Comparing the Mazda CX-50 vs CX-5

The CX-50 & CX-5: Two Iconic Mazda SUVs

The Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5 stand out as two iconic Mazda SUVs, each offering a unique blend of performance, style, and versatility. The CX-50 is designed with adventure in mind, featuring rugged capability, available all-wheel drive, and a bold, athletic design that’s perfect for drivers who love exploring beyond the city streets. On the other hand, the CX-5 delivers a refined balance of comfort and sophistication, with a sleek exterior, premium interior finishes, and responsive handling that make every drive enjoyable. Whether you’re drawn to the CX-50’s adventurous spirit or the CX-5’s everyday versatility, both models showcase Mazda’s signature craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Performance & Handling

When comparing the performance and handling of the Mazda CX-50 and CX-5, both SUVs deliver Mazda’s signature driving dynamics, but each offers a slightly different experience. The Mazda CX-50 comes with up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the turbocharged engine, providing strong acceleration and confident off-road capability. It's available with all-wheel drive, and rugged suspension tuning gives it excellent handling on varied terrain, making it ideal for adventurous driving. The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, offers up to 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque with its standard engine (or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with the turbo option), focusing on smooth, responsive handling for daily commuting and spirited road driving. While the CX-50 emphasizes versatility and toughness, the CX-5 shines with precise steering, agile cornering, and a refined ride that delivers comfort without sacrificing performance.

Interior & Cargo Capacity

The Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5 both offer comfortable, practical interiors, but each caters to slightly different needs. The CX-50, designed with an adventurous spirit, features a rugged yet refined cabin with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available leather upholstery, along with front/rear legroom of 41.7/39.8 inches. It provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, and includes thoughtful storage features like a flush floor liftgate for easy loading of outdoor gear. The CX-5, on the other hand, emphasizes urban comfort and sophistication with a similar 10.25-inch infotainment system, available leather seating, and front/rear legroom of 41.0/39.6 inches. Its cargo space measures 29.1 cubic feet behind the second row and grows to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering practical solutions like a power liftgate and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Overall, the CX-50 blends rugged versatility with refined design for outdoor enthusiasts, while the CX-5 delivers a slightly larger cargo area and a smooth, comfortable ride for everyday driving.

Technology & Safety

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and CX-5 both offer advanced technology and robust safety features, though each emphasizes different driving experiences. Both SUVs come with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and smart brake support to help avoid collisions. The CX-50, built for adventure, adds features like the adaptive front-lighting system for improved visibility around curves and selectable drive modes, including off-road and towing, to enhance performance in varied conditions. The CX-5, meanwhile, focuses on urban comfort, offering advanced smart city brake support for pedestrian and obstacle detection and earning a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Overall, the CX-50 excels in rugged, performance-oriented safety and technology, while the CX-5 delivers a refined, city-friendly driving experience with comprehensive safety features.

Visit Lee Johnson Mazda of Kirkland and Test Drive Our CX-50 & CX-5 Models!

You can visit our dealership today and experience the thrill of driving the Mazda CX-50 for sale and CX-5 for sale for yourself with a personalized test drive. Our team will help you explore the features, performance, and comfort of each model so you can find the SUV that best fits your lifestyle. While you’re here, you can also value your trade-in and see how it can put you closer to driving home in a new Mazda. Get started today with Lee Johnson Mazda of Kirkland and take the first step toward upgrading to a vehicle you’ll love.