What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 CX

We normally associate "longer, lower, and wider" as attributes of sleek sports cars, not SUVs trying to project an outdoorsy appeal. Even so, that's how the new 2023 Mazda CX-50 distinguishes itself from the CX-5. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either SUV in terms of design; Mazda has been building attractive vehicles for years. When you walk around both, you'll notice the CX-50 appears to have a longer hood, and it also boasts a few chunkier styling elements like the exaggerated fender flares in a contrasting color, fake vents in the rear to emphasize its width, and black trim around the grille.

Advantage: The less fussy Mazda CX-5 for us, but design preference is subjective. See them both in person and decide for yourself.

Just because these SUVs are similarly sized and priced doesn't mean they're identical to drive. The two SUVs share engines and a promise to be among the sportier players in their competitive set, but they ride on different platforms. Although each boasts communicative steering, the CX-5's feels heavier—not something most of us want every time we turn the wheel.

A 187-hp engine powers the standard version of both Mazda SUVs while a 227-hp turbocharged model is offered, too—and if you fill it with 93-octane fuel, horsepower jumps to 256. MotorTrend-tested 0-60-mph times for both turbocharged SUVs have disappointed at the track; a 2022 CX-5 reached the benchmark speed in 6.8 seconds, and the 2023 CX-50 hit it in 7.0 seconds. Yes, this is quicker than the base-engine models can achieve, but we'd still like more oomph for the extra-cost variants. At least they sound good at wide-open throttle.

Having said that, the CX-5 and CX-50 largely deliver on being more fun to drive than the average crossover.

Slight Advantage: Mazda CX-50

If you're looking for a reason to get one over the other, pricing won't be it. As this is written, the 2023 Mazda CX-50's pricing is remarkably close to that of the 2022 CX-5. Like Subaru, Mazda now includes AWD as standard on every SUV. The 2023 CX-50 2.5 S base trim model carries an MSRP of $28,025. The 2022 CX-5 2.5 S is only $550 cheaper, and that gap may close for the 2023 model year.

On the CX-50, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be wirelessly activated, but it's cord-only on the CX-5. After thousands of miles using the phone-mirroring feature on the large (and standard) 10.3-inch screen, we've come to really appreciate the wireless option.

What if you want a power liftgate? In that case, the price difference shrinks to 10 bucks when comparing the 2023 CX-50 to the 2022 CX-5. Perhaps because the CX-5 has been around longer, you get more features with that 2.5 S Preferred trim besides a power liftgate. The 2022 CX-5 also adds leather seats and a power moonroof. The 2023 CX-50 uses Mazda's first panoramic dual-panel moonroof, but that gets added on the next trim up, the 2.5 S Preferred Plus. If you're looking for the turbocharged models, the 2023 CX-50 starts at $37,625 and the 2022 CX-5 costs $350 more.

Advantage: Tie. Keep in mind that regional variations of supply and demand may change the prices near you.

Mazdas aren't known for being the most capacious cars around, and these SUVs don't change that. The CX-5 offers up to 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is a tad lower than the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet. If you're hauling more than the cargo area can handle, the CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine—1,500 pounds more than the CX-5.

The CX-5 has more passenger space inside, but neither feels cramped. Both SUVs have reasonably spacious rear seats that won't give the Honda CR-V a run for its money; thanks to those wide-opening rear doors, though, entry and exit are easier. We'd also note that the CX-5 feels like it has a slightly more commanding view of the road ahead.

Advantage: Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback

Mazda's premium aspirations come through loud and clear in the most loaded trims of the CX-5 and CX-50. One of our favorite features in the CX-5 is the cushy leather-like legrests on either side of the center console. It's an incredibly underrated feature longer-legged folks may use every time they're stopped in traffic.

The CX-50 lacks that detail but does offer a new terracotta brown/orange seat color with black contrasting trim. It's not the traditional saddle brown color we see on some luxury cars, but it still works. On the CX-50 we have for a year, we paired that with a set of four $150 premium black floormats with a silver "CX-50" plate for the front row and contrasting trim to match the rest of the interior. On the CX-5 Turbo Signature, we found that model's Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats to look plenty premium, but they were so dark you might not initially notice they were brown.

Where both SUVs could use an update to justify a $40,000-plus price tag on loaded models is their instrument clusters. Both have a partial digital instrument cluster with limited functionality that pales next to the best designs in the business. However, both SUVs do something better than many other cars and SUVs do at any price—they break up the dashboard design in an almost relaxing way. There's tons of space between the central air vents and the next set of controls in both the CX-5 and CX-50. It's a cleaner look.

Advantage: Mazda CX-50

We're amazed at how well Mazda has kept the CX-5 relevant after so many years without a full redesign. And it still looks great. We appreciate the CX-50, too, and see subtle ways Mazda learned from the CX-5, especially in the cabin. The HVAC controls are easier to use, and the higher-end models offer more features. The CX-50, however, is an acquired taste. Mazda successfully applied the same design language to a spirit that's more trail-ready than boulevard-cruiser. That's not for everyone, and we'd recommend a closer look at these photos and in person to see how these SUVs come alive in different ways.