sound system and SiriusXM radio 3-month trial
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2.5 S Premium PlusAdds an Active Driving Display, ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed seats, 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, automatic power folding side mirrors, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
2.5 Turbo MeridianAdds 227-hp turbocharged engine (256 hp on 93-octane fuel), Mazda Intelligent-Drive Select (Mi-Drive), towing capacity of up to 3,500 lb
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, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, auto-leveling LED headlights, Adaptive Front-lighting System, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, hood graphics, paddle shifters, Mazda Online Navigation
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.
2.5 Turbo PremiumAdds 20-inch alloy wheels and 245/45R20 tires, an Active Driving Display, Traffic Sign Recognition and Cruising and Traffic Support
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2.5 Turbo Premium PlusAdds 360-degree View Monitor
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with See-Through View, front cross traffic alert and brake
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, front and rear parking sensors
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, Smart Brake Support
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in reverse and Turn Across Traffic, and auto-dimming driver’s-side mirror.

 

What is the biggest difference between the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50?

Styling speaks volumes for these similarly sized crossovers, arguably greater than any feature unique to one or a sterile measurement like a fraction of an inch or cubic foot. However, these are two distinct vehicles with different missions.

The CX-5 is about refinement, with a well-appointed cabin, firm yet compliant suspension, and excellent driver involvement, at home in a crowded city or winding back road, all wrapped in a clean, sleek exterior.

The CX-50 philosophy is “bring-it-on!” whether it is a larger trailer to tow

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, rougher road or trail, a muddy dog, or all of the above. Though the CX-50 Hybrid prioritizes fuel efficiency
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over pulling power, it is capable of everything else.

 

A side-by-side comparison of the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50

Please note that the following specs, dimensions, and aspects relate to the base trim of both models. Slight variations in these specs occur for other trims

 

Base Trim Dimensions Mazda CX-5 Mazda CX-50 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Length (inches) 180.1 185.8 186.1
Width (inches, mirrors folded/extended) 72.6/83.3 72.9/80.8 72.9/80.8
Height (inches) 65.4-66.3 63.5-63.9 64.9-65.8
Wheelbase (inches) 106.2 110.8 110.8
Ground Clearance (inches) 7.6-7.9 8.3-8.6 7.8-8.1

 

Cargo Space (inches)

Rear seat up/Rear seat down

Base Trim Dimensions Mazda CX-5 Mazda CX-50 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Starting Price

 

$29,050
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$30,500
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$33,970
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Towing Capacity (pounds)Up to 2000lb
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Up to 2000-3500lb
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Up to1500lb
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Ride QualityComposed, sporty, refinedCapable, stable, plantedCapable, stable, planted
29.1/58.1-59.3 31.4/56.3 31.4/56.3
Number of Trim Levels 8 7 3
Best Suited For Style mavens, drivers, young families Adventurers, DINKs, outdoors lovers Fuel misers who want to drive something fun

 

Beyond the specs: An in-depth comparison of the CX-5 vs. CX-50

CX-5 vs CX-50: Size

The CX-50 has a larger footprint than the CX-5, featuring a longer hood, broader fenders, higher ground clearance, and a lower roofline. It offers up to roughly 5% more cargo space behind the rear seats

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and slightly more rear knee room on select models. The CX-5 holds the edge in most cabin dimensions and offers more cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded.

CX-5 vs CX-50: Interior

Because they are part of the Mazda family, both CX-5 and CX-50 offer interiors that feel a class above the typical compact SUV, with quality materials and stylish, functional, logical layouts. The CX-5 is known for its seat comfort, while the CX-50 adds a larger available panoramic moonroof and more available audio speakers.

CX-5 vs CX-50: Performance and engines

Both the CX-5 and CX-50 2.5 S models come standard with a 2.5L 187-hp engine, and both offer a 2.5 Turbo model with a turbocharged engine (227 hp on regular unleaded fuel, 256 hp on premium unleaded). All CX-5 and CX-50 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

• The CX-5 is slightly quicker due to its lighter weight and smaller tires.

• Lower CX-5 trims lack cylinder deactivation (i-STOP), resulting in slightly lower EPA fuel economy ratings.

• The CX-50 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter gas engine and a trio of electric motors that combine to offer 219 hp of total power.

CX-5 vs CX-50: Technology

Both SUVs include the Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System

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, standard wired and available wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ integration
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, and standard safety features such as Lane-keep Assist
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and Smart Brake Support
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. The CX-50 adds standard Alexa Built-in
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, an available 360-degree View Monitor with unique See-Through View
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capability, and the addition of front cross traffic and turn-across traffic features to the Smart Brake Support system
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.

CX-5 vs CX-50: Fuel Efficiency

If minimum fuel consumption is a top priority, the CX-50 Hybrid is the clear choice, with a combined EPA-estimated rating of 38 mpg

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CX-5 vs CX-50: Ride Quality

The CX-5 strikes a refined balance between comfort and responsiveness with its independent suspension. The CX-50 rides a bit firmer, which provides stability both on pavement and off.

CX-5 vs CX-50: Off-Road Capability

Both models come standard with all-wheel drive, and can confidently handle light off-road conditions

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. However, the CX-50 is more purpose-built for rugged use, with better protection against fender and bumper scrapes. The CX-50 provides the most ground clearance, while the CX-50 Hybrid and its underfloor-mounted hybrid vehicle battery pack has similar ground clearance to the CX-5.

CX-5 vs CX-50: Trim levels

The CX-50 lineup includes three Hybrid variants and the adventure-ready CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition. The CX-5, meanwhile, offers a budget-friendly base trim and the upscale CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature. Both CX-5 and CX-50 are available with the efficient Skyactiv®-G 2.5L engine, which can also be turbocharged, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.

 

Which Should You Choose: CX-5 or CX-50?

With less than a five percent difference in dimensions—and similar pricing, powertrains, and fuel economy — your decision comes down to your priorities and preference on styling and “must-have” features.

• Choose the CX-5 if you value comfort, refinement, and a smoother daily drive. It’s well-suited for suburban families, professionals, or anyone upgrading from a sedan.

• Choose the CX-50 if you prefer a more rugged look, plan to regularly explore unpaved roads, or are replacing a 4WD vehicle.

• Choose the CX-50 Hybrid if maximum fuel efficiency is a top priority and you want that same outdoors-ready capability in a more eco-conscious package.

No matter which model you choose, you can be confident that it will deliver the signature blend of style, performance, and driver engagement for which Mazda is known.  Visit a Mazda Dealer near you today and take them all for a test drive to find the perfect Mazda SUV for your lifestyle.

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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.