Just about every compact SUV can boast about its practicality, easy driving manners, and solid value. But only a precious few can say they were created with an outdoorsy attitude and off-road ability in mind. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Jeep Compass are welcome exceptions to that rule. Here’s how they compare.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 can be considered the more rugged, outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5. It joined the Mazda lineup in 2023 and still feels fresh. For 2026, the CX-50 further improves with a newly available white interior option, updated badging, and a lower-cost Meridian Edition that can be had with the base engine. Speaking of, the CX-50 is offered with a turbo engine that packs a punch, or as the fuel-efficient CX-50 Hybrid that was introduced just last year.
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Powertrain choice: You get three times the powertrain choices in the Mazda as you do the Jeep: a base 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, a turbo variant with up to 256 hp, or a hybrid powertrain that delivers 38 mpg combined.
Towing capacity: Some adventures call for extra toys. Whether you want to bring along an ATV or a small boat or RV, the CX-50 has more towing muscle than the Compass, with a max capacity of 3,500 pounds, vs. the Jeep’s 2,000-pound figure.
Rear-seat space: Though these two are similar in price, the CX-50 is roughly a foot longer than the Compass, and that extra size pays off inside. The CX-50 boasts 39.8 inches of rear legroom, vs. the Compass’ 38.3. If you’re likely to bring extra friends or family along for the ride, they’ll appreciate the extra space.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-50 models for sale near you.
2026 Jeep Compass
When you buy a Jeep, you’re not just buying a car; you’re buying access to a brand beloved by fans and loyalists all over the world. Few vehicles come with the built-in history and fan base of a Jeep, and the Compass is the least-expensive way to join the club. The future of the Compass in the U.S. remains hazy at best, but what is certain is that the model lives on for 2026.
Jeep Compass highlights
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): You’d expect a Jeep to deliver power to all four wheels, and all variants of the Compass do, just as with its Mazda CX-50 rival here.
Trailhawk model: Arguably the most, um, Jeep, of Jeep Compass trims, the Trailhawk has legit off-road ability thanks to a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock mode, skid plates, and enhanced ground clearance.
200 horses: The Jeep Compass may only offer one engine, but it boasts 200 horsepower, which is 13 more than the standard engine in the CX-50.
Similarities
Both of these small SUVs have standard AWD, outdoorsy attitude, and an impressive suite of active safety and driver assist systems.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (02571)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,395 |
$30,400 |
|||
$33,895 |
$33,000 |
|||
$34,645 |
$33,600 |
|||
$36,395 |
$35,100 |
|||
$39,395 |
$38,200 |
|||
$41,895 |
$40,600 |
|||
$44,395 |
$43,300 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 vehicles and New 2026 Jeep Compass vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 MAZDA CX-50 | 2026 Jeep Compass | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | N/A |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 200 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed skyactiv-drive sport w/manual mode | automatic, 8-speed |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 103.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 173.4 inches |
| Width | 80.8 inches | 80.0 inches |
| Height | 63.5 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.0 feet | 36.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.8 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 31.4 feet | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 56.3 feet | 59.8 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
If you’re a Jeep loyalist, you already know the vehicle you’ll pick. For everyone else, we think the Mazda CX-50 is the better choice. It’s available in a wider range of trims and powertrains, has a roomier rear seat, and we simply enjoy its driving manners far more than those of the Jeep Compass.
