2024 MAZDA CX-50

All-new last year, the CX-50 compact SUV plays off the slightly smaller CX-5 as a more capable trail rider for off-road adventuring. For example, the CX-50 provides 0.7 inches more ground clearance than the CX-5. As with every Mazda SUV, the CX-50 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Furthermore, the CX-50 delivers Mazda’s legendary sporty driving experience. Accurate steering, drama-free cornering, and better-than-average ride comfort conspire to make the CX-50 a hoot to pilot. We also appreciate the well-crafted, quiet cabin with more rear-seat legroom than rivals like the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Compass. Of course, the CX-50 is also easy on the eyes.

Mazda made a few small tweaks to the CX-50 for 2024. The steering and suspension systems have been revised, and two trims have been dropped. The 2.5 S model used to be the base trim, but now it’s gone leaving the more popular 2.5 S Select as the base model. The S Preferred Plus trim was also axed, and the cost of the 2.5 S Premium trim was lowered to make up for it.

Also, Bose premium audio and a wireless charging pad now come standard on more trims. They’re standard on the Premium trim and up.

Before buying a CX-50, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Just launched last year, it’s still a bit early to report CX-50 resale values; however, Mazda models generally post about average resale values in their segments.

Non-turbo CX-50 versions have a 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This duo provides sufficient go for most applications. In fact, it’s about average among its peers. Most other segment competitors, like the Hyundai Tucson, VW Tiguan, and Ford Escape, closely match the CX-50’s power output. CX-50 trims with “Turbo” in their nameplates have a 227-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to gain even more performance.

Whether cruising highways or slugging it out in heavy city traffic, we find that the CX-50 adapts well, delivering smooth, consistent performance. Much of this results from the multiple driving modes engineered to deliver consistency over a range of conditions. If you are looking for an SUV with AWD capability and sedan handling, the CX-50 should be on your shopping list.

Fuel Economy

Keeping in mind that the CX-50 comes with AWD and most of its segment competitors don’t, it still lands close to the middle of its peers. The combined fuel economy for its non-turbo engine is 27 miles per gallon. That’s just 1 mpg less than the AWD Subaru Forester. The turbo models deliver 25 mpg in combined driving. That works out to only about $13 more per month in fuel costs than the non-turbo when driving 15,000 miles annually.

Mazda designs some of the more upscale interiors among mainstream brands. Despite its uplevel trappings, the CX-50’s cabin furthers the impression that this AWD SUV is no wallflower. Hosing out the interior is a no-no, but the quality of the craftsmanship more than makes up for it. Delivering above-average rear legroom, the CX-50 outshines the VW Tiguan and even the CX-5, among others. Cargo space is below average within the compact SUV segment, but we suspect few owners will ever actually run out of room.

You can’t mistake a Mazda for anything else as it zooms by. The longish hood and short overhangs provide the CX-50 with a rakish, sporty look.

i-ACTIVE AWD
This intelligent all-wheel-drive system can predict when wheelspin will occur and respond almost immediately, sending power where it’s needed most.

MI-DRIVE
Also known as Intelligent Drive Select, Mi-Drive lets the CX-50 driver choose among Normal, Sport, and Off-Road drive settings. In Sport, vehicle response is improved. For example, the transmission doesn’t upshift automatically when you lift off the throttle, so there’s no waiting for a downshift the next time you need to accelerate.

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the CX-50 into left and right regions, providing separate temperature settings for each. Once set, the system automatically maintains the preset temperatures.

Driver-Assist Technologies
Mazda includes a bundle of safety tech like emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention monitor.

Head-Up Display
This available color-display system projects information, like vehicle speed, navigation turns, and more, onto the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight. It’s designed to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.

Bose Audio
A 12-speaker setup, this Bose system features Bose Centerpoint and Audiopilot technologies.

Mazda offers two engines for the CX-50. Propelling the more affordable versions of the 2024 CX-50 SUV is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.

As their trim names indicate, the Turbo models have a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit. Power output from the turbo depends on the octane of the gas. Using regular gas won’t harm the engine, but it will deliver slightly reduced performance.

Both engines connect to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels via a torque transfer clutch at the rear differential.

Solid Safety Rating

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the CX-50 a Top Safety Pick. National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to test a CX-50.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Mazda CX-50 is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which are average for this class.