2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Cadillac XT5

$30,500 · Crossover

$44,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the spirited, efficient adventurer starting at just $30,500, boasting a healthy 28 MPG combined rating while utilizing regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Cadillac XT5 enters the ring with a premium performance feel, offering a potent 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from its standard powertrain. This comparison pits accessible all-wheel-drive capability against luxury horsepower gains. The $13,800 price gap is substantial, directly impacting the value proposition. While the Mazda provides better economy at 25 city MPG, the Cadillac compensates with significantly more power, though it drops to 22 MPG city and requires premium fuel. At 185.8 inches long, the CX-50 is slightly more compact than the 189.6-inch XT5, presenting a trade-off between maneuverability and stature in the crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and lower running costs using regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 offers greater passenger room implications with its larger 66.1-inch height and provides a more powerful 235 hp engine for freeway merging.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 clearly wins for driving dynamics enthusiasts with 48 more horsepower (235 hp vs 187 hp) and a quicker-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers exceptional all-wheel-drive capability and efficiency at an MSRP that is $13,800 lower than the Cadillac XT5.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the CX-50 achieves a better 28 MPG combined rating.
Budget is a major concern, with an MSRP starting $13,800 below the competitor.
You prioritize standard all-wheel drive capability over front-wheel drive architecture.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

You desire significant power output, benefiting from 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a smoother driving experience afforded by the 9-speed automatic transmission.
A premium aesthetic and the extra 6.3 inches of height are important factors for your driving needs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Cadillac XT5
Length	185.8"	189.6"
Width	75.6"	74.9"
Height	63.5"	66.1"
Wheelbase	110.8"	112.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
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	235 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 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	Cadillac
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	418.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.3 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	56.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Cadillac XT5.

How does the fuel cost comparison stack up between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is significantly more economical, achieving 28 MPG combined while running on regular unleaded fuel. In contrast, the 2026 Cadillac XT5 yields only 24 MPG combined and recommends premium unleaded, increasing daily running costs considerably.

Is the difference in horsepower noticeable during everyday driving?

Yes, the 48 horsepower gap is substantial; the Cadillac XT5 offers 235 hp compared to the Mazda's 187 hp, meaning the XT5 will feel noticeably quicker when accelerating onto highways.

Which vehicle offers a superior cargo hauling setup?

The Mazda CX-50 technically offers slightly more maximum storage volume at 31.4 cubic feet versus the Cadillac XT5’s 30 cubic feet, although both are closely matched.

Does the base drivetrain affect traction in poor weather?

The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better baseline traction control than the Cadillac XT5, which is FWD in its base configuration.

What does the MSRP difference translate to in features?

The $13,800 premium for the Cadillac buys you more inherent power, a more advanced 9-speed transmission, and a larger exterior presence, while the CX-50 delivers better value retention through efficiency.

How does the driving engagement compare between the two automatics?

Enthusiasts will favor the XT5's 9-speed automatic transmission for its wider gear spread, whereas the CX-50 utilizes a tried-and-true 6-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing proven reliability.