2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. CX-5

 

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda brand represents automotive excellence and we’re proud to say that the company has rightfully earned such a distinction. Mazda produces some of the world’s finest vehicles whether it be in quality engineering or production capacity. Case in point? The 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the Mazda CX-5. Each of these innovative models offers state-of-the-art features to enhance the driving experience. But which is best for you? Continue reading our comparison of the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 to find out.

2023 Mazda CX-50 Overview

2023 is another year of innovation for Mazda. And this is evident in the rollout of its latest automotive spectacle: The 2023 Mazda CX-50. This stunning crossover SUV blurs the lines between breakthrough design and conventional appeal. Moreover, everything about this most recent edition in the CX lineup is richer, tougher, and more substantial. Some key features include:

  • Door, dash, and seat contrast stitching

  • 6” overall body length increase

  • Soft-touch high-quality interior materials

  • Keyless entry

  • Seat memorization



2023 Mazda CX-5 Overview

With a design rooted in Japanese aesthetics, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a vehicle that emphasizes beauty in simplicity. A sloped rear end, stunning LED tail lamp additions, and a new exterior color add character to the CX-5’s overall appearance and composition. This accommodating crossover offers a mix of style, elegance, and athleticism, elevating it from a sensible, everyday mode of transportation to a quasi-luxury SUV. Additional key features include:

  • Sophisticated cabin

  • Exceptional driving dynamics

  • AWD for all trims

  • Excellent steering and handling

  • Spacious interior



CX-50 Exterior vs. CX-5 Exterior

The exterior designs of the CX-50 and CX-5 both offer a sleek, refined appearance. But which one offers more in terms of aesthetics?

CX-50 Exterior 

With first-rate craftsmanship from the inside out, the CX-50 is a premium crossover SUV. Its exterior boasts a degree of refinement rivaled by a bit of swagger that gives it its rugged edge. Its unique composition is instantly noticeable. View the front end to see the classic Mazda grille with refined red accents that deliver a sporty, masculine appearance.

CX-5 Exterior 

The hallmark of the CX-5’s exterior is simplicity. And it works. A beautiful chrome strip wraps around the side windows, giving the crossover a unique contrast of color and materials. In addition, two dips curve into the front grille on both sides of the bonnet, completing the CX-5’s cohesive and well-balanced look. Sleek, sporty, and sophisticated; this crossover SUV’s exterior is a classy display of automotive creativity.

CX-50 Interior vs. CX-5 Interior

Both the CX-50 and CX-5 boast sophisticated interiors. Their luxury materials and surfacing provide a smooth, streamlined driving experience. But how do they stack up against each other?

CX-50 Interior

Mazda presents its next-generation interior with the CX-50. For this reason, this model has been outfitted with everything you’d expect from a premium, modern-day crossover SUV. A new 10.25” monitor, refined materials, unique cross-stitching, and padded leather make the CX-50’s luxury cabin visually appealing. As the brand-new compact SUV in Mazda’s model lineup, the CX-50 offers a more modern, feature-laden interior than its CX-5 counterpart. This can be seen with its panoramic moonroof, more upward design, and spacious rear seats and cargo space.

CX-5 Interior 

The CX-5’s interior is equipped with a regular roofline (a feature the CX-50 lacks), allowing ample passenger headroom. Moreover, when you opt for the fully loaded signature model, you can enjoy the luxury of fine napa leather throughout the cabin seating. And with the genuine layered wood trim, 8-way power-adjusting seats, and door panel leatherette with its fine stitching detail, the CX-5 boasts an interior that conveys unrelenting refinement.

Performance Comparison

There are numerous visual modifications between the CX-50 and CX-5. But does that spill into vehicle performance? Functionally, both are quite similar. The CX-50 boasts 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s also advertised as the more bold, competent and adventurous SUV compared to its CX-5 brother. However, when you opt for the popular GT trim, you can receive an enhancement in torque, towing, and horsepower. 

The CX-5 attracts attention in this segment with its driving dynamics, most notably its steering and handling. It offers a very receptive, smooth, and level-headed performance; this contributes to its pleasantness when it comes to drive quality. It provides up to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque (the same as the CX-50), giving it a very commendable performance. 

Mazda CX-50 vs. CX-5 Fuel Economy

The main differentiator between the Mazda CX-50 and the Mazda CX-5 is the CX-50 operates with slightly more efficiency. Case in point, the CX-50 delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the  city and 30 mpg on the highway with its standard engine. 

Conversely, the Mazda CX-5 comes in with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the selected turbo engine.

Technology Features Comparison

The CX-50 comes with a host of new-age technologies. Some have been retained from its CX-5 predecessor, while others are new to this latest edition. These features include:

  • 8.8” infotainment display

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

  • Available wireless phone charger

  • A standard 8-speaker stereo system with Sirius XM satellite radio

  • Automatic climate control



On the other hand, the CX-5 boasts numerous technological advantages, each offering some form of safety, utility, and convenience. 

  • LED headlights

  • Electronic parking brake

  • Push-button start

  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers

  • Power liftgate



Mazda CX-50 vs. CX-5 Safety Features

From the outset, Mazda has been a trailblazer for safe and reliable vehicles. And this notion is backed by the safety features integrated into the CX-50 and CX-5. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 boasts numerous safety features, such as:

  1. Traffic Jam Assist

  2. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

  3. Rear-Cross Traffic Warning

  4. Automatic Braking

  5. Pedestrian Detection

  6. Front-Drive and Reverse-Drive Detection

The CX-5 retains a high score regarding safety in numerous tests. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick and held this designation from 2014 to 2022. Some of its key safety features include:

  1. Blind-Spot Monitoring

  2. 360-Degree View Camera System

  3. Standard Parking Sensors

  4. Adaptive High Beams

  5. Lane Keeping Assist

  6. Automatic Emergency Braking 



Cost and Value Comparison

The base trim of the CX-50 comes in at $28,925. Climbing up the model hierarchy to the Turbo Premium Plus brings us to a price point of $43,675. The CX-5’s base trim is $28,075 and its premium model, the CX-5 Turbo Signature, comes in at $39,650. With the CX-50 and CX-5 being modern, premium, crossover SUVs, choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference. 

If you want a bold appearance, more robust towing capacity, and nice add-ons (such as a panoramic roof), you should consider the CX-50. However, if you prefer the basics with standard equipment, user-friendly technology, and time-tested performance, then the CX-5 is the ideal option.