2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 BMW X1
Comparison Overview
The primary disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 BMW X1 is the substantial MSRP gap of $12,300, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 versus the X1's $42,800. This price difference reflects a significant performance divergence: the X1 generates 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, handily surpassing the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Interestingly, fuel economy remains nearly identical, with both achieving a combined 28 MPG, although the CX-50 utilizes regular unleaded while the X1 recommends premium. In terms of size, the CX-50 is physically larger, measuring 185.8 inches in length compared to the X1's 177.2 inches, yet the Mazda offers more usable storage space with 31.4 cu ft versus the BMW's 25.7 cu ft. The transmission setups also contrast: a traditional 6-speed automatic for Mazda versus a quicker 7-speed automated manual for BMW.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its lower $30,500 MSRP and standard use of regular unleaded fuel, resulting in lower operational costs.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 provides superior utility for families with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the X1's 25.7 cu ft.
2026 BMW X1
The 2026 BMW X1 appeals more to driving enthusiasts due to its 54 hp advantage (241 hp vs. 187 hp) and higher torque output (295 lb-ft vs. 185 lb-ft).
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 offers substantially better initial value, costing $12,300 less while matching the X1's combined 28 MPG rating.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Budget is the primary constraint, given the $12,300 lower starting MSRP of $30,500.
- Maximum accessible cargo space is required, as the CX-50 delivers 31.4 cu ft.
- Lower ongoing fueling costs are desired, thanks to its use of regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the BMW X1 if...
- Maximum on-road performance is prioritized, evidenced by the X1's 241 hp output.
- A more sophisticated powertrain is sought, featuring a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
- A more compact exterior footprint (177.2 inches long) is preferable for urban maneuvering.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | BMW X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 177.2" |
| Width | 75.6" | 72.6" |
| Height | 63.5" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 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 | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 343.2/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 10.7 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 BMW X1.
Is the fuel economy identical between the CX-50 and the X1?
Yes, both vehicles are rated at a combined 28 MPG. However, the Mazda CX-50 achieves this on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the BMW X1 recommends premium unleaded, impacting long-term running costs.
How much more horsepower does the BMW X1 offer over the Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 BMW X1 offers a substantial 54 horsepower advantage, producing 241 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp. The X1 also generates significantly more torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Mazda's 185 lb-ft.
Which vehicle provides better interior storage capacity?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 31.4 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2026 BMW X1 provides 25.7 cu ft, representing a difference of 5.7 cubic feet.
What is the price difference between these two all-wheel-drive crossovers?
There is a major price differential of $12,300; the CX-50 starts at $30,500, while the X1 begins at $42,800.
Do the dimensions significantly differ between the two models?
Yes, the CX-50 is longer at 185.8 inches compared to the X1's 177.2 inches, but conversely, the X1 is slightly taller at 64.6 inches versus the CX-50’s 63.5 inches.
Are the transmissions comparable in their operation?
No, they utilize distinct setups: the CX-50 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the X1 employs a more modern 7-speed automated manual transmission.
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