Thinking of buying a Mazda SUV? Our in-depth comparison of the 2024 CX-5 and CX-50 covers exterior design, powertrain, interior space, safety features, and fuel economy to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design Comparison
When it comes to exterior design, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 share the same DNA, but each has its unique twist. As you’ll soon discover, these two SUVs cater to different tastes and preferences, making them appealing to a broad range of buyers.
2024 Mazda CX-5 Dimensions vs CX-50
Let’s start with the basics. The CX-5 measures 178.7 inches in length, 72.5 inches in width, and 66.2 inches in height. In contrast, the CX-50 stretches 185.8 inches in length, 73.2 inches in width, and 66.1 inches in height. These dimensions might seem similar, but they have a significant impact on the overall driving experience and functionality.
Wheelbase and Ground Clearance Differences
One key difference between the CX-5 and CX-50 lies in their wheelbases. The CX-5 has a wheelbase of 106.2 inches, while the CX-50 boasts a longer wheelbase of 113.5 inches. This increased length translates to more interior space and a smoother ride. When it comes to ground clearance, the CX-50 offers 8.6 inches, slightly higher than the CX-5’s 7.5 inches. This added clearance provides better navigability on rough terrain and reduces the risk of scrapes on steep driveways.
Unique Design Features of Each Model
Now, let’s dive into the design elements that set these SUVs apart. The CX-5 features a more aggressive front grille, slim LED headlights, and a curved character line that runs along the sides. The CX-50, on the other hand, has a more pronounced hood, a larger grille, and a distinctive “wing” motif on the front fenders. These design cues give the CX-50 a more rugged, off-road-ready appearance, while the CX-5 exudes a sportier, on-road persona. Which one suits your style?
Powertrain and Performance
The driving force behind any successful SUV lies in its powertrain and performance capabilities. In this section, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, comparing their engine options, transmission and drivetrain differences, and acceleration and top speed specs.
Engine Options and Horsepower Comparison
When it comes to engine options, both the CX-5 and CX-50 offer a range of choices to cater to diverse driving needs. The CX-5 boasts a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-50, on the other hand, features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, churning out an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. But which one is right for you? If you prioritize fuel efficiency and smooth city driving, the CX-5 might be the better choice. However, if you crave that extra oomph for highway cruising or tackling steep inclines, the CX-50’s turbocharged engine is the clear winner.
Transmission and Drivetrain Differences
Now that we’ve explored the engine options, let’s examine the transmission and drivetrain differences between these two SUVs. The CX-5 comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, paired with a front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The CX-50, on the other hand, features an 8-speed automatic transmission, exclusively paired with an AWD system. But what does this mean for the driver? The CX-5’s 6-speed transmission provides a more fuel-efficient ride, while the CX-50’s 8-speed transmission offers faster shifting and improved responsiveness.
Acceleration and Top Speed Specs
So, how do these powertrains translate to real-world performance? The CX-5 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph. The CX-50, with its turbocharged engine, achieves the same feat in a mere 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. But here’s the question: do you prioritize rapid acceleration or a comfortable cruising speed? If you’re looking for a more laid-back driving experience, the CX-5 might be the better fit. If, however, you crave that adrenaline rush and the ability to quickly merge onto highways, the CX-50 is the clear winner.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space and comfort, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 are designed to provide a premium driving experience. But how do they compare in terms of passenger capacity, legroom, cargo space, and infotainment features?
Passenger Capacity and Legroom Comparison
Both the CX-5 and CX-50 are compact SUVs that can seat up to five passengers. However, the CX-50 offers slightly more passenger space, particularly in the rear seats. The CX-50 provides 39.8 inches of rear legroom, compared to the CX-5’s 39.6 inches. While the difference may seem minimal, it can make a significant impact on long road trips or for taller passengers. Imagine the difference between being able to stretch out your legs on a long flight versus having to keep them bent at an awkward angle – it’s a similar feeling.
Cargo Space and Storage Options
In terms of cargo space, the CX-5 offers 30.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, while the CX-50 provides 31.4 cubic feet. Both models feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, allowing you to expand the cargo area as needed. Additionally, the CX-50 offers a convenient cargo floorboard that can be raised or lowered to create a flat surface, making it easier to load and unload cargo.
Infotainment and Technology Features
When it comes to infotainment and technology features, both models offer a range of innovative features designed to enhance your driving experience. The CX-5 and CX-50 both feature an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium Bose 12-speaker audio system. However, the CX-50 takes it a step further with available features like a 360-degree camera system, a heads-up display, and a driver attention monitoring system. These advanced features are designed to provide an added layer of convenience, safety, and connectivity on the road.
Safety Features and Ratings
When it comes to safety, both the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 have got you covered. These SUVs are designed to provide a safe and secure driving experience, and their impressive safety features and ratings are a testament to that. But, how do they compare, and what sets them apart?
Standard Safety Features of CX-5 and CX-50
Both models come equipped with a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, both models feature a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are Top Safety Pick+ winners, as designated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Advanced Safety Features and Upgrades
But, what if you want even more peace of mind on the road? Both the CX-5 and CX-50 offer advanced safety features as optional upgrades or as part of higher trim levels. These include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The CX-50 also offers a unique feature called Driver Attention Monitoring, which uses a camera to monitor the driver’s attention and alertness, providing an added layer of safety.
Crash Test Ratings and Reliability
So, how do these safety features translate to real-world safety? Both models have undergone rigorous crash testing, and the results are impressive. The CX-5 has a perfect 5-star rating in every category of the NHTSA’s crash tests, including frontal, side, and rollover crashes. The CX-50 has also received top marks, with a 5-star rating in every category except for the rollover test, where it received 4 stars. When it comes to reliability, both models have a strong track record, with the CX-5 rated as one of the most reliable vehicles in its class by Consumer Reports.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance
As car enthusiasts, we all know that fuel economy and maintenance are crucial aspects to consider when choosing the perfect ride. But how do the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 fare in these departments? Let’s dive in and find out.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison: CX-5 vs CX-50
When it comes to fuel efficiency, every little bit counts. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 have some notable differences in this area. The CX-5’s base model, equipped with the 2.5L engine, achieves an estimated EPA rating of 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. In contrast, the CX-50’s base model, also powered by the 2.5L engine, gets an estimated 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
However, the CX-50’s available turbocharged engine pumps up the power, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel efficiency. It achieves an estimated 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. If fuel economy is your top priority, the CX-5 might be the better choice. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of fuel efficiency for extra power, the CX-50’s turbocharged engine is definitely worth considering.
Scheduled Maintenance and Cost Estimates
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the line. Both the CX-5 and CX-50 require routine maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements. According to Mazda’s recommended maintenance schedule, the CX-5 and CX-50 have similar maintenance requirements, with the first scheduled maintenance visit due at 7,500 miles.
When it comes to cost estimates, the CX-5 and CX-50 are fairly comparable. On average, owners can expect to pay around $300-$400 per year for routine maintenance, depending on driving conditions and mileage. However, the CX-50’s turbocharged engine may require slightly more frequent oil changes and other maintenance tasks, adding to its overall cost.
Warranty and Reliability Comparison
Both the CX-5 and CX-50 come with Mazda’s comprehensive warranty package, which includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In terms of reliability, both models have a solid reputation, with the CX-5 earning a 4.5/5 reliability rating from J.D. Power and the CX-50 earning a 4.3/5 rating.
In terms of recalls, the 2024 CX-5 has had one recall issued for a faulty fuel pump, while the CX-50 has had two recalls issued for software updates and faulty brake calipers. However, it’s worth noting that both models have undergone rigorous testing and have been cleared by Mazda and regulatory agencies. Ultimately, both the CX-5 and CX-50 are reliable choices, with the CX-5 edging out the CX-50 in terms of reliability ratings.