If you're shopping for a modern compact crossover, Mazda has two great choices that you can check out in our Bountiful Mazda showroom. The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the ever-popular CX-5 may leave you struggling to decide which vehicle is right for you. They both have a strong engine, punchy acceleration, and a comfortable cabin. But there are some important factors that set these SUVs apart. Here's a rundown of what the CX-50 and CX-5 have to offer prepared by our Utah Mazda experts.
CX-50 vs. CX-5: Overview
The 2023 CX-50 is a two-row SUV that can seat up to five people. It has two engine options under the hood, including a powerful turbocharged unit. In terms of styling, the CX-50 has a rugged, adventurous appearance, with plenty of ground clearance for some light off-roading and the power to haul a heavy trailer.
The CX-5 is about the same size as the CX-50, but it has a more sleek appearance. The CX-5 is slightly thinner in width and shorter in length. The CX-5 has a similar engine lineup, but its towing and off-roading abilities don't compete with the CX-50.
The bottom line is that people looking for some off-road adventures and a strong towing ability will probably prefer the CX-50, while buyers sticking to city roads and the highway may be better served by the CX-5.
Engine and Performance
The CX-50 and CX-5 have the same four-cylinder engine in their base setup: a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter unit. It returns similar gas mileage numbers in both vehicles, with the CX-50 and CX-5 achieving 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage with the larger engine varies slightly, with the CX-5 achieving 22 mpg on city roads and 27 mpg at highway speeds, compared to the CX-50's 23 mpg and 29 mpg, respectively.
An upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available with both vehicles. The CX-5 uses 227 horsepower with standard fuel and 257 horsepower with premium fuel. The CX-50's turbocharged unit cranks out 256 horsepower. The turbocharged engine is the one to go for if you plan on pushing the CX-50's towing limit of 3,500 pounds, which is one of the best in the compact SUV class. The CX-5 can tow a respectable 2,000 pounds, which ismore than enough to haul a small camper.
Interior and Infotainment
The CX-50 has slightly more cargo-carrying space behind its rear row than the CX-5, but the CX-5 can hold more cargo with the rear seats folded flat. The CX-50 has 31.4 cubic feet of storage space at the rear compared to the CX-5's 29.1 cubic feet. Fold the rear row flat, and you open up 56.3 cubic feet in the CX-50 and 58.1 cubic feet in the CX-5.
There's not much to choose between these two crossovers' seating options. Both rows in these vehicles can accommodate adult passengers, and the rear rows are equipped for installing child seating. Cloth upholstery comes standard, with optional upgrades to synthetic leather and genuine leather.
The infotainment setups in the CX-50 and CX-5 are broadly the same, although the CX-50 starts with a slightly smaller 8.8-inch screen compared to the CX-5's standard 10.25-inch display. The larger screen is available in the CX-50 as an optional upgrade. Other features in the CX-50 include an eight-speaker stereo, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The CX-5 only has a four-speaker stereo, but it contains the same connectivity options.
Both Mazdas offer smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These features are designed to help you safely use the apps on your phone while you're on the road.
Driver Assistance Tech
Both vehicles have virtually identical driver safety features, which can keep you and your passengers safe while driving or parking. Helpful highway features include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed on the highway when necessary. Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking also come standard to help you avoid accidents.
Parking assistance features are offered as optional upgrades. You can get front and rear parking sensors to assist you when you're maneuvering into or out of a tight spot. Alternatively, the surround-view parking camera provides you with an aerial view of your Mazda so you can spot any hazards from all sides.
CX-50 vs. CX-5 Trims
There are multiple trim levels to choose from if you're considering the CX-50 or CX-5. The Mazda CX-50 has 10 trims, while the CX-5 is offered in eight. Some of these trims include styling changes, while others add a touch more comfort to the cabin.
With the CX-5, the first trim upgrade on offer is the 2.5 S Select. It adds leatherette seats with suede accents, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The 2.5 S Carbon Edition addscool styling features, like red stitching on the gear nob, black interior accents, and optional red leather seats.
The CX-5's range-topping option is the Turbo Signature. It includes Nappa leather seats, interior wood trim, and the larger turbocharged engine.
If you choose the CX-50, the first step up the trim ladder following the base setup is the 2.5 S Select. This trim gets you synthetic leather seats and tinted rear windows, while the S preferred trim adds heated front seats and an optional moonroof. The S Premium trim may be the one to go for if you prioritize interior comfort since it adds genuine leather upholstery.
If you're an off-roading enthusiast, you may want to look out for the CX-50 Meridian Edition. It's scheduled to be released later in the 2023 model year, and it includes all-terrain tires, 18-inch wheels, and a roof rack.
We hope that our comparison of these two great vehicles has helped you decide which one is the right choice for you. Our Mazda showroom in Bountiful offers you the chance to check out these two crossovers for yourself and talk to one of our Mazda experts about any of their features. If you'd like to arrange a test drive before you buy, we'd be delighted to take care of that for you. Why not contact our Utah dealership today to get started?