The Mazda CX 5 and Mazda CX 50 are two compact SUVs with similar prices, engines, and dimensions, but they have different designs, interior layouts, and available powertrains.
For 2026, the CX 5 has been redesigned and is now longer and more spacious, while the CX 50 continues to offer a more rugged design, an available turbocharged engine, and a hybrid version.
The 2026 CX 5 starts at $31,485, while the CX 50 starts at $31,395 in the U.S. Both use a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower in their standard versions.
The major difference is that the CX 50 also offers a 256 horsepower turbo engine and a hybrid model.
The redesigned CX 5 also gains more passenger and cargo space, while the CX 50 has greater ground clearance and stronger towing capability.
Quick Answer
The CX 5 focuses more on passenger comfort, interior space, and a redesigned cabin.
The CX 50 has a wider, lower, more rugged design and offers more powertrain choices, including a turbocharged engine and hybrid.
For 2026, the key differences are:
- CX 5: More passenger and cargo space
- CX 50: More rugged exterior design
- CX 5: 187 hp engine only at launch
- CX 50: 187 hp engine, 256 hp turbo, and hybrid options
- CX 5: 7.6 inch ground clearance
- CX 50: 8.3 inch ground clearance
- CX 5: Maximum towing of 1,500 pounds
- CX 50: Up to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine
What Is the Mazda CX 5?
The Mazda CX 5 is a compact SUV designed for everyday driving, family use, commuting, and long distance travel.
For 2026, Mazda redesigned the CX 5. The new model is longer and wider than the previous version and has a longer wheelbase. This creates more room for passengers and cargo.
2026 CX 5 Engine
The 2026 CX 5 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter four cylinder engine.
It produces:
- 187 horsepower
- 185 lb ft of torque
- Six speed automatic transmission
- Standard all wheel drive
The turbocharged engine from the previous CX 5 is no longer offered for 2026.
2026 CX 5 Interior
The redesigned CX 5 receives a significantly updated interior.
It offers a large touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.9 inch screen on lower trims and an available 15.6 inch screen on higher trims.
What Is the Mazda CX 50?
The Mazda CX 50 is another compact SUV positioned alongside the CX 5.
It has a lower and wider body than the CX 5 and uses a more rugged exterior design. Its styling is aimed at drivers who want a crossover with a more outdoors focused appearance.
CX 50 Engine Choices
The CX 50 gives buyers more powertrain choices.
The standard 2.5 liter engine produces:
- 187 horsepower
- 185 lb ft of torque
The available turbocharged 2.5 liter engine produces up to:
- 256 horsepower
- 320 lb ft of torque with premium fuel
The CX 50 is also available as a hybrid, producing 219 horsepower.
CX 50 Interior
The CX 50 has a premium looking cabin with a lower seating position and a wider overall body.
Its infotainment system differs from the new CX 5. The CX 50 continues with Mazda’s older setup and center console control system, while the redesigned CX 5 uses a much larger touchscreen focused system.
Mazda CX 5 vs CX 50: Main Differences
Size and Shape
The 2026 CX 5 has grown considerably compared with the previous generation.
The CX 50 remains slightly longer and significantly wider, while the CX 5 is taller. The two models now share a 110.8 inch wheelbase.
| Specification | 2026 CX 5 | 2026 CX 50 |
| Length | 184.6 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 73.2 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 66.7 in | 63.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 110.8 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in | 8.3 in |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
The CX 50 is wider and lower, while the CX 5 has a taller, more upright shape.
Passenger and Cargo Space
The redesigned CX 5 gains an advantage in passenger room.
It offers 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared with 100.3 cubic feet in the CX 50 according to current comparison data. The CX 5 also has more cargo volume behind the rear seats.
The redesign specifically improved rear seat legroom, knee room, headroom, and cargo access.
CX 5 vs CX 50 Performance
CX 5 Performance
The 2026 CX 5 uses the 187 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder engine.
In testing, the redesigned CX 5 reached 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds. Its naturally aspirated engine provides smooth and linear power, although it is not designed as a high performance engine.
CX 50 Performance
The CX 50 gives buyers a wider performance range.
The standard engine produces 187 horsepower, while the turbocharged version produces up to 256 horsepower with premium fuel.
In testing, the turbocharged CX 50 reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while a naturally aspirated model took about 8.4 seconds.
CX 5 vs CX 50 Fuel Economy
The standard gasoline versions have very similar EPA fuel economy estimates.
Both standard 2.5 liter versions are rated at approximately 26 mpg combined. The turbocharged CX 50 is rated at about 25 mpg combined, while the CX 50 Hybrid reaches 38 mpg combined.
| Model | Approx. Combined MPG |
| CX 5 2.5 | 26 mpg |
| CX 50 2.5 | 26 mpg |
| CX 50 Turbo | 25 mpg |
| CX 50 Hybrid | 38 mpg |
Actual fuel economy can vary with driving conditions, weather, traffic, tires, and driving habits.
CX 5 vs CX 50 Towing
The CX 50 has a clear advantage in towing capacity.
The 2026 CX 5 is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The CX 50 can tow:
- 2,000 pounds with the naturally aspirated engine
- Up to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine
- 1,500 pounds with the hybrid model
Ground Clearance
The CX 50 also sits higher from the ground.
The CX 5 has around 8.0 inches of ground clearance in current comparison data, while the CX 50 has 8.3 inches.
This difference is small, but the CX 50’s design and available rugged oriented trims make it more suited to light trail and outdoor use.
CX 5 vs CX 50 Interior and Technology
CX 5 Technology
The 2026 CX 5 gets a major technology update.
Its touchscreen measures:
- 12.9 inches on lower trims
- 15.6 inches on higher trims
The new system replaces much of the previous physical control layout.
CX 50 Technology
The CX 50 retains Mazda’s older infotainment setup with an 8.8 inch display and a center console control knob.
Smartphone mirroring provides touchscreen functionality in supported situations.
This creates one of the most noticeable differences between the two SUVs.
CX 5 vs CX 50 Price in 2026
The 2026 CX 5 starts at approximately $31,485 in the U.S.
The CX 50 starts slightly lower at approximately $31,395.
CX 5 Starting Prices
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
| CX 5 2.5 S | $31,485 |
| Select | $33,485 |
| Preferred | $35,745 |
| Premium | $38,395 |
| Premium Plus | $40,485 |
CX 50 Starting Prices
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
| 2.5 S Select | $31,395 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $33,895 |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | $35,240 |
| 2.5 S Premium | $36,395 |
| 2.5 Turbo | $39,395 |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | $38,920 |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | $42,490 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $44,395 |
Prices can vary with destination charges, options, taxes, and dealer pricing.
Which Mazda Has More Space?
The 2026 CX 5 has more passenger space according to current specifications.
It has:
- More passenger volume
- More rear headroom
- More rear seat room
- More cargo capacity
The redesign specifically focused on improving the rear passenger area and cargo space.
The CX 50 remains wider and lower, giving it a different cabin feel.
Which Mazda Has More Power?
The CX 50 offers more powertrain choices.
The CX 5’s 2026 lineup starts with a 187 horsepower engine, while the CX 50 can be equipped with a 256 horsepower turbocharged engine.
CX 50 also has a 219 horsepower hybrid option.
For drivers who specifically want a turbocharged Mazda compact SUV in 2026, the CX 50 is the model that provides that option.
Which Mazda Is Better for Towing?
The CX 50 has the higher towing capacity.
The CX 5 is rated for up to 1,500 pounds, while the turbocharged CX 50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
For regular commuting and family driving, this difference may not matter. For trailers, recreational equipment, or heavier loads, towing capacity becomes more important.
Common Mistakes When Comparing CX 5 and CX 50
Assuming the CX 50 Is Simply a Larger CX 5
The CX 50 is not simply a bigger version of the CX 5.
The two SUVs have different proportions, interiors, powertrain choices, and trim structures.
Assuming the 2026 CX 5 Still Has a Turbo
The previous CX 5 offered a turbocharged engine, but the 2026 model launches with the 187 horsepower naturally aspirated engine.
Ignoring the CX 50 Hybrid
The CX 50 is available with a hybrid powertrain that produces 219 horsepower and has a 38 mpg combined EPA rating.
Looking Only at Starting Price
The starting prices are very close, but trim levels and available powertrains can create a large difference in final pricing.
Everyday Use: CX 5 vs CX 50
City Driving
The CX 5’s taller body and spacious cabin can work well for everyday family and city driving.
Family Trips
The redesigned CX 5 provides more passenger and cargo space than the CX 50 in current specifications.
Outdoor Activities
The CX 50’s higher ground clearance, wider stance, rugged styling, and available Meridian trims make it suited to outdoor focused use.
Long Distance Driving
Both SUVs offer all wheel drive and a six speed automatic transmission with their standard gasoline powertrains. Comfort, cargo needs, and desired engine performance can help determine which layout fits a particular trip.
Mazda CX 5 vs CX 50 Comparison Table
| Feature | Mazda CX 5 | Mazda CX 50 |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Starting price | $31,485 | $31,395 |
| Standard engine | 2.5L 4 cylinder | 2.5L 4 cylinder |
| Standard horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Turbo option | No | Yes |
| Turbo horsepower | Up to 256 hp | |
| Hybrid | Coming later | Yes |
| Standard AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission | 6 speed automatic | 6 speed automatic |
| Passenger volume | 106.5 cu. ft. | 100.3 cu. ft. |
| Ground clearance | About 8.0 in | 8.3 in |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | Up to 3,500 lb |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Overall character | Spacious and urban focused | Wider, lower, rugged oriented |
Specifications and pricing are based on available 2026 U.S. data and can vary by trim and market.
FAQs About CX 5 or CX 50
Is the CX 5 or CX 50 bigger?
The CX 50 is slightly longer and wider, but the redesigned 2026 CX 5 is taller and has more passenger and cargo space according to current specifications.
Does the CX 5 have a turbo engine in 2026?
No. The 2026 CX 5 launches with a 187 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5 liter four cylinder. The turbocharged engine is available in the CX 50.
Does the CX 50 have a hybrid?
Yes. The CX 50 Hybrid produces 219 horsepower and is rated at 38 mpg combined by the EPA.
Which has more cargo space, CX 5 or CX 50?
The redesigned 2026 CX 5 has more cargo capacity in current specifications, with 33.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 66.5 cubic feet behind the first row.
Which has more towing capacity?
The CX 50 has the higher towing rating. Its turbocharged version can tow up to 3,500 pounds, compared with 1,500 pounds for the CX 5.
Are the CX 5 and CX 50 both AWD?
Yes. The 2026 gasoline CX 5 and CX 50 use all wheel drive as standard equipment in the U.S.
Are CX 5 and CX 50 the same size?
No. They are close in overall dimensions, but their proportions differ. The CX 50 is lower and wider, while the redesigned CX 5 is taller and offers more interior passenger space.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX 5 and CX 50 are closely related compact SUVs, but the 2026 models have clear differences.
The redesigned CX 5 offers more passenger and cargo space, a newer interior, and a large touchscreen system. It uses a 187 horsepower engine with standard all wheel drive.
The CX 50 offers a wider and lower design, more ground clearance, an available 256 horsepower turbo engine, and a 219 horsepower hybrid option. It also provides considerably higher towing capacity with the turbo model.
The right choice depends on the features that matter most for your driving needs, such as interior space, engine power, towing, fuel economy, or exterior design.
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