2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$28,145 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 often comes down to prioritizing extreme efficiency versus robust driving dynamics. Buyers often face the dilemma: do I want a tiny truck bed for utility or a more traditional, capable crossover experience? The Maverick clearly dominates in fuel economy, achieving a superb combined 38 MPG from its 191 hp engine, far surpassing the CX-50's 26 MPG combined. However, the CX-50 boasts superior torque at 185 lb-ft compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, despite having slightly less horsepower (187 hp). While the Maverick starts slightly cheaper at $28,145 versus the Mazda's $29,900, this initial saving is magnified by the Maverick's yearly fuel cost advantage. Furthermore, the Maverick is nearly 4 inches longer than the CX-50, giving it a unique footprint in the segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick's 38 MPG combined fuel economy makes it the undisputed champion for saving money on daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

Although smaller overall, the CX-50 offers a standard 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity and All-Wheel Drive, which often appeals more to families needing secure hauling space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda's higher torque figure (185 lb-ft) and more traditional 6-speed automatic transmission generally suggest a more engaging driving feel than the Maverick's FWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick wins on value due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $28,145 and substantially better 38 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel savings, leveraging its 42 MPG city rating.
You need the utility of a truck bed, even if it's small (it's a truck body type, not a standard SUV).
You prefer a lower entry price point, starting at just $28,145.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize traction and stability via standard All-Wheel Drive.
You require a dedicated 31.4 cu ft of enclosed cargo space.
You value better pulling power indicated by the higher 185 lb-ft torque rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Mazda CX-50
Length	199.8"	185.8"
Width	72.6"	75.6"
Height	68.8"	63.5"
Wheelbase	121.1"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Solid 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
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 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	electrically variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	52.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	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
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Maverick and 2026 Mazda CX-50.

How much better is the fuel economy between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 CX-50?

The difference is substantial; the Maverick delivers 38 MPG combined, while the CX-50 manages only 26 MPG combined, meaning the Maverick will save you significantly on gas over the long run.

Does the Mazda CX-50 have better performance for spirited driving than the Maverick?

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the CX-50, which offers 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft. Also, the CX-50 includes AWD while the Maverick is FWD.

Which vehicle is generally cheaper to purchase right now?

The 2025 Ford Maverick holds a slight edge in initial cost, starting at $28,145, compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50's MSRP of $29,900.

What is the main difference in body style I should consider?

Although both are classified as crossovers for this comparison, the Maverick has the unique profile of a small truck offering an open bed, whereas the CX-50 is a traditional closed SUV body with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.

Are the dimensions very different for city parking?

Yes, the Maverick is noticeably longer at 199.8 inches versus the CX-50's 185.8 inches. Interestingly, the CX-50 is wider at 75.6 inches compared to the Maverick's 72.6 inches.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?

Fortunately, both the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping running costs predictable for both models.