Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50: A Model-to-Model Comparison

in Car Comparisons
White Mazda CX-5

Source: Flickr

The Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-50 are two popular selections from the Mazda name, offering unique family appearances and some one-of-a-kind accents on the exterior. Although they might seem similar, there are some significant differences between the two. It’s valuable to compare the Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50 before making a final choice.

If you’re interested in a family-oriented SUV, you will find it in the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-50 - but which is the best selection for your life? Keep reading to learn more about the comparison between the two in areas like performance, interior comfort, price, value, safety, fuel economy, and more to make the wisest decision for your life.

Performance

One of the first areas to consider when checking out the Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50 is the performance of the vehicle. They have a similar size, but that doesn’t mean the performance output is the same. Performance will influence your driving experience, and there is a significant winner in this category.

According to motortrend.com, the standard version of both vehicles comes with an engine that provides 187 horsepower. There is also an offering of 227 horsepower if you want to upgrade the system.

When tested on the road, the Mazda CX-5 went from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds while the Mazda CX-50 went from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. Both were slower than desired, but the Mazda CX-5 has a slight advantage in this area.

Interior Comfort and Style

Another area to consider is the interior comfort and style. A vehicle can look solid on the outside, but it won’t matter if the experience inside the car is uncomfortable and unappealing. 

First, let’s check out the cargo and passenger space. The Mazda CX-5 provides 30.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear and enough seating for five people. The Mazda CX-50 has 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and seating for five people.

In style, both provide a premium experience once you upgrade from the base trim. The Mazda CX-5 offers premium leather seats while the Mazda CX-50 brings unique contrasting trim and upgradable floor mats. Inside, the winner is the Mazda CX-50.

Price and Value

Price and value are an area that is critical in the choice of the typical car buyer. Most people want to make the most of their purchase, so it’s critical to get as much as possible from a vehicle for as low of a price as you can. How do these machines fare in this category?

The Mazda CX-5 has a starting price of around $27,500, making it an affordable selection for most on the market for an SUV. There isn’t too much of a difference here, with the Mazda CX-50 only about $500 more expensive than the competition. 

Price and value go hand-in-hand here. Both cars offer excellent features packed into a solid price tag, excellent choices for any family hunting for value in their mode of transportation. 


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Safety

Besides price, another prominent category for individuals to consider is the safety of each car. No matter who is in the machine, it’s vital for them to remain in one piece and feel secure.

The Mazda CX-5 earns a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It also managed to nab a 910 from iseecars.com, which places it in an excellent position among the competition.

The Mazda CX-50 is another excellent contender in the safety department. However, it doesn’t perform as well as the Mazda CX-5 and only earns an 810 in safety.

If keeping your loved ones secure is your priority, we recommend the Mazda CX-5. It slightly outpaces the Mazda CX-50 and has a few more features to create an excellent experience on the road.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy goes hand-in-hand with value, as the better the fuel economy, the easier it will be to maximize your investment in your Mazda selection. Let’s peek at what each selection provides.

The Mazda CX-50 manages to secure 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is the standard for most available trims for this vehicle. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 hits 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Although there isn’t too much of a difference, the Mazda CX-5 manages to secure victors in the area of fuel economy. Neither offers anything that is wildly impressive, but you will get more for your money if you go for the Mazda CX-5 instead of the Mazda CX-50 selection. 


MAZDA CX-5 PROS & CONS

If you’re interested in this machine, it’s helpful to create a complete picture of what you’re getting. Are there any significant Mazda CX-5 pros and cons?


Trims

The final area to ponder when looking at the Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50 is the available trims. It’s vital to have an excellent number of selections when picking out your next car, and both the CX-5 and CX-50 put forth ample trim options on the market.

The Mazda CX-5 comes with eight available trims for interested investors. The lowest trims level provides all the basics, while the highest dips into substantial upgrades like leather seats and a sleek, all-wheel-drive system.

The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, also comes with eight package selections. Again, you’ll get more features when you upgrade to a higher selection in the trim packages.

There is no winner here. Both vehicles come with eight trims, offering plenty for the average investor to pick from in their next vehicle selection. 


MAZDA CX-5 RESALE VALUE: WHAT TO KNOW

Though the car is valuable if you’re looking for an advanced design, that’s not the only thing to ponder before investing. You might also want to take a look at the Mazda CX-5 resale value.


Which Car Comes Out On Top?

Mazda has done well in producing these two vehicles, filling them with excellent details and working to make them solid family options on the road. When considering the Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50, they go back and forth in winning various categories. Does the Mazda CX-5 or the Mazda CX-50 emerge victorious as a winner? Which should you purchase? 

Overall, we would recommend the Mazda CX-5. The manufacturer has done an excellent job keeping the vehicle relevant on the market, and it’s an option that is more prepared to hit the road for the entire family than the Mazda CX-50. The general design and ability of the Mazda CX-5 come through slightly better than the competitor.



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