If you’re in the market for an SUV that’s equal parts practical and adventurous, Mazda’s 2023 lineup has options that suit your needs. These two vehicles are both small SUV crossovers with modern technologies, head-turning styling, and competitive features, and learning more about both of them could help you learn which one is a better fit for you and your lifestyle. Read on for Bountiful Mazda’s comparison of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Mazda CX-50.
Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 Exterior
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV with flair. Its hallmark is arguably the distinct styling, with a perky frame, an elegant, steeped windshield, and a chiseled hood. Round arches surround each of the wheels, giving its lower half some extra definition. The Mazda CX-5 also comes with its fair share of eye-catching exterior features, like a gloss black grille, LED headlights, LED turn signal indicators on mirrors, and a body-colored rear roof spoiler. Exterior paint color options include:
- Rhodium White Metallic.
- Eternal Blue Mica.
- Machine Gray Metallic.
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic.
- Jet Black Mica.
- Deep Crystal Blue Mica.
- Polymetal Gray Metallic.
- Sonic Silver Metallic.
The CX-50 is a compact crossover that’s comparable in size to the CX-5, but where the CX-5 is a sophisticated SUV with styling fit for the city and suburbs, the CX-50 is trail-inspired. This rugged crossover features refined curves intended to reflect light, feeding the vehicle’s outdoor-friendly design. Exterior features include many of the same as the CX-5, like a body-colored rear roof spoiler, LED turn signal indicators on the mirrors, and LED headlights. Exterior paint options include:
- Wind Chill Pearl.
- Ingot Blue Metallic.
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic.
- Polymetal Gray Metallic.
- Jet Black Mica.
- Machine Gray Metallic.
Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 Interior
The interior cabin of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offers an upscale experience for drivers and passengers alike, borrowing design elements and premium materials from luxury manufacturers without the luxury price tag. Cloth seats are standard, but even the base trim comes with leather details often reserved for pricier trims, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector. Upper trims add additional comforts, such as heated seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, and a power moon roof fit for stargazing. With the seats up, there are 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space, but there’s a maximum of 59.3 cubic feet with the right setup.
While the 2023 Mazda CX-50 looks adventurous and rugged on the outside, when you step inside, you get the elegance and charm you expect from a Mazda vehicle. It takes inspiration from other rugged vehicles, like off-roaders and trucks, with a wide, horizontal dashboard design. Plush, spacious seats make it pleasant to drive. The base trim features cloth seats, but leather-trimmed details aren’t standard without an upgrade to the 2.5 S Select. Top trims feature heated seats and a moon roof like the CX-5. Cargo volume ranges from 31.4 to 56.3 cubic feet.
Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 Performance
The standard engine on the Mazda CX-5 is a 16-valve four-cylinder engine, coming in at 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This base engine delivers plenty of energy and strength for everyday commuters, errand runners, and busy families. If you’re looking for some extra power that goes the extra mile at high speeds, opt for the available turbocharged engine, at 258 horsepower and up to 320 pound-feet of torque. The Mazda CX-5 also comes with a six-speed transmission and can tow 2,000 pounds. Its EPA fuel ratings are:
- Base engine with all-wheel drive: 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.
- Turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive: 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.
The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with the same base engine as the CX-5, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder option. Like it does for the CX-5, it powers the CX-50 with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine is also available, delivering the same 256 horsepower and up to 320 pound-feet of torque. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed transmission. The CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds on top trims, which include a special Towing drive mode. Here are the EPA fuel ratings for the CX-50:
- Base engine with all-wheel drive: 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.
- Turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive: 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.
Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 Technology
The Mazda CX-5’s luxury influence is evident in its infotainment setup. Even on the base trim, a 10.25-inch color screen comes standard. The system comes with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations. Four speakers are standard on the base trim, while models in the middle have six speakers, and top trims have 10 speakers. Most trim levels come with USB charging ports, too.
The base trim of the Mazda CX-50 comes with an 8.8-inch color infotainment screen, while all other trims have the 10.25-inch version. Like the CX-5, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth help you stay connected on the road. Four speakers are standard on the base trim, while top trims have 12-speaker setups. The models in between each have either six or eight speakers.
Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 Safety
The CX-5 comes standard with a suite of smart safety features, including:
- Brake assist.
- Blind spot monitoring.
- Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection.
- Lane departure warning.
- Rear view monitor.
- Tire pressure monitoring.
The top trim adds the following additional features:
- Traffic jam assist.
- Driver attention alerts.
- 360-degree monitor
- Rear brake support.
The CX-50 has a similar set of features, which includes:
- Brake assist.
- Blind spot monitoring.
- Smart brake support.
- Lane departure warning.
- Tire pressure monitoring.
- Rear view monitor.
- Driver attention alerts.
The top trim adds:
- Blind spot assist.
- Traffic jam assist.
- Rear brake support.
- 360-degree monitor.
Schedule Your Test Drive Today
Whether the CX-5 or CX-50 is right for your lifestyle, the team at Bountiful Mazda can help you find your new Mazda. With flexible financing and supportive sales representatives, we’re Bountiful’s destination for a stress-free car buying experience. Contact us today to tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll help you find it in our inventory and schedule a test drive today.
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