2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50

Last year, Mazda made headlines when it introduced the world to a second compact crossover (CUV), the CX-50, despite the enduring popularity and success of its flagship compact crossover SUV, the CX-5. In such a competitive market, it may seem odd that Mazda continues in 2024 to offer two CUV choices. However, despite the many similarities that these two models offer, they feature enough differences to make the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 a worthy comparison, as each model offers some singular characteristics that may appeal to certain drivers.

Design and Style: Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 Compared

The clearest differences between the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-50 stem from their exterior and interior styling. Although both still clearly bear all the marks of the Mazda brand, the way that each vehicle pulls that style together creates a clear differentiation that ensures drivers will not mistake one for the other on the road.

Exterior Features Showdown

When it comes to the differences between the 2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50, their exterior features stand out as the most prominent variation. Where the CX-5 features a rounder look with softer, flowing lines that are indicative of many of its siblings in the Mazda lineup, the Mazda CX-50 has a more rugged look. As Mazda’s “off-road” model, the CX-50 offers a more squared-off and tougher look featuring darker exterior accents and more cladding for protection along with standard roof rails and the option to upgrade to more on-top storage accessories.

Notably, the CX-50 also shares the smaller platform of the Mazda3 and CX-30 models, making it a shorter, longer vehicle compared to the CX-5. This further enhances the driver’s ability to take advantage of that roof-top storage option.

Interior Comfort and Aesthetics

The interior comparison of the CX-5 vs. CX-50 offers another point of difference. While the two models share some common elements, the vehicles’ overall design scheme is quite different. To start, the 2024 CX-5 stands true to Mazda’s signature luxury interior look, offering leather trimming that flows into the back and cargo areas of the vehicle. It continues that premium offering with its 40-20-40 split backseat/cargo arrangement, which offers additional versatility compared to the CX-50’s more typical 60-40 split.

Inside, the CX-5 includes more sound-dampening materials, making it one of the quietest crossovers that Mazda offers. On the flip side, the CX-50 includes many more practical interior features, such as a larger center console and other storage options that make it a more practical vehicle for road trips. The CX-50’s rugged exterior styling continues inside with the option of terracotta-accented seats along with an upgraded panoramic moonroof, which is not available on any trim of the CX-5.

In contrast, the CX-50’s cargo area, while slightly smaller than the CX-5 in total, offers more squared-off space and 90-degree angles that help with the storage of luggage and coolers.

Performance and Driving Experience

Unlike their styling differences, the performance and driving features of the CX-5 vs. CX-50 are very comparable, as they are both based on the same basic engine and power platforms.

Engine Specifications and Power

In terms of engine specifications and power, the CX-5 vs. CX-50 come in at an exact tie, as they offer drivers identical engine choices. Both models come with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The base engine of both models produces around 187 horsepower (hp), while the turbocharged version can generate up to 250 hp. In choosing to stick with the same engine on both CUVs, however, Mazda confirms that it is not willing to sacrifice Mazda’s core character for off-roading capability in the CX-50.

Handling and Ride Quality

When it comes to the driving experience, these two CUV options come in even. Both feature the same six-speed automatic transmission that is available on all other Mazda models, except the CX-90, along with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) systems.

Both models maintain Mazda’s signature Jinba Ittai driver focus with responsive steering and a balanced chassis, and both are more “athletic” in terms of their handling, with the ability to make tight turns and produce dynamic driving capabilities. The only real difference between these two models comes from drivers’ actual feel on the road. Some reviewers have compared the two by describing the CX-5 as more of a comfort-focused ride, while the CX-50’s smaller width tires and tighter driving feel produce a more rugged experience.

Technology and Safety Features

Another area where these two Mazda models sit alongside one another is in their technology and safety features. Both impressive, there is very litter difference between what you can expect from the CX-5 vs. the CX-50 in terms of technology and safety.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Inside each vehicle, Mazda continues its long partnership with Bose® by offering the option to upgrade to custom-designed CenterPoint sound systems. Both vehicles also offer 10.25-inch, high-resolution touchscreen setups with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 2024 is the first model year in which the CX-5 offers this touchscreen option.

Advanced Safety Systems

Mazda is known for its commitment to safety, and both the CX-5 and CX-50 do not disappoint in this category. They both come equipped with various top-level safety features, including all four active safety features — forward emergency braking, lane keep assist, auto high beams, and adaptive cruise control — across all trim lines. Both vehicles also offer rear auto braking on top-level trims.

Fuel Efficiency

With identical engine options, it’s not surprising that the CX-5 and CX-50 have similar fuel efficiency ratings. Both vehicles offer two engine options. The standard four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine in the CX-5 gets 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the CX-50 achieves 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine option offers 22/27 in the CX-5 and 23/29 in the CX-50.

Pricing and Value for Money

The final point of comparison between the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 may be the most important to many customers — price. Notably, this is the one area where there is a clear winner, as the CX-5, on average, costs a bit less than the CX-50 at every trim level.

Specifically, the CX-5 base model, the 2.5 S Select, starts at $29,300, while the lowest trim for the CX-50, also the 2.5 S Select, starts at $30,300. This small discrepancy also increases as the trim levels and the number of premium features increase. The top level of the CX-5, the 2.5 Turbo Signature, starts at $40,600, while the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $43,300.

For drivers less concerned with price, the value of both vehicles is equally strong, but the CX-50 offers some unique premium upgrades, such as a panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, and 20-inch wheels that may be worth the extra money for some buyers. In addition, it has a higher tow rating than the CX-5. The CX-50 has a tow rating of up to 3,500 pounds, compared to the CX-5’s 2,000 pounds. This is another difference that may add a distinct value for some drivers.

Test Drive the 2024 Mazda CX-5 or CX-50 Today!

Whether your tastes run more toward the classically comfortable CX-5 or the practical and rugged CX-50, the best way to decide which Mazda SUV is best for you is to experience them both yourself. At DePaula Mazda in Albany, NY, we offer an extensive inventory of new 2024 Mazda SUVs, including both the CX-5 and CX-50 in a variety of trim levels. We are happy to take you through a personal tour of the similarities and differences between these two popular Mazda models to help you make your decision. Don’t delay, schedule a test drive at DePaula Mazda today.