The Mazda CX-50 is comfortable, roomy, and well-appointed, with an interior that looks and feels better than anything else in its class. It's also speedy and entertaining to drive, albeit the engaging handling comes at the cost of somewhat heavier steering and a stiffer ride than some competitors. The CX-50 is also priced more, but if you're looking for a compact utility vehicle, you can't do much better than this.

2024 Mazda CX-50: A User's Guide:

Pros

• Quick acceleration from the optional turbocharged engine.
• Sharp and fun handling.
• upscale interior design
• Good off-road capabilities for a tiny crossover SUV.

Cons

• Slightly higher cost than competitors.
• The infotainment screen is touch-sensitive exclusively for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Average cargo capacity for the class.
• What's new: simplified trim level lineup.
• Revised steering and suspension tune.
• Increased availability of wireless smartphone charging.
• Part of the first CX-50 generation, launched in 2023.

Overview

Mazda offers two tiny crossover SUVs. The CX-50 is one of them, while the popular CX-5 is the other. That's perplexing, but Mazda's SUV portfolio is transitioning to new naming standards and market positioning, and despite its age, the CX-5 remains the company's best-selling car. So, for the time being, the CX-50 complements rather than replaces the CX-5. Either one may meet your requirements, but Mazda touts the latest CX-50 as more durable and competent.

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Performance: 8.5/10.

How does the CX-50 drive?Mazda has made a concentrated effort over the years to instill a sense of driving enjoyment in all of its cars, and for the most part it works. Mazda cars are consistently among the best-driving in their classes, and the CX-50 is no exception.

The new turbocharged engine in our test CX-50 is strong, making it one of the fastest cars in its class. You're never short of power, and the transmission is adept at selecting the appropriate gear at the correct moment. In our tests, the acceleration from zero to 60 mph took 7.2 seconds. That's slower than the turbo CX-5 we tried, but it's still rather speedy for a tiny SUV.

It handles nicely, too. It's hardly a sports vehicle, but body roll is manageable compared to most other compact crossovers. You won't lose your meal if your route is especially winding. The fast, sensitive steering contributes to the buttoned-down feel, but we discovered that it required somewhat more effort than we'd anticipate for comfortable low-speed handling. Driving in a winding neighborhood should not be considered effort.

Comfort: 8.0/10

How comfy is the CX-50? The CX-50's suspension, which gives it its exciting handling, also provides a stiffer ride than other competitors. That is not to suggest it is jarring; you just sense more of the road than you do in others. Bumps are subdued, and the soft seats let you sink down even more. The front seats have adequate cushioning and side bolstering, but we found the back bench to be a little flat. The front seats may be heated and ventilated, as well as the back seats. Passengers will not have anything to complain about in terms of traffic noise. While it is a little noisy at full speed, it settles down beautifully, with just a little amount of wind and road noise on the interstate.

The temperature control system is basic in the best possible manner. Instead than relying only on the touchscreen or unresponsive capacitive touch controls, it employs physical buttons and knobs. Everything is well visible and accessible, and rear passengers will enjoy the air vents.

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Interior: 8.5/10

How is the interior? There is the plenty of room for people in both rows. Mazda also nailed the driving position. The chairs are upright yet low enough for easy entry and exit. There is plenty of adjustability for both the seat and the steering wheel, and everything is within reach save a difficult-to-access touchscreen.

We thought it was weird that the primary screen interface only had active touch functionalities when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is enabled. Otherwise, activating any of Mazda's native infotainment capabilities necessitates using the console-mounted dial. The method is simple to use, and the dial is conveniently located so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. CX-50 is easy to look out of, and the optional surround-view camera makes visibility even better.

Technology: 8.0/10

How's the technology?Mazda delivers a good selection of standard in-car technology and driving aids with the CX-50. All trim levels offer Apple CarPlay with wireless connection and Android Auto, as well as several USB-A charging points. A wireless charging station is offered, but we seldom got it to work with an iPhone. Mazda's navigation system is straightforward and simple to use, and voice commands may be used to enter locations or change radio stations. The available Bose audio system is among the best in its class.

The CX-50 is equipped with a respectable set of basic driving aids, such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. They operate effectively, and we saw no false warnings throughout our testing. The adaptive cruise maintains excellent gaps and will bring you to a complete halt in traffic. 

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Storage: 8.0/10.

How is the storage? The CX-50's cargo room does not quite match its larger-than-average dimensions. Overall load capacity is low in the compact crossover class, with 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded flat. Cargo space in the remainder of the interior is significantly improved owing to a large and well-designed center console and generous door pockets. The CX-50 can tow 2,000 pounds with its standard engine and 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine. The latter ranks near the top of the class.

Do you have any kids? Isofix anchors are positioned behind coverings under the back seat, making them simple to identify and access. There's plenty of room to move about, and even bigger chairs should fit comfortably.

Fuel Economy: 7.5/10

How is the fuel economy?The EPA estimates that the base-engine CX-50 will achieve 27 mpg combined. With the improved turbo engine, that estimate is reduced to 25 mpg combined. Neither statistic is very impressive for a tiny SUV. At least our turbocharged test car reached its combined rating in our hands, averaging 25.7 mpg on our 115-mile test route. Unlike other competitors, you may choose the highest CX-50 trim level independent of top engine, allowing you to have amenities without the turbo engine if you like.

Value: 7.5/10

Is the CX-50 a decent value?The CX-50 is unquestionably one of the most costly automobiles in its class. On the other hand, Mazda incorporates all-wheel drive as standard, as well as an appealing set of amenities. The interior, like that of many recent Mazdas, is a step beyond what you'll find elsewhere. Fit and finish are great, and the overall design and material selection make it seem worth the high price. The dash has plush cushioning, and all of the buttons and knobs feel excellent. Details like that matter.

Mazda's standard three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties, as well as three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance, are both average. 

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Wildcard: 8.5/10

The CX-50 does not appear much different from Mazda's existing range, which is not a negative thing in our opinion. The design is attractive, and the broad fenders give it a squat, tough appearance. The inside is very attractive, and everything works together to make the CX-50 seem more appealing than other contemporary people movers.

It's also less dull. The CX-50 will not rip up racetracks, but it will not destroy your soul in the same way that certain spiritless crossovers do.

Mazda CX 50 models

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is a tiny crossover SUV that seats five people. It is available in eight trim levels: Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, Turbo, Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. The CX-50 Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque), whilst the Turbo models have a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on standard gas and 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane premium gasoline. All CX-50s are equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox and standard all-wheel drive. Continue reading for a description of the important standard and optional features included with each trim level.

Select

This year, the CX-50's new basic trim is the Select. It contains:

• 17-inch black alloy wheels.
• LED headlights.
• Roof rails.
• Remote keyless entry and start.
• Dual-zone automated temperature control.
• Partial synthetic leather upholstery.
• 60/40 split folding rear seats.
• Partial digital instrument panel.
• 10.25 inch infotainment display.
• Smartphone integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both with wireless connection)
• An audio system with eight speakers.

Standard advanced driver-assistance systems include:

• Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an imminent accident and applies the brakes in specific situations)
• Lane departure mitigation (notifies you of a lane departure when a turn signal is not utilized and may automatically steer to retain lane position)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to keep a consistent space between the vehicle and the automobile ahead)

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Preferred

Consider the Preferred trim if you reside in a cold-weather zone due to:

• Power liftgate.
• Heated exterior mirrors.
• windscreen wiper de-icer.
• Power-adjustable driver seat.
• Heated front seats.

Premium

• This version allows more light in and enhances the infotainment system with:
• Features include a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bose premium music with 12 speakers, and a wireless smartphone charging.

Premium Plus

This is the best-equipped variant of the non-turbocharged vehicles, including:

• 20-inch alloy wheels.
  Power-folding mirrors.
• Leather upholstery.
• Ventilated front seats.
• Memory for driver settings.
• The front passenger seat is power adjustable.
• Head-up display (displays crucial information in your line of sight on the windshield).

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Turbo

The more powerful Turbo trim contains the Preferred trim's amenities, plus:

• 20-inch alloy wheels.
• Self-leveling adaptive headlights (swivel with the steering wheel for greater lighting in bends)
• Paddle shifters.
• Towing mode.
• A panoramic sunroof.
• Leather upholstery.
  Memory for driver settings.
• Power-adjustable front passenger seats.

Turbo Meridian Edition

Mazda offers the Meridian Edition as an outdoor vehicle capable of handling somewhat difficult terrain. Upgrades include:

• 18-inch black alloy wheels.
• All-terrain Tires.
• Unique styling treatments and decals.

Turbo Premium

This trim has various desired qualities, such as:

• Power-folding mirrors.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Ventilated front seats.
• 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio.
• Head-up display.

Turbo Premium Plus

At the top of the range, the Turbo Premium Plus trim is the fully equipped version of the CX-50.

• Heated rear seats.
• Navigation system.
• Surround-view Monitor (provides a top-down picture of the car and its surrounds for tight parking conditions)
• Front and rear parking sensors warn you to obstructions that may not be visible in front of or behind the car while parking.
• Reverse automatic braking applies the brakes automatically to prevent an impending collision with an item behind the vehicle.
• Blind-spot intervention (automatically directs the car back into its lane if you attempt to change lanes while another automobile is in the vehicle's blind spot)