2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Ford Explorer is the 113 horsepower gap, with the Explorer producing 300 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp. This performance trade-off is reflected in the MSRP; the CX-50 starts at $30,500, undercutting the larger Explorer by $7,830. Fuel economy also presents a clear split: the CX-50 achieves a 28 MPG combined rating, surpassing the Explorer's 24 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Explorer offers a substantial advantage in size, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches. Conversely, the CX-50 provides nearly double the practical storage volume, boasting 31.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, despite the Explorer's greater exterior dimensions.
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 fuel efficiency versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is superior for families due to its substantially larger exterior dimensions, including greater height (69.9 inches versus 63.5 inches).
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its significantly higher output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 delivers better value, costing $7,830 less while achieving 4 MPG better fuel economy.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You prioritize low operating costs, evidenced by its 28 MPG combined rating versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.
- Your budget is strictly under $31,000, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500, notably below the Explorer's $38,330 entry price.
- You need maximum storage volume in a smaller footprint, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You require significant power, as the Explorer provides 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum passenger and cabin space are critical, reflected in the Explorer's 198.8-inch length and 69.9-inch height.
- You prefer the balanced traction dynamics of a Rear-Wheel Drive platform coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.9" |
| Height | 63.5" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.9 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 | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 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) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 59.2 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: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
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-50 and 2026 Ford Explorer.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain configuration between the two models?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Ford Explorer defaults to a Rear-Wheel Drive layout mated to a modern 10-speed automatic transmission.
How much more powerful is the Ford Explorer compared to the Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 Ford Explorer has a 113 horsepower advantage, generating 300 hp from its engine compared to the 187 hp produced by the 2025 Mazda CX-50.
Why does the smaller CX-50 have significantly more cargo capacity?
Despite being physically shorter at 185.8 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, the CX-50 is engineered to prioritize rear cargo volume, yielding 31.4 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
How does the MSRP gap affect the long-term value proposition?
The CX-50 undercuts the Explorer by $7,830 at entry level, immediately offering savings, which is amplified by its better fuel economy, resulting in lower routine ownership costs.
Are both vehicles capable of running on standard unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Ford Explorer specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, preventing the need for premium octane gasoline.
Which vehicle offers better city driving efficiency?
The Mazda CX-50 is more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, rating at 25 MPG City, which is 5 MPG better than the Ford Explorer’s 20 MPG City rating.
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