For U.S. vehicles; figures from Mazda USA and SUVLook's CX-50 research profile, checked November 4, 2026. Model-year note: Mazda's site now lists the 2027 CX-5 for pricing and fuel economy, while its CX-50 pages and the dimension tables we used are 2026. We label the year on every figure and do not apply one year's number to the other.

The short version: the CX-5 is the cheaper, roomier-for-cargo choice, while the CX-50 gives you more ground clearance, a hybrid and a turbo option that tows more. Both come with all-wheel drive. The right pick depends on whether you want a lower entry price and a tall, boxy cargo area, or a wider powertrain choice and a sportier, lower-roof stance.

Quick comparison table

Spec Mazda CX-5 Mazda CX-50
Model year of price and MPG 2027 2026
Starting MSRP (before destination) $29,990 (2.5 S) $29,900 (2.5 S Select)
Standard engine 2.5L, 187 hp 2.5L, 187 hp
Other engines None listed 2.5 Turbo (227 hp on regular, 256 hp on 93 octane); 219-hp hybrid
Drivetrain i-ACTIV AWD AWD on all trims (e-AWD on hybrid)
EPA combined mpg, base gas 26 (2027) 26
Length (2026 table) 184.6 in 185.8 in
Height (2026 table) 66.7 in 63.5 to 63.9 in
Ground clearance (2026 table) 8.0 to 8.2 in 8.3 to 8.6 in (hybrid 7.8 to 8.1 in)
Cargo, seats up / down (2026) 33.7 / 66.5 cu ft 31.4 / 56.3 cu ft
Maximum towing 1,500 lb 2,000 lb gas; 1,500 lb hybrid; 3,500 lb turbo

Sources are listed per section below. The dimension rows come from Mazda's CX-5 vs CX-50 page, whose table is labeled 2026.

Price: nearly identical at the bottom, different ladders above

Starting MSRPs exclude taxes, title, license fees and the destination charge. Mazda's CX-50 pages list destination at $1,595 ($1,640 in Alaska); we did not verify the CX-5's destination charge, so check it on the quote.

Mazda CX-5 (2027) MSRP Mazda CX-50 (2026) MSRP
2.5 S $29,990 2.5 S Select $29,900
2.5 S Select $32,140 2.5 S Preferred $32,400
2.5 S Preferred $34,550 2.5 S Meridian Edition $33,150
2.5 S Premium $37,450 2.5 S Premium $34,900
2.5 S Premium Plus $39,440 Hybrid Preferred $34,750
2.5 Turbo $37,900
Hybrid Premium $38,150
2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition $40,400
Hybrid Premium Plus $40,450
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $42,900

CX-5 prices are from Mazda's 2027 CX-5 trim comparison. CX-50 gas and turbo prices are from Mazda's 2026 CX-50 comparison, and hybrid prices from the CX-50 Hybrid page as recorded in our CX-50 trim guide.

The entry prices differ by $90 (the CX-5 is higher). At the top of the gas range, the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus ($39,440) costs more than the CX-50 2.5 S Premium ($34,900) in Mazda's lineups, but the two trims are not equipment-matched, and the years differ. Compare window stickers, not trim names.

Powertrains and fuel economy

CX-5. Mazda lists one engine, a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with i-ACTIV AWD, on the 2027 CX-5 page. The 2.5 S is rated 24 city, 30 highway and 26 combined mpg. Mazda's page does not list a CX-5 hybrid or turbo.

CX-50. The 2026 lineup has three families, per Mazda's CX-5 vs CX-50 page:

  • 2.5 S: 187 hp, rated 24 / 30 / 26 mpg.
  • 2.5 Turbo: 227 hp on regular fuel and 256 hp on 93 octane with a six-speed automatic; the Premium Plus trim is rated 23 / 29 / 25 mpg. Mazda's page did not list mpg for the other Turbo trims.
  • Hybrid: 219 hp, 2.5L with e-CVT and electronic AWD, rated 39 / 37 / 38 mpg.

On the same gas engine and 26 mpg combined, the CX-5 and CX-50 2.5 S are equal on paper. The CX-50's real fuel-economy edge is the hybrid at 38 mpg combined, which the CX-5 does not offer. The CX-50 trim differences are covered in our CX-50 trim levels guide.

Size and dimensions

Mazda's 2026 table for both models (inches):

Dimension (2026) CX-5 CX-50 CX-50 Hybrid
Length 184.6 185.8 186.1
Width, mirrors folded 73.2 72.9 72.9
Width, mirrors extended 81.8 80.8 80.8
Height 66.7 63.5 to 63.9 64.9 to 65.8
Wheelbase 110.8 110.8 110.8
Ground clearance 8.0 to 8.2 8.3 to 8.6 7.8 to 8.1

Ground clearance and rough-road use

The CX-50 is the higher-clearance model on paper: 8.3 to 8.6 inches versus 8.0 to 8.2 for the CX-5, both from the same Mazda 2026 table. The CX-50 Hybrid sits lower, at 7.8 to 8.1 inches, which overlaps the CX-5's range. That matters if you drive on rutted dirt roads or deep snow.

Clearance varies by trim and tire. Mazda's 2026 range includes Meridian Edition versions with all-terrain tires, as described in our CX-50 trim guide. A few tenths of an inch does not make either an off-roader, so judge approach and tire choice on the actual vehicle.

Cabin space

Mazda publishes these CX-50 figures in SUVLook's 2026 CX-50 profile: front legroom 41.7 in, rear legroom 39.8 in, front headroom 39.1 in without a moonroof and passenger volume 100.3 cu ft. The profile also notes that a moonroof lowers front headroom.

We could not verify numeric CX-5 legroom or headroom from the Mazda pages we read. Mazda's comparison page says the CX-5 has "more rear knee room and headroom" than the CX-50, which is Mazda's claim, not a number we can quote. If rear-seat comfort or tall rear passengers matter, sit in both with your usual passengers. Our compact SUV comparison may help build a wider shortlist, though its scope covers more than these two models.

Cargo space

Cargo volume (2026) Seats up Seats down
Mazda CX-5 33.7 cu ft 66.5 cu ft
Mazda CX-50 31.4 cu ft 56.3 cu ft

The CX-5 figures come from Mazda's 2026 CX-5 specification sheet as used in our CX-5 cargo guide. The CX-50 figures are in the CX-50 profile. On volume, the CX-5 leads by 2.3 cu ft with the seats up and 10.2 cu ft with them folded (our subtraction).

Be aware that Mazda's comparison page contains two cargo tables that do not agree with each other. One lists the CX-5 at 29.1 seats up, the other at 33.7, and the CX-50 Hybrid appears as both 31.4 and 29.2 seats up. We use the CX-5 spec-sheet figure and the CX-50 profile figure. Mazda's text on that page also says the CX-5 edges out the CX-50 in total cargo capacity.

For the CX-5's floor measurements (39.1 in trunk length to the second row, 41.3 in between wheel housings, 42.8 by 30.7 in tailgate opening), see our CX-5 cargo dimensions guide. We did not find a matching table of CX-50 floor measurements, so measure the CX-50 you plan to buy if a bulky item must fit.

Towing

Version Maximum tow rating
CX-5 1,500 lb
CX-50 2.5 S (gas) 2,000 lb
CX-50 Hybrid 1,500 lb
CX-50 2.5 Turbo 3,500 lb

Mazda's comparison page lists the CX-5 at up to 1,500 lb and the CX-50 Turbo at up to 3,500 lb with towing mode and a Genuine Mazda hitch. The CX-50 gas (2,000 lb) and hybrid (1,500 lb) ratings come from Mazda's 2026 CX-50 specification deck, as recorded in the CX-50 profile and trim guide. Mazda's page labels the CX-5 towing footnote without stating a model year, so confirm the CX-5 rating for the exact year in the owner's manual.

For occasional light trailers, either works. For a camper or boat near 3,000 lb, only the CX-50 Turbo has the rating. For something heavier, look at three-row SUVs; our Mazda CX-90 towing guide covers a 5,000-lb option. Always confirm braking, tongue weight and equipment with the manual.

Safety

Mazda's comparison page says both the CX-5 and CX-50 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and that the CX-50 has an NHTSA 5-Star Overall rating. We did not verify these on IIHS or NHTSA pages, and we did not find a sourced warranty comparison, so check both agencies and Mazda's warranty booklet for the exact model year.

Which should you choose?

  • Cargo room: CX-5, which has the larger published cargo volume and a taller body. Its base price is $90 above the CX-50's, though the model years differ.
  • Best fuel economy: CX-50 Hybrid at 38 mpg combined. The CX-5 offers 26 mpg on its single engine.
  • Light trailer or towing near 3,500 lb: CX-50 Turbo.
  • More ground clearance: CX-50 gas or turbo (8.3 to 8.6 in). The hybrid is lower.
  • Rear-seat passengers: Mazda says the CX-5 has more rear knee room and headroom; try both.
  • Performance: CX-50 Turbo (227 hp on regular, 256 hp on 93 octane) versus 187 hp in the CX-5.

These are editorial recommendations from published specs, not a drive test. Our comparison of the CX-50 against a rival is on CX-50 vs Honda CR-V.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda CX-5 bigger than the CX-50?

The CX-50 is longer (185.8 vs 184.6 in) and the CX-5 is taller (66.7 vs 63.5 to 63.9 in), per Mazda's 2026 table. The CX-5 has more published cargo volume.

Which has better gas mileage?

The base gas versions are both rated 26 mpg combined (CX-5 2027, CX-50 2026). The CX-50 Hybrid is rated 38 mpg combined.

Which tows more?

The CX-50: 2,000 lb gas, 1,500 lb hybrid and up to 3,500 lb turbo, versus up to 1,500 lb for the CX-5.

Which has more ground clearance?

The CX-50 gas and turbo, at 8.3 to 8.6 in versus 8.0 to 8.2 in for the CX-5. The CX-50 Hybrid is 7.8 to 8.1 in.

Why do the model years differ in this article?

Mazda's site lists the 2027 CX-5 for price and MPG, while the CX-50 pages and the dimension table we used are 2026. We label every figure with its year.

Has SUVLook tested these?

No. All figures are manufacturer-published.