2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2026 Mazda CX-50: Which Is Right for You?
Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50 Overview
Colorado driving presents an interesting challenge: an SUV needs to handle crowded streets, snowy highways, and occasional mountain excursions. The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 and adventure-focused 2026 Mazda CX-50address those demands differently.
The Mazda CX-5 features a taller, traditional SUV body, updated suspension, and a redesigned interior with considerably more passenger space. The Mazda CX-50 has a lower roofline, wider-looking stance, protective body cladding, and equipment intended for outdoor recreation. Both seat five passengers and provide premium amenities, giving Broomfield shoppers two distinct alternatives in the compact SUV segment.
2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Mazda CX-50 | |
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| Engine Configuration | 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine |
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| Horsepower | 187 horsepower |
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| Towing | Up to 1,500 pounds |
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| Seating | Five passengers | Five passengers |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 inches | 39.8 inches |
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| Cargo |
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| Accessibility |
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| Technology |
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Performance & AWD
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-50 have standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The difference is in their powertrain configurations.
The Mazda CX-5 uses a naturally aspirated engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select provide Normal, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes.
The Mazda CX-50 has three powertrain configurations:
- 2.5 S: A naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
- 2.5 Turbo: A turbocharged gasoline engine generating 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, increasing to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet with premium fuel.
- Hybrid: A gasoline engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower, and an electronic AWD system that powers the rear wheels through an electric motor.
Towing capacity varies by model: The Mazda CX-5 handles up to 1,500 pounds, compared with 2,000 pounds for the standard Mazda CX-50, or 3,500 pounds for properly equipped Turbo models.
Cabin & Cargo Space
Both SUVs seat five passengers and offer comfortable interiors with available upgrades. The redesigned Mazda CX-5 has a taller cabin, more rear legroom, and wider rear doors for easier entry and exit. The Mazda CX-50 has a sportier interior design with a lower roofline.
2026 Mazda CX-5
- Seating: Five passengers with 39.9 inches of rear legroom.
- Comfort: Available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and power-adjustable front seats.
- Cargo: 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
- Accessibility: Wider rear doors, reclining rear seats, and an available power liftgate.
2026 Mazda CX-50
- Seating: Five passengers with 39.8 inches of rear legroom.
- Comfort: Available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and panoramic moonroof.
- Cargo: 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded on gas models.
- Accessibility: 60/40-split folding rear seats, a wide cargo opening, and an available power liftgate.
The Mazda CX-5 has more space for passengers and bulky cargo, which is great for family outings and road trips around Boulder. The Mazda CX-50 provides similar seating comfort, with additional options for carrying outdoor equipment.
The Mazda CX-50 offers roof rails, a panoramic moonroof, and outdoor-oriented accessories, such as roof-rack accessories that add storage for bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear on weekend trips from Longmont to the foothills.
Technology & Safety
The Mazda CX-5 introduces a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, plus an available 15.6-inch display on Premium Plus models. Available upgrades include wireless charging, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity are standard.
The Mazda CX-50 uses a 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone integration. Standard amenities include Alexa Built-in, wireless charging, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a head-up display.
Both provide Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-assistance technology. The redesigned Mazda CX-5 adds standard rear cross-traffic pedestrian detection and available driver monitoring. Select Mazda CX-50 configurations feature a 360-degree camera system, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist.
Louisville-area commuters using US-36 should compare the adaptive cruise control and lane-assistance equipment included with their preferred trim.
Which Mazda Should You Choose?
Choose the Mazda CX-5 for its quieter cabin, expanded passenger room, updated technology, and conventional SUV proportions. Its revised suspension emphasizes paved-road comfort, an advantage during daily trips around Westminster. Five equipment packages provide several choices for seating materials, comfort features, and technology.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 for additional ground clearance, standard roof rails on gas models, available all-terrain tires, and considerably greater towing capability with the turbocharged engine. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid adds substantial fuel savings for frequent commuting.
Schedule a Test Drive Today at Sill-TerHar Mazda
Learn more at Sill-TerHar Mazda and browse our new Mazda inventory to compare available models and features. Start your purchase from home with our convenient online finance center shopping tools, complete a finance application, search the latest new vehicle specials, and contact us to schedule your test drive.
FAQs
Yes. Both gas-powered models include Mazda i-Activ AWD. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid uses an electronic AWD system that powers the rear wheels through an electric motor. Winter tires remain important for Colorado snow and ice.
The redesigned Mazda CX-5 has more cargo volume, especially with the rear seats folded. Its taller cargo opening also accommodates bulkier luggage. The Mazda CX-50 has a longer, lower cargo area and roof-rack options.
Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes in Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus configurations. It requires no external charging. Sill-TerHar Mazda can confirm current inventory, incoming vehicles, and available financing or lease arrangements.
Their starting prices are nearly identical:
- The Mazda CX-50 starts at $29,900 MSRP, and the Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,990 MSRP.
- The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid variant starts at $34,750 MSRP.
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Sill-TerHar Mazda
1480 West 1st Avenue
Broomfield, CO 80020
- Sales: 303.469.1801
