2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The age-old dilemma for crossover shoppers: do you prioritize sheer power and size, or efficiency and lower cost? The 2025 Ford Explorer starts significantly higher at an MSRP of $40,050 compared to the Mazda CX-50's $30,500, marking a $9,550 gap. This extra spending buys you substantial muscle; the Explorer blasts out 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily overpowering the CX-50's 187 hp. However, the smaller Mazda offers better economy, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG. While the Explorer is longer at 198.8 inches, it trails the CX-50 in practical cargo space (18.2 cu ft vs. 31.4 cu ft). The choice boils down to whether you need that robust 300 hp engine or if the efficiency and lower entry price of the CX-50 better suit your daily needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuting due to its superior 28 combined MPG, which translates to fewer gas station stops.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 offers nearly double the utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer is the clear choice for performance junkies, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the CX-50's output.
2025 Mazda CX-50
With a $9,550 lower starting MSRP, the Mazda CX-50 provides a much better immediate value proposition.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You absolutely need significant towing or acceleration capabilities from a 300 hp engine.
- Rear-Wheel Drive handling dynamics are a non-negotiable requirement for you.
- You require a larger overall footprint, evidenced by its 198.8-inch length for greater road presence.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is critical, given its $30,500 MSRP.
- You prioritize packing capability, benefiting from 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- Maximizing fuel economy with 28 combined MPG is essential for your weekly routine.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 185.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 75.6" |
| Height | 69.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 397.5/492.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Mazda CX-50.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer significantly bigger than the Mazda CX-50?
Yes, the Explorer is noticeably larger, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches in length. However, this increased size doesn't necessarily translate to better utility, as the Explorer only offers 18.2 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the CX-50 provides 31.4 cu ft.
How much better is the fuel economy in the CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 has a 4 MPG advantage overall, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 combined MPG. The CX-50 also splits 25 City/31 Highway, offering better efficiency during stop-and-go city driving.
Which vehicle is substantially more powerful for highway passing?
The 2025 Ford Explorer holds a massive power advantage, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is over 113 hp more than the CX-50's 187 hp output, making the Explorer much quicker when accelerating at speed.
Why is the Explorer's base MSRP so much higher than the CX-50?
The Ford Explorer commands a $40,050 MSRP, which is $9,550 more than the CX-50's $30,500 price tag. This price difference reflects its larger size, more powerful standard engine (300 hp), and standard Rear-Wheel Drive architecture.
Which crossover provides a better drivetrain setup for adverse weather?
The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), generally providing better traction assurance in snow or light off-road situations. The Ford Explorer features a standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) setup, which may require an optional package for AWD.
Do both crossovers use premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep long-term running costs manageable despite the performance differences.
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