2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the popular XLT version. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a long, tall hood and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, embodying Mazda's signature subtle seductiveness. However, it also introduced rugged elements like blistered fender swells and oversized air intake designs. When paired with the standard black grille and available 20-inch wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. Later in the model year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition would join the lineup with exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform. The CX-50 came in two versions: the 2.5 S with a 187-hp engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 256 hp. Prices ranged from $26,800 to $41,550, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the top-of-the-line CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, had an MSRP of $43,170. Inside, the CX-50 featured black leather with caramel-colored stitching, a driver-focused design, and quality materials. Despite a few design quirks, the CX-50 was a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, making a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer felt robust and athletic, with a comfortable ride and off-road capability, especially in the Timberline model with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two powertrains. The 2.5 S model had a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, returning 27 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp and 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the fuel type. The turbo model had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, though we averaged 23.4 mpg. The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with minimal turbo lag. It offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, though the differences between them were subtle. The CX-50 felt firm and capable on various terrains, with up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance. It handled well on curvy roads, resembling a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. Our King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, suitable for long-distance driving, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional bins and shelves. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were effective in keeping the cabin comfortable. The driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports in nearly all trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, making entry and exit easier. Storage space was adequate, though Mazda missed opportunities for additional bins and shelves. The available smartphone charger was conveniently located under the center armrest. The power rear liftgate revealed 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, with a long load floor but narrow space between the wheel wells. Maximum cargo space was 56.3 cubic feet, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50’s lower roofline.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch also included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system showed its age, with a less effective voice recognition system compared to the newer Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer. An available rear-seat entertainment system came with dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base 2.5 S had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a larger 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect did not offer touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display (HUD), projecting data within the driver’s line of sight, including blind-spot warnings. While the touchscreen functionality was a welcome addition, the screen’s distant location and the need for a Mazda Connect redesign remained areas for improvement.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all versions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year’s model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. Overall, the Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ systems worked well, though the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver’s hands could be improved.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to rate high for safety, though the IIHS had not yet performed crash tests. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-50’s driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were particularly useful and should be available on more trims.