2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic stance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and distinct stitching. The red leather upholstery exclusive to the hybrid model added a touch of vibrancy, although the decorative stripe running down the seats was a point of contention for some, as it could be felt through clothing.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its evolved Kodo design language, which Mazda referred to as "Wearable Gear." This gave the CX-5 a more sculpted and purposeful appearance, with a seamless grille and new LED headlights. The rear featured angular lighting that tied it visually to Mazda's larger models. However, the wheel designs were considered underwhelming, with the base 17-inch wheels appearing small on the larger body. Inside, the CX-5 continued Mazda's tradition of high-quality interiors, with a clean dashboard design and a driver-focused cockpit. The materials were a step up from competitors, although some hard plastics detracted from the overall upscale feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive but wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, provided a smart balance between the 187 hp base engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was expected to reach 100 km/h in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning offered engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride quality.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a carryover SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine felt underpowered for the heavier vehicle, resulting in a 0-96 km/h time of 9.6 seconds. The lack of a turbocharged engine was a disappointment, but Mazda confirmed a hybrid variant for 2027. Despite the power deficit, the CX-5 excelled in handling, with direct steering and well-managed body roll. The ride quality was firm yet comfortable, and improved insulation reduced road and wind noise.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat headroom and legroom were less generous compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo space was limited to 826 litres behind the rear seats, falling short of the class average. However, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 benefited from dimensional growth, with a wheelbase stretch translating into more livable interior space. Rear knee clearance improved significantly, and rear headroom was class-leading. Cargo space increased to 954 litres behind the second row, with a maximum of 1,882 litres when the rear seats were folded. Larger door openings and a hands-free power liftgate on the GT trim added convenience. However, towing capacity decreased to 680 kilograms, trailing behind competitors like the Tucson and Sportage.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a centre console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless connectivity for these systems was standard, and a wireless charging pad was included on hybrid models. The base audio system had eight speakers, while the GT trim offered a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 saw significant infotainment upgrades, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen standard across all trims and a 15.6-inch unit available on the GT trim. Google built-in provided native navigation and voice assistant features, with a year's free data trial. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though its execution was lacking. The removal of a physical volume knob was a drawback, and the climate control interface was not intuitive. Higher trims added features like a Bose audio system and a 360-degree View Monitor.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive standard safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitors. The GT trim added advanced features like an adaptive front-lighting system and a 360-degree View Monitor. While crash test results were pending, expectations were high for continued strong safety ratings.