2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Dodge Durango
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the nimble, efficient 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the substantial, powerful 2026 Dodge Durango often boils down to size versus savings. If you routinely navigate tight city streets and watch your fuel bill, the CX-50 offers compelling reasons to stick with it. Its $30,500 MSRP undercuts the Durango’s $38,995 significantly, saving buyers $8,495 upfront. Furthermore, the CX-50 boasts a combined MPG of 28 versus the Durango's 20 MPG, resulting in substantial long-term savings, especially since both use regular unleaded fuel. While the Durango dominates in raw performance with 295 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp, the Mazda is the pragmatic choice for daily driving efficiency. However, if hauling capacity is key, the Durango’s larger frame is necessary, despite its much smaller 17.2 cu ft cargo rating compared to the Mazda's 31.4 cu ft (note: this discrepancy suggests the Durango's listed capacity might be for a specific configuration, but based strictly on provided data, the CX-50 wins on noted capacity).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined efficiency and lower cost of entry at $30,500.
2026 Dodge Durango
Despite having less cargo space listed (17.2 cu ft vs 31.4 cu ft), the significantly larger 2026 Durango is better suited for larger family hauling needs due to its substantially larger dimensions.
2026 Dodge Durango
The 2026 Dodge Durango is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the CX-50's 187 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 offers better efficiency and an $8,495 lower starting MSRP, making it the stronger value proposition.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You prioritize excellent fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG on the highway.
- Your budget is tighter, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500.
- You prefer a compact footprint, with the CX-50 measuring 185.8 inches long versus the Durango's 200.8 inches.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Maximum power is essential, leveraging the 295 hp engine.
- You require a larger vehicle size, as the Durango is significantly taller at 72.1 inches.
- You prefer the feeling of a Rear Wheel Drive platform paired with an 8-speed transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 75.6" | 75.8" |
| Height | 63.5" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 119.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 442.8/615.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 24.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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-50 and 2026 Dodge Durango.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Dodge Durango than the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The Durango is substantially more powerful, offering 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50’s 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, giving it a significant performance advantage.
Is the Mazda CX-50 significantly better on gas?
Yes, the CX-50 is clearly the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the Durango’s 20 MPG, resulting in an 8 MPG difference for daily driving.
Which vehicle has a higher starting price?
The 2026 Dodge Durango has a notably higher MSRP starting at $38,995, which is $8,495 more than the 2025 Mazda CX-50’s $30,500 base price.
Which crossover offers more storage based on the provided specifications?
Based strictly on the numbers provided, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 provides more usable cargo space at 31.4 cubic feet, compared to the Durango’s listed 17.2 cubic feet.
Are the standard drivetrains different between these two models?
They use different standard setups: the CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Durango features a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Dodge Durango specify regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep long-term running costs predictable for both platforms.
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