Mazda Has Released Two Identical SUVs But Claims You'll Desire Both | Carscoops

      Mazda is reaffirming its strategy of having overlapping products with the new CX-5 and CX-50, stating that this is a positive move and clarifying the reasons behind it.

      Mazda has recently unveiled the revamped CX-5, which shares even more similarities with the CX-50. Despite the many common features, the company is confident that both models can “coexist perfectly.”

      The new CX-5 is set to debut early next year, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.

      When the CX-50 was first launched in 2021, many speculated that it would eventually supplant the CX-5, as both vehicles are two-row crossovers with the same engine and comparable pricing.

      Fast forward to now, and the situation is becoming increasingly complex since some of the key differences have diminished. The 2026 CX-5 is considerably larger than its predecessor, making it an even closer competitor to the CX-50. Additionally, it will be offered with a hybrid powertrain and is anticipated to have a higher price tag, similar to the CX-50.

      A Question of Redundancy

      This situation naturally raises the question: why continue down this path? Why invest resources to create essentially the same vehicle again?

      Mazda’s response is essentially “because we can.” While that may not seem like the most logical rationale, Mazda North America's Vice President of Strategic Planning, Stefan Meisterfeld, explained to Motor1, “We believe in the coexistence of these two because this is the largest segment in the industry.” He pointed out that the CX-5 is likely to attract urban and sophisticated buyers, while the CX-50 is more appealing to adventurous, rugged individuals.

      Meisterfeld affirmed that the company believes both models can “coexist perfectly alongside each other.” While this has already been demonstrated, the upcoming release is poised to complicate things even further.

      Price Gap Could Shrink Further

      Although U.S. pricing details will be revealed closer to the launch early next year, Bloomberg has reported that the CX-5 will be imported from Japan, which will likely subject it to a substantial 27.5% tariff, potentially raising the price.

      Meisterfeld acknowledged that the 2026 CX-5 may see a “small price” increase due to this, but assured that the full tariff cost won’t be passed on to consumers. The concern, however, is how significant this increase will be, considering there is currently only a $1,730 difference between the existing CX-5 and the American-made CX-50.