New Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50: What Are the Differences?

• Mazda sells two compact SUVs with similar names: the CX-5 and CX-50.
• To clear any confusion, we explain the most significant differences.
• The CX-5 is older but less expensive, and the CX-50 has features you won't find in the other car.

CX-5 vs. CX-50: Price

Before the CX-5's big transformation, both models were competitively priced for the segment overall. Mazda hasn’t yet set the pricing for the all-new 2026 CX-5, but you can fully expect the price to rise, at least slightly, from today's base of $30,190 including destination. Given the expected rise in price, we expect the CX-50 to become the cheaper model, and its current $31,995 starting price will likely undercut the all-new CX-5's price once it's announced. 

Before the updates, the two matched up almost perfectly in terms of feature sets. The base CX-50 did offer a few extra standard features — namely, two more speakers and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though Mazda hasn't given us specifics in such granular detail about the new CX-5, we expect the changes to bring it at least on par with the CX-50 in this area.

The CX-50 was introduced in 2023 and sported Mazda's newest interior design when it was launched, but fast-forward a few years and it's the CX-5 that once again leads the charge in terms of design. There is a much more modern interior space, a new steering wheel, more room than before, and a huge 15.6-inch center touchscreen that will likely be offered on upper trims. (Mazda didn't say how big the standard screen will be.)

When the CX-50 debuted, we expected Mazda would replace the CX-5 outright or sell both cars side by side for a couple of years (with the older car available in a limited number of configurations) before retiring the nameplate. Mazda's track record suggested either scenario was likely — the automaker employed the former strategy when the CX-9 became the CX-90, while the CX-3 stuck around as a bargain play when its replacement, the CX-30, was introduced. Now it's become abundantly clear that both models are here to stay, and it's actually more likely that the CX-50 will get updates in the near future to bring it on par with its similarly named sibling.

CX-5 vs. CX-50: Size

While the Mazdas compete in the compact SUV class, there are vehicles in the segment that are more compact than others. The new CX-5 certainly fits this bill; measuring 184.6 inches tip to tail, it's still just a touch shorter than the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Taller passengers used to find the Mazda's back row a tight squeeze, but the new model likely remedies that thanks to the 3-inch stretch in wheelbase that should bring more legroom overall. The Honda and VW still feel cavernous in the back, but the Mazda's gotten much closer.

The CX-50 is still 2 inches longer than the CX-5, and while we don't have a full breakdown of the new CX-5's overall dimensions, it's likely the CX-50 will keep the edge in terms of cargo space.

CX-5 vs. CX-50: Performance and engines

Mazda carried the CX-5's powertrain lineup to the CX-50 with zero changes. Both come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower. For 2026, the CX-5 loses 1 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50, now sitting at 184 lb-ft and 185 lb-ft, respectively. 

Buyers looking for something a little spicier can opt for a turbocharged version, which is now only available on the CX-50. The turbo model churns out 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, and 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. The CX-50 is among the quickest non-luxury compact SUVs on the market with that turbo motor, and we're slightly disappointed Mazda hasn't decided to soldier on with it as an option on the CX-5.

Starting with the 2025 model year, the CX-50 was made available with a Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain. It matches a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors, which produce a combined 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. Capable of delivering 38 mpg in the EPA's combined cycle, the CX-50 Hybrid is far more efficient than either the standard engine (28 mpg combined) or the turbo (25 mpg combined). 

Mazda has said a hybrid is coming for 2027, but it won't be the system out of the CX-50. Mazda didn't provide any specifics about the upcoming gas-electric powertrain other than to say that it will use a Mazda-designed hybrid system. We expect this variant will make more power than the gas-only version while beating its fuel efficiency ratings.

CX-5 vs. CX-50: Technology and features

The new CX-5 comes with a sizable central display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and advanced driving aids like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It's also equipped with Google Built-In, which means you get access to Google Maps and Google's excellent voice assistant system. In the previous model you got luxe upgrades as you move up the trim ladder (ventilated seats, a power liftgate, premium interior materials), with options including a 360-degree camera system and reverse automatic braking, and we don't expect this formula to change much with the introduction of the new car.

There were some instances where the CX-50 had kit the CX-5 did not (like a better sound system and traffic sign recognition), but it would be safe to assume these features have made their way into the new CX-5. The CX-50, though, does offer a cool Meridian Edition trim level that offers a hint of off-road performance. At the end of the day, the CX-5 and CX-50 are more alike than they are different, and you aren't giving up much in terms of extras whichever model you go for.

Edmunds says

The Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 are a couple of our favorite SUVs, and no matter which you pick, you're going to get a solid compact crossover. The CX-5 benefits from a lower price and similar feature set, while the CX-50 is newer, more refined, more spacious and is now available with a hybrid.