How Are the Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5 Different?
There is a new SUV in town that might take attention away from the Mazda CX-5. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 just joined the show. But is the new Mazda CX-50 worth buying over the CX-5? Let’s see how much these SUVs have in common.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. the 2022 Mazda CX-5
If you’re ready to zoom-zoom into the wild, then the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an excellent option to consider. It’s like the 2023 Mazda CX-5, only it’s built for off-roading. It has a higher ground clearance with available rugged accessories.
But the CX-50 is still a unibody crossover that rides on the same platform as the CX-5 and CX-30. According to Mazda, the CX-50 is slightly longer than the CX-5.
The CX-50 is the first Mazda specifically designed for the American market. As a result, it’s more rugged, a little larger, and prioritizes passenger/cargo space. But it only provides a smidge of extra cargo room.
While the CX-50 is more capable in the wild, the CX-5 is more refined with a smoother and sportier performance on the pavement.
Does the CX-50 have more power?
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 doesn’t have more power yet, but a hybrid powertrain is underway. It has the same engines as the Mazda CX-5 for now.
- The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder option with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
The Mazda CX-5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds with the base engine and 6.6 seconds with the turbo. The CX-50 should be just as fast, but its extra length and weight could slow it down.
Both engine options pair with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain could be borrowed from Toyota. Otherwise, the CX-50 doesn’t share any parts with the Toyota Corolla Cross, despite being built in the same factory.
When properly equipped, the CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 lbs. The towing capacity for the Mazda CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 lbs, giving it a 1,500 lb advantage.
For off-roading, the CX-50 has a heavier-duty all-wheel drive coupling with a larger clutch and a new off-road driving mode. Hill-descent control isn’t included, but the brakes are easy to control with simple driving settings.
Do the CX-50 and CX-5 have different features?
The longer and wider 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a rugged style with black plastic cladding around the wheel wells. The front and rear bumpers are designed to look like skid plates are included. You can opt for hood graphics, a roof rack, and all-terrain tires.
Like other Mazdas, the interiors of the CX-50 and CX-5 are incredibly luxurious, with leather upholstery. A panoramic sunroof is optional. The layout looks similar to the way the Mazda CX-5 is set up but has orange accents and sportier seats.
The CX-5 comes with a 10.4-inch infotainment system, but it’s not a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. You can opt for a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Also, the Mazda Connected Services app provides access to remote vehicle functions.
With the CX-50, you get a standard 8.8-inch screen but can upgrade to a 10.25-inch unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay has touchscreen functionality.
Standard safety features for the CX-5 include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
You can get started in a 2023 Mazda CX-5 for $26,700. Pricing for the 2023 Mazda CX-50 starts at 27,550. Both SUVs could have upgrades for 2024, so stay tuned.
