Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-5
Overview | |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$29,050 |
Listings9741 | Listings9495 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Reviews SummaryJust because you need more practicality, doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to sacrifice driving enjoyment or performance. Among compact SUVs, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 proves that you can satisfy your sporty appetite in an attractive and upscale alternative. Verdict: The CX-5 offers an enjoyable driving experience, but it falls short in practical areas like fuel economy and cargo space. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive Train |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City20 | MPG City |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space30.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight3679 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height66.1 in |
Length198.7 in | Length180.1 in |
Width89.3 in | Width83.3 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase106.2 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload1045 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $38,465 | $29,050 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 6.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | Just because you need more practicality, doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to sacrifice driving enjoyment or performance. Among compact SUVs, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 proves that you can satisfy your sporty appetite in an attractive and upscale alternative. Verdict: The CX-5 offers an enjoyable driving experience, but it falls short in practical areas like fuel economy and cargo space. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | RWD | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | |
MPG City | 20 | |
MPG Highway | 29 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.5L 187 hp I4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | |
MPG Highway | 29 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 3679 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 66.1 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 180.1 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 83.3 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 106.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | 1045 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 2000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
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