2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Ford Maverick

$28,770 · Crossover

$28,145 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Ford Maverick is fuel economy, where the Maverick achieves a combined 38 MPG compared to the CX-5's 25 MPG—a 13 MPG advantage. Pricing is comparable, with the Maverick starting at $28,145 versus the CX-5's $28,770 MSRP. Performance metrics are closely matched; the Maverick offers slightly more horsepower at 191 hp against the CX-5's 187 hp, although the CX-5 generates superior torque (186 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft). In terms of size, the Maverick is considerably longer at 199.8 inches versus 180.1 inches for the CX-5, and it offers greater height (68.8 inches vs. 66.1 inches). However, the CX-5 offers a structured 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, while the Maverick's utility is defined by its bed configuration (not specified here, but implied difference in rear storage volume). The drivetrain setup is another major split: the CX-5 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the base Maverick utilizes Front-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick’s superior combined fuel economy of 38 MPG makes it the clear choice for daily commuting cost savings over the CX-5’s 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is more conventionally structured for passenger and enclosed cargo needs, offering a specified 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity paired with standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 provides substantially higher torque output at 186 lb-ft compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, offering better immediate responsiveness.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick delivers significantly better operational value through its 38 MPG fuel efficiency at a lower initial MSRP of $28,145.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize superior torque delivery (186 lb-ft) for passing power despite slightly lower horsepower.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory feature for your driving conditions.
You prefer the utility of a traditional enclosed SUV cargo area measured at 30.8 cu ft.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Minimizing fuel costs is paramount, highlighted by its 38 combined MPG rating.
A lower entry price point of $28,145 is desired over the CX-5’s $28,770.
You need the longer vehicle footprint, measuring 199.8 inches in length for potential interior space optimization.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Ford Maverick
Length	180.1"	199.8"
Width	72.6"	72.6"
Height	66.1"	68.8"
Wheelbase	106.2"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	191 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	155 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	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	electrically variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	42/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	579.6/483.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	13.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	13.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	55.4 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

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	54.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Ford
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Ford
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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Ford Maverick.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial, with the 2026 Ford Maverick achieving 38 combined MPG while the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is rated at 25 combined MPG, yielding a 13 MPG advantage for the Maverick.

Which vehicle offers better performance metrics based on the specifications provided?

The Maverick edges out the CX-5 in peak horsepower (191 hp vs. 187 hp), but the CX-5 generates significantly more torque (186 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft), which influences low-end acceleration.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 standard with AWD?

Yes, the provided specification sheet confirms that the 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2026 Ford Maverick model listed uses Front-Wheel Drive.

How do the external dimensions compare between the vehicles?

The Ford Maverick is substantially longer at 199.8 inches compared to the CX-5’s 180.1 inches, and it is also taller at 68.8 inches versus 66.1 inches.

What is the cargo capacity difference?

The Mazda CX-5 specifies a traditional enclosed cargo volume of 30.8 cubic feet, while the Ford Maverick's utility is based on its unique truck bed configuration.

Which vehicle has a lower starting price?

The 2026 Ford Maverick offers a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $28,145, undercutting the 2025 Mazda CX-5 which begins at $28,770.