Ford Explorer 76·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $16,982 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $16,982 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Explorer counters with more towing capacity (5,300 vs 2,000 lbs) and more power (300 vs 187 hp).
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Explorer if you prioritize more towing capacity and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Explorer vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Explorer versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Ford Explorer
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
76
86
Cost of Ownership
68
90
Powertrain
67
67
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
40
60
Safety
99
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$59,668
$42,687
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,387
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,755
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,787
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$1,065
$895
Starting Price
$38,465
$29,900
Horsepower
300 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
18.2 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
6
5
Towing capacity
5,300 lbs
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$38,465
MSRP
$38,465
Mo · 5yr
$994
$59,668 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Ford Explorer
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Explorer
68
CX-50
90
Winner: CX-50
$16,982 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Explorer
67
CX-50
67
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Explorer
43
CX-50
32
Winner: Explorer
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Explorer
40
CX-50
60
Winner: CX-50
+20 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $16,982 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Explorer still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Mazda CX-50
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Explorer
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Explorer
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$994
$59,668 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$994/mo
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $16,982 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
