If you're standing in a Mazda showroom feeling a bit confused, you're probably wondering whats the difference between cx 5 and cx 50 and why the brand even wants two SUVs that seem so similar. It's a completely fair question. At first glance, they will both sit within that "compact SUV" sweet spot, they will both look good, and they even discuss the same engines. But as soon as you spend some time at the rear of the wheel or even even just poke around the interior, you realize both of these cars are actually chasing two totally different types of drivers.
For a long time, the CX-5 has been the gold standard with regard to people who would like a luxury experience without paying the "German luxury brand" price tag. It's polished, it's easy, and it seems right at home in a restricted parking garage or even a nice provincial driveway. Then together comes the CX-50, looking like it just stepped away from an REI catalog with its broader stance and tough cladding. Let's crack down what in fact sets them apart so you don't end up along with the wrong 1.
The Character: Urban Sophistication versus. Rugged Adventure
The biggest difference is just the way they bring themselves. The CX-5 is the "city slicker. " It offers those smooth, flowing lines that Mazda calls "Kodo" style, and it's already been refined over a long period to look extremely elegant. It's a more elevated and narrower, which usually makes it seem like a traditional SUV, but one that's been tailored like a high-end match. If you invest most of your own time commuting in order to the office, operating errands, or using the kids in order to practice, the CX-5 fits that lifestyle perfectly.
On the other hand, the CX-50 will be the "outdoorsy" cousin. It's wider, reduced to the floor (in terms of roofline), and includes a much more intense presence. You'll see the heavy plastic cladding around the wheel wells, which isn't just intended for looks—it's there in order to protect the paint from flying pea gravel and branches if you actually take it off the sidewalk. It appears to be this wants to become loaded up with mountain bikes and delivered to a trailhead. While the CX-5 is all about grace, the CX-50 is about grit.
Dimensions and Space: It's Not Just Regarding the Numbers
When people inquire whats the difference between cx 5 and cx 50 , they usually want in order to know which one particular is bigger. The answer is a bit "it is dependent. " The CX-50 is longer and wider than the CX-5, but it actually has the lower roofline. This particular gives the CX-50 a more planted, car-like feel when you're sitting within, whereas the CX-5 feels more such as a classic upright SUV.
Within, that width within the CX-50 is definitely noticeable. You obtain a bit more "elbow room" and the vacation cabin feels airier from side to part. However, because the CX-50 is lower, taller passengers may actually find the CX-5 more comfortable due to the additional headroom.
As for the valuables area, the CX-50 includes a longer ground, which is great with regard to sliding in camping gear or even a couple of coolers. But the CX-5 has a taller cargo room, which might end up being better if you're trying to fit a bulky canine crate or the stack of boxes. It's a trade-off: would you like a lengthy, flat space (CX-50) or a shorter, taller space (CX-5)?
How They Drive on the Open Road
This is how things obtain really interesting. Each cars use the same 2. 5l four-cylinder engine, and both offer a turbocharged version in case you want more "get up and go. " They use the same six-speed automatic tranny. So, on papers, they should experience identical, right? Not even close.
The CX-5 is constructed on an older, extremely refined platform. It has a classy multi-link rear suspension that makes the ride feel smooth and composed. It deals with corners with a kind of light, effortless sophistication that makes this feel smaller than it actually is. It's quiet, it's comfortable, and it's very predictable.
The CX-50, however, utilizes a newer platform (shared with the smaller CX-30) that features a torsion beam rear suspension system. This is a bit of a controversial choice intended for car nerds, but Mazda tuned this to be very much stiffer. The CX-50 feels more "connected" to the street. The steering is usually heavier, the trip is firmer, and seems much even more rugged. It's made to handle the extra weight associated with a roof rack or a little trailer (it may tow up to 3, 500 pounds with the turbocharged engine, compared to the CX-5's 2, 000 lbs). When you like a car that seems "tough" and communicative, you'll prefer the CX-50. If you want to experience like you're flying over the potholes, stick with the CX-5.
Interior Design and Technology
Stepping into a CX-5 seems like stepping into a junior Audi. Everything is soft-touch, the buttons have a satisfying click, and the layout is definitely very traditional. The seats are deluxe, and the overall atmosphere is a single of calm and luxury. It's the great place to invest a long travel when traffic is driving you insane.
The CX-50 takes a slightly different approach. The dash design will be more horizontal and rugged, with straight air vents that will look like these people belong in a truck. The components continue to be high-quality—it's a Mazda, after all—but they feel more durable. You'll also find some awesome "outdoor" touches, such as unique stitching on the seats that looks like the lacing on a hiking boot.
One big technology difference is the sunroof. The CX-5 includes a standard-sized power moonroof, but the CX-50 offers a massive panoramic sun-roof that lets within a ton of light. If you love looking up from the trees or even the stars whilst you're driving, the CX-50 wins that round easily.
Off-Road Capability: Is usually One Actually Better?
Since the CX-50 is promoted as the "adventure" vehicle, you'd expect it to be a beast off-road. While it's definitely more capable than your average four door, let's be true: it's not really a 4x4 Wrangler. However, this does have a dedicated "Off-Road" drive mode that changes the way the all-wheel-drive system and the transmission work to provide you with better grip on dirt and sand. It furthermore has slightly more surface clearance than the CX-5.
The CX-5 is surprisingly capable on light trails, but it's clearly not made for it. It doesn't have the same specialized software intended for crawling over free rocks, and the bodywork is much more vulnerable to scrapes from bushes. When your "off-roading" is really a gravel driveway to some cabin, either will do. If you're in fact planning to discover fire roads or sandy beaches, the CX-50 is the clear choice.
What kind Should You Actually Buy?
At the end of the time, when you're looking at whats the difference between cx 5 and cx 50 , it really arrives down to your individual "brand. "
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if you want a refined, comfy, and classy everyday driver. It's an established design that offers won countless honours to get a reason. It's simpler to park, has a slightly more premium-feeling ride, and is generally a little less expensive to get straight into. It's the intelligent choice for the suburban professional or even the small family members who values comfort and ease over "cool. "
Buy the Mazda CX-50 if you have got a far more active lifestyle—or at least want the car that appears like you do. It's the one particular to get when you need in order to tow a small motorboat or a pair of aircraft skis, or in the event that you plan on putting a heavy-duty rack on the roof for kayaks. Seems tougher, it looks meaner, and it offers that breathtaking roof that really changes the feel of the log cabin.
Each are fantastic automobiles that hold their value well and offer a much better driving experience than most of their competitors from Toyota or Honda. It really just depends upon whether you'd instead spend your weekend break at a good restaurant (CX-5) or even at a campsite (CX-50). Either method, you're getting an excellent car.