When it comes to premium Mazda crossover SUVs, you might be inclined to choose between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Mazda CX-5 models. With the well-known Mazda CX-5 remaining a staple of the brand's lineup for over a decade and the adventure-ready Mazda CX-50 continuing to build its legacy for a third model year, there's no wrong option here. As similar as these siblings are, though, there is one that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Read on to see how the Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5 compare, and once you've found your winner, visit Greenway Mazda to take it on a test drive.
Choosing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 or 2025 Mazda CX-5 results in the same powertrain options. Namely, the standard Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 187 horsepower in both models. You'll also find that these SUVs provide a standard i-Activ AWD® layout and a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
You'll also find the available Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered in the Mazda CX-50, while the Mazda CX-5 can be configured with the optional Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine. Both deliver 227 horsepower with regular unleaded gasoline or 256 horsepower when using 93 octane premium unleaded gas.
There is some difference when comparing the Mazda CX-50 vs. Mazda CX-5 fuel efficiency ratings. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 delivers an EPA-estimated 25/31 MPG (City/Highway)1 with its standard engine and an EPA-estimated 23/29 MPG (City/Highway)1 with the optional turbo engine.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 experiences a tiny dip, with up to an EPA-estimated 26/30 MPG (City/Highway)1 with its standard engine and an EPA-estimated 22/27 MPG (City/Highway)1 when you select the enhanced turbo powertrain.
The Mazda CX-50 Turbo can tow up to 3,500 pounds,2 a truly impressive figure for a crossover SUV. Meanwhile, the new Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds.2
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-50 have well-equipped and varied trims, each boasting unique features, amenities, and luxurious interiors. There are eight Mazda CX-5 trims and seven Mazda CX-50 trim levels. Explore each lineup below.
Starting with the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S, this SUV has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 187 horsepower. Traction-friendly i-Activ AWD® is standard, as are features like Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select trim adds enhancements like leatherette-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual rear USB charging ports, and heated front seats with three-level heat adjustment.
The next trim, Mazda 2.5 S Preferred, has leather-trimmed seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a rear power liftgate, and a power sliding-glass moonroof.
When you want a sportier look, the Mazda 2.5 S Carbon Edition brings upgrades that include sleek exterior styling with bigger 19-inch black metallic wheels. Inside, upgrades consist of a 10-speaker Bose® premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, leather seating with a red leather option, and a wireless phone charger.
Even more technology upgrades await you in the Mazda 2.5 S Premium Plus, which has a windshield-projected Active Driving Display and a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor. This trim also adds heated rear seats and heated and ventilated front seats, each with three-level adjustment.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo for a turbocharged engine that makes up to 256 horsepower, along with upgrades like exclusive Terracotta leather-trimmed seats.
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium variant adds enhancements like Traffic Jam Assist, the previously mentioned heated rear seats with three-level adjustment, and a heated steering wheel. It's like the 2.5 S Premium Plus blended with the more powerful 2.5 Carbon Turbo.
For the top-tier Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature, luxury reigns. This variant has Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats, a Mazda Navigation System with Off-Road Navigation, a Traffic Sign Recognition System, and genuine layered wood trim.
Starting with the base, the Mazda CX-50 2.5 S has the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and features standard i-Activ AWD®. Inside, this SUV features standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and half-leatherette-trimmed seats.
The second trim, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred, adds a rear power liftgate, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats with three-level adjustment, and a wireless phone charger.
You'll get more premium upgrades with the Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium trim, with a 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot, a power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof, and a Traffic Sign Recognition System.
The Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus adds enhancements that include leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front seats with three-level adjustment, and a windshield-projected Active Driving Display.
Starting with the Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, the top trims have a turbocharged engine that makes up to 256 horsepower. Other enhancements for this trim include paddle shifters, a heated steering wheel, and Terracotta leather-trimmed seats.
Moving up to the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium trim brings an Active Driving Display, unique exterior styling, and Cruising and Traffic Support.
Last but not least, the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus variant adds a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor with See-Through View, Blind Spot Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and an auto-dimming driver's side mirror.
Which is the larger model in the Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50 comparison?
It's a toss-up when comparing the sizes of these two SUVs. The Mazda CX-50 is longer than the Mazda CX-5, but the Mazda CX-5 is wider and taller.
More specifically, the Mazda CX-50 has an overall length of 185.8 inches, a width of 80.8 inches with the mirrors open, and a maximum height of 63.9 inches up to the shark fin antenna. With the Mazda CX-5, you get 180.1 inches in length, 83.3 inches in width with the mirrors open, and 66.3 inches in height when measuring up to the shark fin antenna.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 has an all-terrain-ready ground clearance of up to 8.6 inches; the Mazda CX-5 offers slightly less at 7.9 inches.
How do the exterior dimensions translate to the interiors of these Mazda SUVs? Each model offers unique seating and cargo space measurements that we'll explore below. Ultimately, the Mazda CX-5 interior offers more space with extra headroom and shoulder room when compared to the Mazda CX-50. It also has 3 cubic feet of additional maximum cargo space. Take a look at the interior measurements:
If you desire a larger exterior presence and higher ground clearance for traveling off the grid, the Mazda CX-50 is the better option, but if you need a bit more interior space to relax in, choose the Mazda CX-5. Take advantage of our new vehicle specials to see how you can save on either of these models today.
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| 2025 MAZDA CX-50 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM | 2025 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Horsepower (w/ available engine) | 256 hp | 256 hp |
| Maximum Torque (w/ available engine) | 320 lb-ft | 320 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity (when properly equipped) | 3,500 lbs2 | 2,000 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy) (w/ available engine) | 23 / 291 | 22 / 271 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity (w/ rear seats down) | 56.3 cu ft | 59.3 cu ft |
| Length | 185.8 in | 180.1 in |
The Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5 features include a 10.25-inch touch-screen Mazda Connect™ infotainment system, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and more. They're both exceptional choices – the differences boil down to slight fuel efficiency differences, increased towing power, and off-road optimizations in the Mazda CX-50 and more cargo room, headroom, shoulder room, and city-ready agility in the Mazda CX-5.
Now that you've read our 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50 comparison page, it's time to see them in action. Visit our Mazda dealership today to discover your favorite of the two or see how they differ from previous iterations in our pre-owned inventory. We look forward to sharing these SUVs with you soon.
The standard Mazda CX-50 can tow up to 2,000 pounds2 or up to 3,500 pounds2 with the available turbo engine. The Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the standard or optional turbo engine.2 Both vehicles allow you to bring a Jet Ski, ATV, or another fun outdoor toy along for a weekend getaway.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 delivers up to an EPA-estimated 26/30 MPG (City/Highway)1 with its standard engine or an EPA-estimated 22/27 (City/Highway)1 with its available turbo engine. These gas mileage numbers for the Mazda CX-5 demonstrate that this sporty SUV offers efficiency alongside power. Visit Greenway Mazda today for a test drive.
The Mazda CX-50 vs. Mazda CX-5 dimensions show that the Mazda CX-50 is 5.7 inches longer than the Mazda CX-5. It is a little shorter in height than the Mazda CX-5 and not as wide when accounting for mirrors. The Mazda CX-5 has more maximum cargo space than the Mazda CX-50, but it can't tow as much as the Mazda CX-50.
9/22/2024
Bought our 2nd New CX50 from Greenway Mazda. Greenway has the best price in town. Carlos the GM is very transparent and no hidden fees or Add on
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on the vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
