Comparison
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-50
Same engine, different personalities. Which Mazda fits your life?
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Mazda CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $31,990 | $29,900 |
| Base trim | 2.5 S Select AWD | 2.5 S Select AWD |
| Power | 187 hp, 2.5L 4-cyl | 187 hp, 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | AWD standard |
| EPA mpg (city / hwy / combined) | 24 / 30 / 26 | 24 / 30 / 26 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo (behind rows / max) | 34 / 67 cu ft | 31 / 56 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | — | 9 in |
Source: Cars.com research specs (base trims shown, MSRP before destination), checked October 2026. Prices exclude tax, tag and fees and change often; Kirk confirms current pricing in writing.
Who should buy which
The short answer
You want more cargo room and a taller, more traditional SUV shape.
You want a lower, wider, more rugged look, extra ground clearance, and the lower starting price.
Kirk's take
“Same 187-hp engine, same AWD, same mileage. The CX-5 holds more; the CX-50 sits wider and lower with more clearance and starts about $2,000 less. Come sit in both. People usually know within five minutes.”
Kirk Epps, General Manager, Gerald Jones Mazda
Common questions
Is the CX-50 replacing the CX-5?
No. Mazda sells both for 2026. The CX-50 is a separate, more rugged-styled model.
Which is bigger inside?
The CX-5 has more cargo space: 34 cubic feet behind the rear seat versus 31, and 67 maximum versus 56, per Cars.com.
Do they have the same engine?
Yes. Both base trims use a 187-hp 2.5L four-cylinder with standard AWD and are rated 26 mpg combined.
Sources & resources
Check it yourself
Every number above comes from these. Safety ratings and recalls change, so look up the exact model year you're considering.
- Mazda CX-5 official sitemazdausa.com
- Mazda CX-50 official sitemazdausa.com
- 2026 Mazda CX-5 full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- 2026 Mazda CX-50 full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- EPA fuel economy, compare both side by sidefueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
- IIHS crash test ratingsiihs.org
- NHTSA recall lookup by VINnhtsa.gov
Photos are real-world examples from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each image, and may show a different model year or trim than the table. Brand names belong to their owners; kirkepps.com isn't affiliated with Honda, Toyota or Lexus.