The 2026 Mazda CX-50 off-roading — 2026 Mazda CX-50 | Allison Barfield - MotorBiscuit

5 Ways the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Beats the CX-5

One of these SUVs is clearly better for city life while the other is better equipped for rugged adventures.

by Allison Barfield

Published on December 12, 2025 4:15 pm

3 min read

I recently spent a week with the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Mazda CX-50, so maybe I can help you decide between these SUVs. How different can they be if the titles are only one character apart? Well, they were actually designed with different types of drivers in mind.

Five reasons to pick the 2026 Mazda CX-50 over the CX-5

First of all, I’m referring to the 2025 Mazda CX-5. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 launches a new generation with tons of upgrades that I haven’t experienced yet.

Also, the Mazda CX-50 is the first SUV that Mazda designed with Americans in mind. It specifically targets our market, and for that reason, it stands out. However, both options are great for city life, long commutes, and light off-roading adventures.

1. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is bigger

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is compact, making it easier to navigate in tight city areas. But drivers have complained about needing more cargo and passenger space, which the CX-50 provides.

Most noticeably, there’s more space between the front seats, so you aren’t sitting too close to your passenger and bumping elbows. Plus, there’s more leg space available for taller folks in the rear.

The CX-5 provides 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 59.3 cubic feet overall. With the CX-50, you get 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat and 56.3 cubes overall.

The extra space for gear with rear passengers could be beneficial. Plus, the center console, trays, and cubbies are larger.

2. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 doesn’t have a hybrid engine

While Mazda is known for making reliable engines, the CX-5 hasn’t gone hybrid yet. The 2026 model could get a new hybrid engine by the end of 2026.

But the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid engine is ready to roll. It borrows the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain from the Toyota RAV4. It cranks out 219 hp and has a range of 551 miles. Also, it gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and up to 37 mpg on the highway.

This engine has been around for a while, so it’s proven to be a reliable choice. The CX-5 Hybrid will be brand new, so you might want to see how well it holds up before pulling the trigger.

3. The CX-50 is more rugged

Critics such as Edmunds praise the 2026 Mazda CX-50 for having above-average off-roading capabilities. However, the AWD system in the CX-5 is still excellent for inclement weather situations.

The CX-50 offers up to 8,6 inches of ground clearance while the CX-5 maxes out at 7.9 inches. Also, the CX-50 has available all-terrain tires and unique suspension tuning. Both SUVs have an Off-Road mode, though.

But the CX-50 has advanced terrain management and suspension upgrades to tackle more abuse. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while the CX-5 tows up to 2,000 lbs.

Based on taking both in the woods, the CX-50 offers more control, stabilty, stopping power, and confidence in slippery conditions.

4. The CX-50 feels more modern

The interior of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 feels a bit more modern compared to the CX-5. It has a larger infotainment screen, a more eye-catching design with contrasting colors, and a larger panoramic sunroof.

Both models use a rotary dial system to control the infotainment screen that’s easy to master. But the CX-50 has standard Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It’s also more forgiving if you forget your phone cord.

Luxury features available with both options include adaptive headlights, ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a head-up display.

5. The CX-50 is a bit more comfortable

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has stiffer seats and a stiffer ride than the 2026 Mazda CX-50. It’s like the CX-50 absorbs impacts a little faster, but both SUVS provide a quiet cabin at highway speeds.

Also, the stiffer suspension of the CX-5 helps it excel as the slightly sportier option for engaging drives. But the CX-50 is still fun. The CX-50 has more supportive seats that are wider and friendly to all body types.

While the ventilated and heated seats have equal strength in both rides, the CX-50 has a more robust and faster-acting climate system.

But the 2026 Mazda CX-5 could challenge the CX-50 in new ways. I’ll have to provide updates after getting behind the wheel.

Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer and covers all things Trucks and SUVs. She covers Stellantis regularly, including Dodge, Ram, and Jeep vehicles. Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She’s spent the last several years testing new cars for MotorBiscuit and writing about their pros and cons. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her on test drives.