2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$30,500 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary differentiator between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the substantial $10,095 MSRP gap, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 against the Ridgeline's $40,595. This cost difference aligns with performance disparities; the Ridgeline delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a 7 MPG combined advantage for the Mazda (28 MPG vs. 21 MPG), which is crucial for high-mileage drivers. While the Ridgeline offers a longer footprint at 210.2 inches, its overall utility is challenged by a surprisingly small 7.3 cu ft of functional cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft, though this difference is largely due to the Ridgeline's truck bed structure. Furthermore, the Ridgeline's 9-speed automatic transmission contrasts with the CX-50's 6-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers more conventional crossover storage space with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers 93 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 187 hp) and 77 more lb-ft of torque (262 vs. 185) for superior acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is significantly cheaper with a $30,500 MSRP and provides better overall running efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Your budget is firm, as the MSRP difference is over $10,000.
Fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 28 combined MPG rating.
You prioritize enclosed, accessible cargo space over open-bed hauling (31.4 cu ft vs. 7.3 cu ft).

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

Maximum engine output is desired, as the Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower.
You require a longer vehicle structure, measuring 210.2 inches in length.
A 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the CX-50's 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Honda Ridgeline
Length	185.8"	210.2"
Width	75.6"	78.6"
Height	63.5"	70.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	7
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

How does the cargo capacity directly compare between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of standard enclosed cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline lists a maximum cargo volume of only 7.3 cubic feet, reflecting its open bed design versus the CX-50's traditional SUV setup.

What is the power deficit when comparing the standard engines?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is significantly more powerful, generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 93 hp difference.

Which vehicle offers better efficiency for daily commuting?

The CX-50 is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG (25 City/31 Highway). The Ridgeline achieves only 21 combined MPG (18 City/24 Highway), representing a 7 MPG combined disadvantage.

Are the size and maneuverability drastically different based on dimensions?

Yes, the Ridgeline is substantially larger, measuring 210.2 inches long and 70.8 inches high, while the CX-50 is more compact at 185.8 inches long and 63.5 inches high.

Does the extra cost of the Ridgeline reflect superior technology, such as the transmission?

The Ridgeline includes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission compared to the CX-50's 6-speed automatic. However, the $10,095 higher MSRP also covers the significant horsepower advantage.