Mazda CX-5 80·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $780 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $780 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Mazda CX-50 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
80
86
Cost of Ownership
84
90
Powertrain
62
67
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
51
60
Safety
100
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,467
$42,687
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,146
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,829
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,512
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$895
Starting Price
$29,990
$29,900
Horsepower
187 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
33.7 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best on balance
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.
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-5
84
CX-50
90
Winner: CX-50
$780 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-5
62
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-5
32
CX-50
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-5
51
CX-50
60
Winner: CX-50
+9 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 $780 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-5 still wins if your priority is best on balance.
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-5
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Mazda CX-5
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%
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/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 $780 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.
