Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-50
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · Specs from the manufacturers and fueleconomy.gov · Prices paid from CarWhere verified deals
The short answer
The 2027 CX-5 is the roomier family pick: it is 3.2 in taller (66.7 vs 63.5 in) and holds more cargo (33.7 vs 31.4 cu ft behind the rear seat, 66.5 vs 56.3 max), from $29,990. The 2026 CX-50 starts at $29,900 and offers what the 2027 CX-5 does not: a 256-hp turbo, a hybrid rated 38 mpg combined and up to 3,500 lb of towing versus 1,500. Both have standard AWD.
Key differences
- The CX-50 starts $90 lower (base MSRP $29,990 vs $29,900, before destination).
- The CX-50 is 1.2 in longer (184.6 vs 185.8 in).
- Max cargo: 66.5 cu ft (Mazda CX-5) vs 56.3 cu ft (CX-50).
- The CX-50 tows up to 3,500 lb, 2,000 lb more.
- Best combined fuel-economy rating: 26 vs 38 mpg (CX-50 leads).
- Most powerful version: 187 hp (Mazda CX-5) vs 256 hp (CX-50).
CX-5 vs CX-50 specs side by side
| Mazda CX-5 | Mazda CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model year compared | 2027 | 2026 |
| Base MSRP range (excl. destination) | $29,990–$39,440 | $29,900–$42,900 |
| Destination charge | $1,595 | $1,595 |
| Powertrains (hp / torque) | 2.5L 4-cylinder (Skyactiv-G 2.5): 187 hp / 186 lb-ft | 2.5L 4-cylinder (Skyactiv-G 2.5): 187 hp / 185 lb-ft · 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder (Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo): 256 hp / 320 lb-ft · 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid: 219 hp |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | 2.5 S AWD: 24/30/26 mpg | 2.5 S AWD: 24/30/26 mpg · 2.5 Turbo AWD: 23/29/25 mpg · Hybrid AWD: 39/37/38 mpg |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind rear row | 33.7 cu ft | 31.4 cu ft |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 66.5 cu ft | 56.3 cu ft |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 184.6 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | Not published | 75.6 in |
| Height | 66.7 in | 63.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 110.8 in |
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8.3 in |
- Mazda CX-5: All-new generation (launched as MY2026). Single powertrain for 2027 with standard i-Activ AWD; Mazda says additional powertrain options will be announced in 2027. Torque is 186 lb-ft in the pricing release and spec deck (the fact sheet lists 185). MPG is Mazda's published 2027 EPA figure (24/30/26); fueleconomy.gov does not yet list the 2027 model. Ground clearance 8.0 in on 2.5 S/Select (17-in wheels), 8.2 in on Preferred/Premium/Premium Plus (19-in wheels). Cargo is SAE: 33.7 cu ft behind the rear seat, 66.5 cu ft folded. Destination $1,595 ($1,640 in Alaska). Width null: Mazda publishes only a mirrors-folded width (73.2 in folded, 81.8 in opened), not a body width comparable with other models.
- CX-50: Turbo output is 256 hp / 320 lb-ft on 93-octane premium (227 hp / 310 lb-ft on 87 octane). Hybrid: 219 hp total system output; engine 176 hp / 163 lb-ft, front motor 118 hp / 149 lb-ft, rear motor 54 hp / 89 lb-ft; Mazda publishes no combined system torque (null). AWD standard on all trims (i-Activ AWD on gas, electric AWD on Hybrid). Towing 2,000 lbs (2.5 S), 3,500 lbs (2.5 Turbo, with Towing mode and Mazda hitch), 1,500 lbs (Hybrid). Cargo (SAE): 31.4 behind 2nd row / 56.3 folded on gas trims; Hybrid 29.2 / 56.3. Width is without mirrors (72.9 in mirrors folded, 80.8 in opened). Height 63.5 in (Select/Preferred) to 63.9 in on other gas trims; length 186.1 in on Hybrid. Ground clearance 8.3–8.6 in on gas trims, 7.8–8.1 in on Hybrid. Release headline cites $29,990, but the pricing table and mazdausa.com list 2.5 S Select at $29,900. Destination $1,595 ($1,640 in Alaska) effective Aug 11, 2025. No 2027 CX-50 published yet.
What buyers actually paid
Median discount off MSRP from CarWhere's verified, buyer-submitted deal sheets for new CX-5 and CX-50 purchases. Each model is matched exactly, so no other nameplate is mixed in. Use the median as a target discount when you negotiate.
Mazda CX-5
5.5% off MSRP (median)
Middle half of buyers: 3.1% to 8.3% off · 0% paid over MSRP
41 verified deals · model years 2025–2026
Mazda CX-50
4.8% off MSRP (median)
Middle half of buyers: 2.9% to 5.9% off · 0% paid over MSRP
27 verified deals · model years 2025–2026
Snapshot 2026-11-05. Approved, de-duplicated deals only; shown when each side has at least 5 deals. % off MSRP is before rebates. Methodology
Reliability and known issues
Mazda CX-50
No CarWhere reliability page yet.
More on each model
FAQ
Which is better, the Mazda CX-5 or the CX-50?
The 2027 CX-5 is the roomier family pick: it is 3.2 in taller (66.7 vs 63.5 in) and holds more cargo (33.7 vs 31.4 cu ft behind the rear seat, 66.5 vs 56.3 max), from $29,990. The 2026 CX-50 starts at $29,900 and offers what the 2027 CX-5 does not: a 256-hp turbo, a hybrid rated 38 mpg combined and up to 3,500 lb of towing versus 1,500. Both have standard AWD.
Is the Mazda CX-5 cheaper than the CX-50?
The CX-50 has the lower starting price: the 2027 Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,990 and tops out at $39,440, and the 2026 CX-50 starts at $29,900 and tops out at $42,900. Those are base MSRPs before destination ($1,595 and $1,595), from the manufacturers.
Is the Mazda CX-5 bigger than the CX-50?
The Mazda CX-5 is 184.6 in long on a 110.8-in wheelbase; the CX-50 is 185.8 in on a 110.8-in wheelbase. Maximum cargo space is 66.5 vs 56.3 cu ft. Seating: 5 vs 5.
Which tows more, the Mazda CX-5 or the CX-50?
The CX-50: up to 3,500 lb vs 1,500 lb, properly equipped, per the manufacturers.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Combined ratings: 26 mpg for the Mazda CX-5 and 25–38 mpg for the CX-50, depending on powertrain and drivetrain. Figures are EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov, or the manufacturer's estimate where the EPA has not yet listed the new model year (see notes under the table).
How much off MSRP are buyers getting on the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50?
In CarWhere's verified deals, the median Mazda CX-5 buyer paid 5.5% below MSRP (41 deals) and the median CX-50 buyer paid 4.8% below MSRP (27 deals). Use those as a target discount when you negotiate; results vary by trim, region and month.
Related comparisons
Sources
- Mazda News — 2027 Mazda CX-5 Pricing and Packaging (Oct 26, 2026)
- Mazda News — 2027 CX-5 Spec Deck
- MazdaUSA — 2027 CX-5 specs and trims comparison
- Mazda News — 2026 Mazda CX-50 Pricing and Packaging
- Mazda News — 2026 CX-50 Spec Deck
- MazdaUSA — 2026 CX-50 specs and trims comparison
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 CX-50 2.5L
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 CX-50 2.5L Turbo
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 CX-50 Hybrid
"Not published" means the manufacturer has not released that figure for this model year; CarWhere does not estimate missing specs.
Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-50," carwhere.com/car-comparisons/mazda-cx-5-vs-mazda-cx-50.