VS
At a Glance
Power
139hp @ 5700
227hp @ 5000
Torque
195lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
54 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
1.6 L/96ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Niro and the Mazda Cx 50 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Niro delivers 139hp @ 5700 while the Mazda Cx 50 produces 227hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Niro returns 54 mpg est. while the Cx 50 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,090 for the Niro and $29,900 for the Cx 50. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
KIA NiroSX FWD 2026 - From $33,090
Mazda Cx 502.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD 2026 - From $29,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
139hp @ 5700
227hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/96ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
54 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
53 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
54 (Est)mpg
29 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.1gal
15.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
174in
185.8in
Width (in)
71.9in
75.6in
Height (in)
60.8in
63.9in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3071lbs
3915lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Cx 50
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cx 50
Fuel Economy
Niro
Value
Cx 50
Practicality
Cx 50
Pros & Cons
KIA Niro
Better fuel economy (54 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mazda Cx 50
Lower starting price ($29,900)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Niro or Cx 50?
The Niro gets 54 mpg est. and the Cx 50 gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Niro is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Niro or Cx 50?
The Niro produces 139hp @ 5700 and 195lb-ft of torque while the Cx 50 delivers 227hp @ 5000 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Cx 50 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Niro and Cx 50?
The Niro starts from $33,090 and the Cx 50 from $29,900. The Cx 50 is cheaper by $3,190 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Niro or Cx 50?
The Niro has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Cx 50 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Niro or the Cx 50?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.