Mazda is known for its SUV lineup, and two of the most popular are the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-50. Both are two-row compact crossovers with the performance, comfort, and safety features for which Mazda SUVs are known.
While these two vehicles seem very similar at first, there are some key differences worth noting that can help you decide which is the right fit for you. Remember, they’re siblings, not twins! Whitten Mazda compares the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50 to help Richmond drivers with the car shopping experience.
The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers five trim levels, and pricing starts at $29,990 MSRP.
| Mazda CX-5 Trim Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | $29,990 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select | $31,990 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred | $34,250 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium | $36,900 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus | $38,990 MSRP |
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offers seven trim levels, and pricing starts at $29,900 MSRP.
| Mazda CX-50 Trim Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | $29,900 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred | $32,400 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Meridian Edition | $33,150 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium | $34,900 MSRP |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo | $37,900 MSRP |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | $40,400 MSRP |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $42,900 MSRP |
Engines: Both the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have a standard Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Mazda CX-5 engine generates 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda CX-50 engine generates 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
One place these Mazda SUVs differ is that the Mazda CX-50 is available in turbo trims. These trim levels add a twin-scroll turbocharger, increasing output to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Another distinction between the two compact crossover SUVs is that the CX-50 is currently the only one available as a hybrid. (A CX-5 Hybrid is planned to launch in 2027.)
Fuel Efficiency: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S trim levels get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 turbo trim levels get an EPA-estimated 23 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway.
Drivetrain: Like all Mazda SUVs, the 2026 CX-5 and 2026 CX-50 have standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® uses real-time data to continuously control and adjust torque and power for proper traction.
| Mazda CX-5 | Mazda CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Volume | 103.6 cubic feet | 100.3 cubic feet |
| Front Headroom | 39.7 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Rear Headroom | 40.2 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Cargo Space | 33.7-66.5 cubic feet | 31.4-56.3 cubic feet |
Both of these Mazda vehicles are two-row compact crossover SUVs with seating for up to five people.
Seating and Space: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is all-new and was redesigned for this model year. The Mazda CX-5 interior features leatherette or leather-trimmed seats, depending on the trim level.
The Mazda CX-5 interior now has more space in the second row for passengers, and there’s also more cargo room compared to the previous model year.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 interior features half leatherette-trimmed, leatherette, or leather-trimmed seats, depending on which trim you choose. Higher trims of the Mazda CX-50 have heated and ventilated front seats,
Technology: Both Mazda SUVs feature the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system.
The Mazda CX-5 interior offers a 12.9-inch touchscreen or a new available 15.6-inch integrated center touchscreen display. This is the largest screen offered in a Mazda SUV, and it comes with 1 year of complimentary Google built-in. Starting with the second trim level, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Higher trim levels offer a 12-speaker Bose® sound system
The Mazda CX-50 has a standard 10.25-inch full-color display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard eight-speaker audio system. Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless phone charger are also standard. Higher trim levels of the CX-50 also offer the 12-speaker Bose® sound system.
Safety is a top priority for the Mazda brand, and as such, both of these compact crossovers have the i-Activsense® suite of standard and available vehicle safety features.
Both Mazda SUVs are equipped with the brand’s i-Activsense® suite of safety features, which includes blindspot monitoring, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and more.
As the Mazda CX-5 is all new this year, Mazda has included new standard safety features, including forward turn-across traffic braking, rear cross traffic braking, rear automatic emergency braking, Mazda radar cruise control with speed limit assist, emergency lane keeping, blindspot assist, and traffic sign recognition.
As you can see, you can’t go wrong with either Mazda SUV. Both the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-50 are excellent crossover SUVs with top-tier safety features, fuel-efficient performances, high-end interiors, and more. Still debating between the two? Contact us to speak to a sales advocate or visit our Mazda dealership in Richmond to test drive both for yourself!
