2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

2024 Mazda CX-50
2024 Mazda CX-50
$30,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Ford Explorer
2025 Ford Explorer
$40,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mazda CX-50
$30,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Ford Explorer
$40,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$30,300

MSRP

$40,050

Listings

211

Listings

208

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Classy interior design

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Noisy (Meridian Edition)

  • Poor value for money

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option

  • No off-road trim level

  • Cramped third-row

2024 Mazda CX-50 Reviews 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.

2025 Ford Explorer Reviews Summary

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.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Drivetrain

AWD

Drivetrain

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

29
2024 Mazda CX-50
2024 Mazda CX-50
$30,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Ford Explorer
2025 Ford Explorer
$40,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mazda CX-50
$30,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Ford Explorer
$40,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$30,300
$40,050
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

5.0

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Classy interior design

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Noisy (Meridian Edition)

  • Poor value for money

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option

  • No off-road trim level

  • Cramped third-row

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
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
24
20
MPG Highway
30
29
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