
For one, it has slightly more ground clearance than the CX-5.

The CX-50's body is 1.4 inches lower, 3.0 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer (most of that length is from a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch), giving it station-wagon-esque proportions that are more Subaru Outback than Forester. The CX-50 and CX-5 share powertrains, but there are notable differences in the packaging. If that sounds like a familiar refrain, it's because we've heaped similar praise upon the CX-5, which has won multiple 10Best awards and is Mazda's bestseller by far.

We decided to ignore the outdoorsy shtick and instead found the CX-50 to have a pleasant on-road driving demeanor, an appealing design, and class-above refinement-all for about the same price as its mainstream competitors. HIGHS: Refined powertrain, good ride and handling balance, premium looks.
