Compare the2026 BMW X3VS 2026 Mazda CX-50

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The X3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-50 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X3 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-50 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The X3 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X3’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The BMW X3’s optional Surround View offers available integrated front and rear camera washers, ensuring clear, all-weather visibility without the need for manual cleaning. In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 lacks camera washers, requiring you to manually clean the cameras for optimal performance.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the X3 has standard Cross Traffic Warning with braking function with automatic braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the X3 and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Mazda CX-50:

	X3	CX-50
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	162	214
Hip Force	472 lbs.	521 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The X3 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-50’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-50’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-50.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 29 points higher than the CX-50.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 29 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mazda.

Engine

The X3 has more powerful engines than the CX-50:

	Horsepower	Torque
X3 30 xDrive 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	255 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
X3 M50 xDrive 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	393 HP	428 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	187 HP	185 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	219 HP	163 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder	256 HP	320 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Consumer Reports the BMW X3 is faster than the Mazda CX-50:

	X3 30 xDrive	X3 M50 xDrive	CX-50 4 cyl.	CX-50 4 cyl. hybrid gas
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	4 sec	9.3 sec	8.1 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.4 sec	n/a	5.7 sec	4.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	12.6 sec	17.2 sec	16.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	95 MPH	109.7 MPH	84 MPH	89 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X3 gets better mileage than the CX-50:

			MPG
X3
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/33 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/30 hwy
CX-50
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy
		2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy

Regardless of its engine, the X3’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Mazda only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the CX-50 Turbo/Hybrid.

The X3 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The X3 has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 15.9 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X3 higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-50 (4 to 6). This means the X3 produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-50 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW X3, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-50.

The X3 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CX-50 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X3’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-50:

	X3 30 xDrive	X3 M50 xDrive	CX-50
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.5 inches	12.8 inches

The X3’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

The X3 stops much shorter than the CX-50:

	X3	CX-50
70 to 0 MPH	155 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	108 feet	118 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	137 feet	142 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the CX-50 (245/50R19 vs. 225/65R17). The X3’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-50 (F:255/40R21 & R:285/35R21 vs. 245/45R20).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires. The X3’s optional 255/40R21 front and 285/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the CX-50 2.5 S Premium/2.5 Turbo/Turbo Premium Plus’ 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50. The X3’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the CX-50 2.5 S Premium/2.5 Turbo/Turbo Premium Plus.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the BMW X3 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The X3 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the X3 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The X3 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 2 inches longer than on the CX-50 (112.8 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

The X3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.5% to 49.5%) than the CX-50’s (58.9% to 41.1%). This gives the X3 more stable handling and braking.

The X3 30 xDrive handles at .91 G’s, while the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M50 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.7 seconds quicker than the CX-50 (25.3 seconds @ .76 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 M50 xDrive has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred (8.3 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The X3 has 1.4 inches more front headroom, 6.3 inches more front hip room, 2 inches more front shoulder room, 6 inches more rear hip room and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X3’s rear seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The X3 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-50 with its rear seat folded (67.1 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X3. The CX-50 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the X3’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-50’s (4001 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-50 is only 3500 pounds. The X3 offers up to a 4850 lbs. towing capacity.

While the CX-50 Hybrid can only tow 1500, any X3 can tow a minimum of 4001 pounds.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-50. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

If the windows are left open on the X3 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote or with the driver’s door power window switch. The driver of the CX-50 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X3’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-50 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-50 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-50 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X3’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Meridian/Premium/Turbo.

The BMW X3 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-50 Premium Plus Hybrid/Turbo.

The BMW X3 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Mazda charges extra for Homelink® on the CX-50.

Compared to traditional radio, the BMW X3’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The X3’s Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X3 and the Mazda CX-50, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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