Overview
Mazda is quickly transitioning its lineup to SUVs but the 2024 CX-50 is proof that there’s still plenty of zoom-zoom left in the tank. This compact crossover sports a ruggedly handsome look and a near-luxury interior but doesn’t abandon the agile handling and fun-to-drive nature the brand is known for. A 187-hp four-cylinder is standard, and all models come with all-wheel drive but things get more fun when the optional 256-hp turbocharged four is under the hood. The CX-50’s size puts it in contention with winning entries such as the Honda CR-V and the Volkswagen Tiguan, not to mention a rival from within its own showroom—the Mazda CX-5. But the CX-50 trades on its expert blend of style and grace to edge its way toward the top of the compact SUV class.
What’s New for 2024?
Aside from some suspension and steering tweaks for the betterment of handling, the CX-50 sees few other notable changes for 2024. The 12-speaker Bose stereo and wireless smartphone charging pad are now standard on more trims, starting with the mid-level Premium and up.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The CX-50 is available in a plethora of trim levels ranging from fairly basic to downright luxurious, but we’d recommend going with the Turbo model. It adds the more powerful 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and increases towing capacity to 3500 pounds. It also comes standard with a host of desirable features, including a panoramic sunroof, a 10.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and leather upholstery with heated front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All models will come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder but the one to get is the more powerful turbocharged variant offering 256 horsepower; the base non-turbo offering makes just 187 hp. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive, and Mazda has baked-in crisp handling to the CX-50 so that it carries on the company’s tradition of offering fun-to-drive vehicles. In fact, during our initial test drive, we praised the CX-50 for providing a joyful driving experience and accurate steering while preserving a comfortable ride. A hybrid model will join the lineup later on with a powertrain sourced from Toyota. We expect it to be the one found in the RAV4 Hybrid, which is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors good for a combined 219 horsepower. So far, we’ve only had a chance to test the turbocharged model, but it managed a sprightly 6.6-second trip to 60 mph at our track.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most efficient CX-50 is the one with the base four-cylinder. That model is rated for 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, but going with the optional turbo only drops those numbers by 1 mpg respectively while adding a lot of performance. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the turbocharged CX-50 managed 28 mpg. For more information about the CX-50’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like the CX-5 and CX-30 crossovers, the CX-50 offers space for five passengers in two rows of seats. Inside, large square dashboard vents give the 50 a slightly more truckish look than the smaller CX-30, but the overall vibe is tastefully upscale, especially on the loaded Premium Plus trim. The front seats are comfortable and supportive and the rear seat space is generous as well but it should be noted that the CX-5 offers more headroom. All models come with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, push-button start, and a partially digital gauge display.
Infotainment and Connectivity
While the base CX-50 comes with a smaller 8.8-inch infotainment display, all other trims get a larger 10.3-inch screen; both versions run the latest version of the Mazda Connect interface and are controlled via a click wheel mounted on the center console. All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity. An eight-speaker stereo is standard but Premium and Premium Plus models come with a 12-speaker Bose stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio. A wireless phone charger is available, but only on the top Turbo Premium Plus.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The CX-50 comes standard with a full suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Other features, such as automatic high-beam headlamps and a 360-degree exterior camera system are optional. For more information about the CX-50’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia and Hyundai both offer better warranty coverage than Mazda, and some other automakers that play in this segment offer complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Mazda CX-50
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $37,625/$43,170
Options: Premium Plus package (ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Bose audio, Sirius XM radio, wireless phone charger, navigation, head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree view, blind-spot detection, traffic-jam assist), $5150; Zircon Sand Metallic paint, $395
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled Miller-capable inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 152 in3, 2488 cm3
Power: 256 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/trailing arm
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring
245/45R-20 99V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.8 in
Length: 185.8 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 63.9 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft3
Cargo Volume: 31 ft3
Curb Weight: 3866 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec @ 91 mph
100 mph: 18.8 sec
120 mph: 35.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 142 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 440 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/23/29 mpg
