2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$28,145 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the efficient flexibility of the 2026 Ford Maverick and the refined capability of the 2026 Mazda CX-50? This comparison boils down to priorities, balancing efficiency against traditional crossover dynamics. The Maverick clearly dominates on fuel economy, delivering an impressive 38 combined MPG, a full 12 MPG better than the CX-50's 26 combined MPG, making it significantly cheaper to run daily on its regular unleaded fuel. However, the Maverick is physically larger, measuring 199.8 inches long compared to the Mazda's 185.8 inches, despite the Mazda feeling wider at 75.6 inches versus the Maverick's 72.6 inches. While the Maverick offers slightly more horsepower at 191 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp, the Mazda counters with notably more torque at 185 lb-ft compared to the Ford's 155 lb-ft, suggesting better pull when loaded, even if both start with an MSRP just under $30,000.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG, drastically reducing running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is better for families because it offers standard All-Wheel Drive and a respectable 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will favor the CX-50 for its higher 185 lb-ft of torque and conventional 6-speed automatic transmission over the Maverick’s FWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick provides better long-term value primarily through its exceptional 38 MPG combined rating versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Your top priority is fuel cost savings, leveraging its class-leading 42/35 MPG city/highway ratings.
You need the slightly longer exterior footprint at 199.8 inches for utility or parking lot stability.
You prefer the smooth, efficient operation of an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission paired with FWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You require all-weather confidence delivered by its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prioritize responsive acceleration derived from its higher 185 lb-ft of torque.
You need 31.4 cubic feet of dedicated cargo capacity paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Mazda CX-50
Length	199.8"	185.8"
Width	72.6"	75.6"
Height	68.8"	63.5"
Wheelbase	121.1"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	185 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Ford	Mazda
Transmission Type	electrically variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	52.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mazda
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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Mazda CX-50.

What is the main difference in driving dynamics between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Maverick prioritizes fuel economy with its 191 hp engine and FWD setup, resulting in 38 MPG combined. Conversely, the CX-50 is geared toward better handling and grip with its standard AWD and higher 185 lb-ft of torque, though this efficiency dip brings its combined MPG down to 26.

Is the 2026 Ford Maverick actually a truck, given its body type?

While marketed uniquely, both models are listed here as Crossovers, but the Maverick's longer 199.8-inch length and FWD configuration hint at utilitarian roots. Its efficiency, rated at 42 MPG city, confirms a strong focus on pavement running rather than heavy hauling.

Which vehicle is significantly cheaper to refuel?

The Maverick is significantly cheaper to refuel; the 12 MPG difference in combined fuel economy means you will burn considerably less regular unleaded fuel driving the Maverick 15,000 miles annually compared to the CX-50.

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare between the 2026 models?

The Maverick technically has higher peak horsepower at 191 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp. However, the CX-50 produces substantially more low-end pull with 185 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.

Does the difference in size affect their curb appeal or parking?

The CX-50 is shorter at 185.8 inches, making it slightly easier to maneuver in tight spaces than the 199.8-inch Maverick. However, the CX-50 is noticeably wider at 75.6 inches compared to the Maverick's 72.6 inches.

Which vehicle offers better baseline capability for snow or rough roads?

The Mazda CX-50 offers better baseline capability due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, which is generally preferable over the Maverick's front-wheel-drive configuration for slick conditions.