Nearly each compact SUV can boast about its practicality, straightforward driving manners, and stable worth. However solely a valuable few can say they had been created with an outdoorsy perspective and off-road means in thoughts. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Jeep Compass are welcome exceptions to that rule. Right here’s how they evaluate.
2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 could be thought-about the extra rugged, outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5. It joined the Mazda lineup in 2023 and nonetheless feels contemporary. For 2026, the CX-50 additional improves with a newly out there white inside choice, up to date badging, and a lower-cost Meridian Version that may be had with the bottom engine. Talking of, the CX-50 is obtainable with a turbo engine that packs a punch, or because the fuel-efficient CX-50 Hybrid that was launched simply final yr.
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Powertrain alternative: You get thrice the powertrain selections within the Mazda as you do the Jeep: a base 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, a turbo variant with as much as 256 hp, or a hybrid powertrain that delivers 38 mpg mixed.
Towing capability: Some adventures name for additional toys. Whether or not you wish to convey alongside an ATV or a small boat or RV, the CX-50 has extra towing muscle than the Compass, with a max capability of three,500 kilos, vs. the Jeep’s 2,000-pound determine.
Rear-seat house: Although these two are comparable in value, the CX-50 is roughly a foot longer than the Compass, and that additional dimension pays off inside. The CX-50 boasts 39.8 inches of rear legroom, vs. the Compass’ 38.3. In case you’re prone to convey additional pals or household alongside for the journey, they’ll admire the additional house.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the CX-50 fashions on the market close to you.
2026 Jeep Compass

Once you purchase a Jeep, you’re not simply shopping for a automobile; you’re shopping for entry to a model beloved by followers and loyalists all around the world. Few autos include the built-in historical past and fan base of a Jeep, and the Compass is the least-expensive technique to be a part of the membership. The way forward for the Compass within the U.S. stays hazy at finest, however what is for certain is that the mannequin lives on for 2026.
Jeep Compass highlights
Customary all-wheel drive (AWD): You’d count on a Jeep to ship energy to all 4 wheels, and all variants of the Compass do, simply as with its Mazda CX-50 rival right here.
Trailhawk mannequin: Arguably essentially the most, um, Jeep, of Jeep Compass trims, the Trailhawk has legit off-road means due to a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock mode, skid plates, and enhanced floor clearance.
200 horses: The Jeep Compass might solely provide one engine, however it boasts 200 horsepower, which is 13 greater than the usual engine within the CX-50.
Similarities
Each of those small SUVs have commonplace AWD, outdoorsy perspective, and a powerful suite of energetic security and driver help methods.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 Costs
|
Retail Worth
|
Truthful Buy Worth (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$31,395
|
$30,300
|
|||
|
$33,895
|
$32,700
|
|||
|
$34,645
|
$33,500
|
|||
|
$36,395
|
$35,200
|
|||
|
$39,395
|
$37,900
|
|||
|
$41,895
|
$40,500
|
|||
|
$44,395
|
$43,100
|
New 2026 Jeep Compass Costs
|
Retail Worth
|
Truthful Buy Worth (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$30,165
|
$29,200
|
|||
|
$34,240
|
$33,400
|
|||
|
$34,390
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$33,300
|
The Kelley Blue E-book Truthful Buy Worth for any particular person used automobile can differ drastically in response to mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are at the moment paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 autos and New 2026 Jeep Compass autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s advised retail value (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2026 MAZDA CX-50 | 2026 Jeep Compass | |
| Standard Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capability | 2,000 kilos | 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 | automated, 6-speed skyactiv-drive sport w/handbook mode | automated, 8-speed |
| Gasoline Economic system | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 103.8 inches |
| General Size | 185.8 inches | 173.4 inches |
| Width | 80.8 inches | 80.0 inches |
| Top | 63.5 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.0 ft | 36.3 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.1 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.7 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.8 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 31.4 ft | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 56.3 ft | 59.8 ft |
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of autos proven.
Conclusion
In case you’re a Jeep loyalist, you already know the automobile you’ll choose. For everybody else, we predict the Mazda CX-50 is the higher alternative. It’s out there in a wider vary of trims and powertrains, has a roomier rear seat, and we merely get pleasure from its driving manners way over these of the Jeep Compass.
