2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Mazda CX-50
Overview | |
MSRP$30,300 | MSRP$40,050 |
Listings110 | Listings248 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2024 Mazda CX-50 Reviews SummaryNow in its second model year, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 sits on the more rugged end of the compact crossover SUV spectrum. It’s close in size to the Mazda CX-5, but is aimed at more outdoorsy customers. Those customers have plenty of other choices, though, including popular and well-established nameplates like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The CX-50 doesn’t offend, but it doesn’t charm either. | |
2025 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space31.4 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3706 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height63.5 in | Height69.6 in |
Length185.8 in | Length198.7 in |
Width80.8 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase110.8 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1142 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $30,300 | $40,050 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Now in its second model year, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 sits on the more rugged end of the compact crossover SUV spectrum. It’s close in size to the Mazda CX-5, but is aimed at more outdoorsy customers. Those customers have plenty of other choices, though, including popular and well-established nameplates like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The CX-50 doesn’t offend, but it doesn’t charm either. | Thanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 31.4 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3706 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 63.5 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 185.8 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 80.8 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1142 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |

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