2024 Mazda CX-50 Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
What if Mazda made a Subaru Forester? That's the concept of the CX-50, a smallish crossover that promises typical Mazda driving dynamics alongside a penchant for exploring away from pavement. The CX-50 arrived for 2023, but for 2024, Mazda seems to have addressed two of our major complaints. It competes with other compact SUVs including the aforementioned Subaru as well as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
What's New
- Base CX-50 S no longer available
- New base model CX-50 S Select pricing is up $1,350 over last year's CX-50 S Select
- Recalibrated power steering
- New dampers
- A 10.3-inch infotainment display is now standard, as are rear USB charge ports
What We Think
We spent a year with a 2023 CX-50 and found plenty to love, though our recommendation comes with a couple caveats. Our love for the looks never faded, and yes, it's every bit as fun to drive as we had hoped. The interior feels uniquely premium for the segment, too.
As for off-road prowess, the CX-50 is more capable than any other Mazda and certainly looks the part. But limited clearance and a lack of hill descent control detract from its off-road appeal, not that we let it stop us from having fun sliding around in the dirt.
Efficiency has failed to impress, and unlike some of its peers, there are no hybrid engine options. We also found the steering unreasonably heavy and the ride too stiff, though Mazda's 2024 update tweaks the steering and suspension systems, so hopefully those concerns have been mitigated. The staff was split on Mazda's rotary dial infotainment controls (no touchscreen here), though, and some of Mazda's driver assists are subpar.
Despite its issues, this is still one of our higher-rated compact SUVs, and this year's revisions could bump it even higher in our rankings.
Performance and Efficiency
The CX-50 has a pair of serviceable engine options, both of which pair with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Lower-tier CX-50 S Preferred and Premium trims employ a non-turbo 2.5-liter I-4 developing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which was good for 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds at our test track. The base four-cylinder returns 24/30 mpg city/highway, which isn't great compared to the CX-50's peers.
CX-50 Turbo models get a turbocharged version of the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Engine output jumps to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and Mazda has tuned it to deliver a bit more grunt when running on 93-octane gas. The additional power means 0-60 mph takes just 7.0 seconds, and the efficiency difference is barely noticeable at 23/29 mpg.
Safety Ratings and Features
The CX-50 is one of five vehicles in its segment to earn a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick, receiving Good ratings in six crashworthiness tests and an Acceptable score in the tricky updated side test, plus Good or Acceptable headlights as standard. For feature content, Mazda includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert on all trims. The Turbo Premium Plus adds rear automatic braking, a 360-degree camera, and improved adaptive cruise control.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The CX-50 exists in a middle ground between compact and midsize SUVs. Look at the numbers and it has more rear legroom than a Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4 but less cargo space than either.
Technology
Every CX-50 features a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, though unlike most of its peers, the system is primarily navigated via a rotary dial just ahead of the center armrest. The system accepts touch inputs, but only while stationary unless you toggle an option in Communications settings, and the display is a bit of a reach ergonomically. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Higher trims include Bose premium audio, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera.
Wait, What About the CX-5?
Keen readers may recall Mazda also builds a compact SUV called the CX-5. Both vehicles use the same engine options and have similar interior layouts, but the pair differ in how they handle smartphone mirroring, driving dynamics, and certain features. Back when we had our CX-50 long-termer, we went through all the differences.
Recommended Trim
The CX-50 has loads of variants, with Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus versions for the base 2.5-liter engine, and Turbo, Meridian Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus variants with the 2.5T powertrain. If we were buying one, we'd lean into the CX-50's off-road styling and go for the Meridian Edition, which adds sweet hood graphics and unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber. We'll take ours in Polymetal Gray Metallic so the hood decals don't stand out too much.
