2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 GMC Acadia
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 brings spirited handling and premium feel to the compact segment, exciting drivers with its standard All-Wheel Drive and efficient 187 hp engine achieving 28 MPG combined. It offers a sharp, athletic footprint at just 185.8 inches long. In stark contrast, the all-new 2026 GMC Acadia bursts onto the scene prioritizing sheer muscle and passenger volume; its dominant 328 hp output offers a significant performance advantage over the Mazda. However, this power comes at a cost, evidenced by its higher $43,700 MSRP, a staggering $13,200 more than the CX-50's entry price, and a lower combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. While the Acadia dwarfs the CX-50 in sheer size—measuring 204.0 inches long—the Mazda wins on nimble efficiency for the daily grind.
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 versus the Acadia's 23 MPG.
2026 GMC Acadia
The 2026 GMC Acadia is better for families due to its larger overall dimensions, specifically its 71.0-inch height and substantially longer 204.0-inch body.
2026 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will prefer the Acadia's massive 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 presents undeniable value, starting $13,200 cheaper than the Acadia while still offering standard AWD.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You prioritize economy, needing the 28 MPG combined efficiency delivered by the 187 hp engine.
- You value saving upfront cost, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500, undercutting the Acadia by $13,200.
- You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle for urban driving, evidenced by the CX-50’s shorter 185.8-inch length.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You need massive power, benefiting from the Acadia's commanding 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum passenger/cargo volume is essential, despite the Acadia offering only 23 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire a larger presence on the road, as the Acadia towers at 71.0 inches high.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 204.0" |
| Width | 75.6" | 79.6" |
| Height | 63.5" | 71.0" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 120.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 326 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 | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Digital Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 12 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 62.0 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: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 GMC Acadia.
What is the primary trade-off when choosing the 2026 GMC Acadia over the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The main trade-off is power versus efficiency and cost; the Acadia grants you 141 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 187 hp), but you sacrifice $13,200 in upfront cost and 5 MPG in combined fuel efficiency (23 MPG vs. 28 MPG).
Does the Mazda CX-50 have an advantage in standard drivetrain features?
Yes, the Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2026 GMC Acadia utilizes Front Wheel Drive.
How much larger is the 2026 Acadia physically compared to the CX-50?
The Acadia is significantly larger, measuring 204.0 inches long compared to the CX-50’s 185.8 inches, resulting in a height difference of 7.5 inches (71.0 in vs. 63.5 in).
Is the lower MPG of the Acadia offset by better cargo capacity?
Surprisingly, no; the more fuel-inefficient Acadia (23 MPG combined) has less listed cargo capacity at 23.0 cubic feet, while the CX-50 achieves 28 MPG and still offers 31.4 cubic feet.
Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel; which offers a better highway range?
Based purely on MPG figures, the Mazda CX-50 offers better highway cruising economy at 31 MPG compared to the Acadia's 27 MPG.
Which crossover offers a more engaging transmission setup?
While both feature shiftable automatics, the Acadia utilizes a more modern 8-speed unit to handle its increased power, whereas the CX-50 sticks with a 6-speed automatic.
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