Compact SUV Comparison: Mazda CX-50 vs Competitors
The Mazda CX-50 has been one of the best crossover SUVs since its debut in 2022. Though it’s a fairly new vehicle in the Mazda lineup, it’s quickly gained popularity among Richmond and Ashland drivers. This crossover SUV offers a roomy cabin, an exciting, efficient performance, and an extensive suite of vehicle safety features. But how does the Mazda CX-50 compare to the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue? We’re comparing these crossover SUVs to find out.
The Mazda CX-50 price for the base trim is $30,500 MSRP. This Mazda SUV comes in seven trim levels.
The Hyundai Tucson starts at $28,705 MSRP and has five trim levels to choose from.
The Kia Sportage starts at 27,390 MSRP. There are seven available trim levels.
The Toyota RAV4 has a starting price of $28,850 MSRP. It has four available trim levels.
The Nissan Rogue has a starting price of $28,590 MSRP and offers 4 trim levels.
The Mazda CX-50 engine is a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway and has a 14.5-gallon fuel capacity. When properly equipped this compact SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds. All Mazda CX-50 trim levels feature standard i-Activ AWD® (all-wheel drive) for the right balance of traction needed for different road conditions. This Mazda SUV is fun to drive with responsive handling and steering and a smooth ride.
The Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 184 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg/city and 35 mpg/highway and the fuel capacity is 14.5 gallons. The RAV4 has standard front-wheel drive or available AWD. This SUV tows up to 1,500 pounds. If you upgrade to AWD, the gas mileage is an EPA-estimated 27 mpg/city and 35 mpg/highway.
The Hyundai Tucson runs on a 187-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway with standard FWD or an EPA-estimated 24 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway with the available AWD. The engine generates 178 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.
The Kia Sportage engine is a 187-hp 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder that delivers 178 lb-ft of torque. This SUV has standard FWD. With this drivetrain, it gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway. If you opt for AWD, the Sportage gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway. It has a 14.3-gallon fuel capacity and can tow up to 2,500 pounds.
The Nissan Rogue runs on a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that generates 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Like all the other compact SUVs except the Mazda CX-50, the Rogue has standard FWD. It gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg/city and 37 mpg/highway and has a 14.5-gallon fuel tank. The Nissan Rogue tows up to 1,500 pounds.
The Mazda CX-50 is the only compact SUV designed with SKYACTIV® technology. This technology maximizes this SUV’s performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
All of these compact SUVs seat up to five and feature standard cloth upholstery. Higher trims of the Mazda CX-50 offer leatherette or leather seating. The Nissan Rogue is the only other SUV to offer leather upholstery on higher trims.
The Mazda CX-50 is a luxury SUV, so you can expect high-end finishes inside the cabin. All trims except the base have standard heated seats, and higher trims add ventilated seats. This compact SUV has the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system that provides access to Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and more on the 10.25-inch full-color display. The leather-wrapped gear selector and leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard.
The Hyundai Tucson has heated front seats on higher trims but ventilated seats are not available with this SUV. The Tucson infotainment system has a 12.3-inch screen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A leather-wrapped shift knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel are only available on the top trim.
Higher trim levels of the Kia Sportage offer heated front seats but not rear seats. It doesn’t have ventilated seats. The infotainment system is accessed via the standard 8-inch touchscreen. This compact SUV has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base trim doesn’t have a leather-wrapped gear selector and leather-wrapped steering wheel but some higher trim levels offer one or both.
The Toyota RAV4 offers heated and ventilated seats but only on the top trim level. The RAV4 features Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but the standard display is only 8 inches. The top trim has a leather-wrapped shift lever. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is only available on higher trims as part of a package.
The Nissan Rogue has heated front seats on higher trims and optional heated rear seats on the highest trim but there isn’t the option for ventilated seats. The NissanConnect® infotainment system is connected to a standard 8-inch touchscreen. Like the others, this compact SUV has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue has a leatherette-steering wheel but not leather. It doesn’t have a leather gear shifter.
The Mazda CX-50 and the Hyundai Tucson have the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Kia Sportage has the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. The Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue don’t have an IIHS designation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave all of these compact SUVs a 5-star overall safety rating.
The Mazda CX-50 is designed with i-Activsense®, a suite of active and passive vehicle safety features. Some of the standard features this compact SUV offers include:
Are you convinced that the Mazda CX-50 is one of the best compact SUVs and the right choice for you? Then it’s time to visit the Whitten Brothers Mazda showroom in Richmond. As a top Mazda dealership, we offer a great Mazda SUV inventory and a customer-focused approach to the car buying process. From answering any questions you have about this compact SUV to helping you arrange an auto loan or lease, our team is here every step of the way. Contact us to get started and schedule your Mazda CX-50 test drive!
