Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Before you spit out your morning coffee at the audacity of comparing these two vehicles, given their differences in size, power and packaging, there is a method to the madness. I am comparing a $42,750 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Preferred with a $42,590 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition.Kyle EdwardView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementSee where I'm going with this?For roughly $43,000, you can buy a relatively large, sophisticated midsize SUV with a turbocharged inline-six, or you can buy a much smaller, nearly top-of-the-line compact SUV with a turbocharged four-cylinder and a bunch of adventure-oriented goodies.That makes this comparison far more interesting than it initially appears.The CX-70 comes with a 3.3-liter inline-six turbo e-Skyactiv-G engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The CX-50 Turbo uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.AdvertisementAdvertisementI've driven the top-of-the-line versions of both vehicles, as well as the base versions. The CX-70 I'm using here is essentially the entry point to the lineup, although it comes with a surprisingly generous amount of standard equipment.The CX-50 Meridian Edition, meanwhile, is nearly at the top of the CX-50 food chain. It gets additional equipment, more aggressive tires, and a decidedly more adventurous personality. Yet the two land within $160 of each other.So, what exactly can you get for $43,000 from Mazda? As it turns out, quite a lot.Let's see how the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Preferred stacks up against the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition.MazdaThe Mazda CX-50 is the one I'd choose for funI've spent considerable time driving the CX-50, including the naturally aspirated, Turbo and Meridian versions, and the more I drive it, the more I like it.AdvertisementAdvertisementMazda got the basic formula right.It has a visibly wider stance than the typical compact crossover, and it looks considerably more interesting than most of its competition. It also feels more connected to the road than many of the soft-roaders in this class.In my opinion, it makes a lot more sense than the recently softened CX-5 if you're looking for something with a lot more personality. It's also substantially roomier than the CX-30.The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. It's more than adequate, but you need more cowbell if you want more fun. Spend the extra money for the Turbo.MazdaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe turbocharged engine produces 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular. Power goes through a six-speed automatic transmission, and i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard.Turbo models can also tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.Then there's the Meridian Edition. This is where the CX-50 gets particularly interesting for somebody who actually likes leaving the pavement. It's better than most at many things. Yes, I said it.The CX-50 comes with Mazda's i-Activ AWD and Mi-Drive, including Sport and Off-Road modes. The Meridian adds a more adventure-oriented appearance and equipment package, along with more aggressive tires.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's not a Wrangler. Let's not get carried away here.But it's a legitimately capable soft-roader, and the Meridian Edition gives it enough additional hardware and attitude to make it feel like Mazda actually expects you to take it somewhere interesting.At the same time, it's a hoot to drive around town.And that's exactly what I like about it.Dave McQuilling/AutoBlogThe CX-70 is a completely different animalThe CX-70 looks like it should simply be a larger CX-50.It isn't. Not at all. Nope.The CX-70 is substantially larger and uses Mazda's larger rear-biased platform architecture. At roughly 201.6 inches long and 78.5 inches wide, this is a serious midsize SUV.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe difference becomes immediately obvious when you press the accelerator.Related: How BYD Is Selling Fewer Cars But Making More MoneyThe CX-70 uses a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. The engine is wonderfully smooth, and the eight-speed automatic works well with it. Standard i-Activ AWD puts the power down effectively.The CX-70 is also considerably quieter and more effortless at highway speeds.Then there's towing.A properly equipped CX-70 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.MazdaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThat's a significant advantage if your idea of a weekend adventure involves a boat, trailer, motorcycles or a substantial camping setup.Around town, the CX-70 is more comfortable, quieter and more refined. Even this relatively modest version has the sort of polish you'd expect from something considerably more expensive.The tradeoff is that it doesn't feel quite as connected as the CX-50.That's not to say the CX-70 is boring. It's actually more responsive and athletic than most vehicles in this class. But the CX-50 feels smaller, lighter, and more playful. Because it is.For its size, price, and family-hauler packaging, I would actually prefer the CX-90 in Mazda's lineup. It has a third row, which simply makes more sense to me in this category.AdvertisementAdvertisementStill, the CX-70 has poise, and it feels surprisingly athletic for something this large.MazdaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThe CX-70 wins the space battleThis isn't particularly close. The CX-50 has 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-70 offers 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.That's a lot more room.If you're hauling bicycles, camping equipment, photography gear, dogs or just a ridiculous amount of luggage, the CX-70 makes considerably more sense. It also provides more room for passengers, with 41.7 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches in the second row.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe CX-70 is the obvious choice if your SUV needs to perform family-hauler duty on a regular basis.MazdaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleBut there's something special about the CX-50Here's where things get complicated: The CX-70 is objectively the more capable vehicle. I'm unsure if it's the more interesting vehicle.The CX-50 has that slightly mischievous personality Mazda does so well. It's smaller, easier to place on a narrow trail, easier to park, and more willing to play.A CX-50 Turbo Meridian is something I could see taking on a long road trip, heading down a dirt road and spending a weekend at a campsite without worrying about whether the vehicle was too precious for the environment.Related: Is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Aire Edition a Better Deal Than the Turbo Premium Plus? Here Are My Thoughts After Driving Both.The CX-70 feels more like a premium family adventure vehicle.That's not a criticism. In fact, that's probably exactly what Mazda intended.The CX-50 feels like it wants to go somewhere.The CX-70 feels like it wants to take the family there comfortably.Jared Rosenholtz/AutoblogWhat about the hybrids?Nope. We're saving those for another comparison.The CX-70 also offers a more powerful Turbo S model, which brings considerably more horsepower and torque. That's another comparison for another day.For this test, I'm deliberately keeping things simple.Same approximate price.Two very different Mazdas.Let's see which one makes more sense.MazdaView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleFinal ThoughtsIf you're looking for a crossover that can handle daily driving, mountain roads, dirt trails and the occasional camping adventure, I'd take the CX-50. I'd particularly look at the Turbo or Turbo Meridian. It's my pick.If you need substantially more room, want a quieter and more luxurious cabin, need serious towing capability, or simply want that silky inline-six, the CX-70 is the better vehicle. Fantastic commuter and cross-country traveller.For somebody who doesn't need 5,000 pounds of towing capacity or nearly 76 cubic feet of cargo space, I'd take the CX-50 Turbo Meridian. It's smaller, more playful, and more willing to get dirty. It's still pretty good at commuting, but it's easier to park and has more personality. And at $42,590, it's an awfully compelling package.The CX-70 is what you buy when the adventure includes a lot of luggage and commuting.The CX-50 is what you buy when the adventure makes you smile.Related: Hyundai Tucson XRT vs Nissan Rogue Rock Creek: Compact Crossovers in Hiking Boots?This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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