2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5: What's the Difference?
The Mazda CX-50 and CX-5 are two popular mid size crossovers. With similar powertrains and styling elements, the CX-5 and the CX-50 attract much the same buyers. However, while the CX-5 has a reputation for on-road sportiness, the larger CX-50 is more attractive to people who like a rugged, outdoorsy, off-road adventure. The original CX-5 is Mazda's best-selling model by far. But the CX-50 is more versatile, longer, wider and has a fresher design even though the 2022 CX-5 has some impressive, smart updates. That makes choosing between the 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 even more difficult.
CX-5 VS. CX-50 EXTERIOR
One area where there are a few minor differences between the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is their exterior. The CX-50 is longer, 185.6 inches to 180.1 inches, has a longer wheelbase, 110.8 inches to 106.2 inches, wider, 75.6 inches to 72.6 inches, and has higher ground clearance, 8.3 inches to 7.5 inches. The CX-5 is a little taller, 65.3 inches to 63.5 inches. The CX-5 is based on the original 2012 car platform while the CX-50 is built on Mazda's latest platform like the Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda CX-3. Plus, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a more masculine off-road styling while the CX-5 has a softer, more city-focused design. Using the entire Mazda Kodo design language, the 2023 CX-50 has squarer features like its wheel arch protectors and fender flares.
CX-5 VS. CX-50 INTERIOR
Much like the 2022 Mazda CX-5, the CX-50's interior is simple, classy, and borderline luxurious. Plus, it has a wider infotainment screen and vertical vents. Their front and rear-seat legroom, headroom, shoulder, and hip room are virtually the same. Plus, the CX-5 has slightly more cargo space, 59.3 cubic feet to 56.3 cubic feet. Both the CX-5 and the CX-50 have an upscale, amenity-rich interior with two rows of spacious, comfortable seating for 5 on black cloth-covered bucket seats. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has a leather-covered steering wheel. Plus, both SUVs have clever storage solutions. Premium trims have a power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, premium leather upholstery and a full-color active driving display.
Infotainment, Convenience, And Connectivity Technology
Both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 are high-end SUVs with lots of conveniences, infotainment, and connectivity technology. Some of the technologies both vehicles have are remote start, keyless entry, push button start, and power door locks and windows. The cabins feature a 10.25-inch full-color touchscreen display, Mazda Connect Infotainment System, 8-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth wireless smartphone connectivity and two USB ports. Plus, while the CX-5 has an HD radio and the CX-50 doesn't, both vehicles have smart device integration, a WiFi hotspot, auxiliary audio input, and an MP3 player as part of their standard equipment.
Engine, Transmission, And Drivetrain
Another reason choosing between the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is even more difficult is that they have the same engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Both vehicles are powered by Mazda's naturally-aspirated 187 horsepower, 2.5-liter Inline-4 SkyActiv engine that comes with or without turbocharging based on which trim you choose. The engine produces 186 pound-feet of torque. Add turbocharging and the engine has 256 horsepower and produces 320 pound-feet of torque when it uses premium fuel. The engine works in tandem with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Plus, they both have all-wheel drive standard. Together they give both SUVs that exciting 'zoom, zoom, zoom' performance for which Mazda vehicles are known.
Safety And Driver Assistance
Let's compare the safety features of the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50. Both SUVs got high ratings from the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration. They have i-Activsense® safety technology and safety features on the crossover SUVs including ABS brakes, brake assist, back-up camera, stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitor, and driver, passenger, front head, front side, knee, and rear head airbags as standard equipment. There is a difference when it comes to driver assistance features. Both have adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control featuring Stop & Go, and advanced smart city brake support featuring pedestrian detection. But the CX-5 also has a cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
Key Differences
There are several key differences between the 2022 Mazda CX-5 vs. the 2023 Mazda CX-50. First, the CX-50 is longer, wider, and has more legroom and greater ground clearance. Plus, it has an off-road driving mode that enables you to better navigate in tricky conditions. The brakes are more controllable and allow for greater precision. The curb weight of the CX-5 is 3,717 pounds and the CX-50 weighs 3,706 pounds. Both SUVs have struts on their front suspension, but the CX-5 has a multi-link rear suspension and the CX-50 has rear torsion beams. The longitudinal architecture on the CX-50 comes with a heavier-duty all-wheel drive, a larger clutch, as well as an off-road driving mode for better off-roading performance.
Performance
Excellent performance is what Mazda automobiles are known for. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with the brisk acceleration of its turbocharged engine. Plus, it has responsive handling, impressive steering, deftly balanced ride, and is fun to drive. It's a nimble small SUV that can easily navigate tight city traffic, excels on the open highway, and is an ideal daily driver. With the 2023 Mazda CX-50, it's the acceleration, handling, and off-road capabilities that set it apart. The CX-50 is surprisingly sporty, can handle challenging twisting roads, and its firm suspension can keep the body roll in check during cornering. Plus, it's as much fun to drive as a smaller hatchback. Its all-wheel-drive supplies excellent traction for powering out of curves and handling off-road adventures with ease. Plus, it remains controlled when ascending and descending steep dirt trails with Off-road drive mode providing steering and traction control.
Two Excellent Choices
Want to test drive both the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and the 2023 Mazda CX-50? Simply stop by Seacoast Mazda and check out the wide selection.