2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50’s low dash comes with either an 8.8-inch or a 10.3-inch screen. Don’t look for too many buttons or knobs on the dash. There’s a big rotary knob on the center console that handles most infotainment inputs. Mazda offers more interior hues here than in many of its other models; as with many SUVs, the CX-50 is best in a lighter shade. 

Is the Mazda CX-50 4WD?

Yes, though it’s worth noting that the hybrid uses electric motors mounted at each axle to send power to all four corners while other versions rely on a conventional mechanical setup. 

No CX-50 is really an off-roader, though some versions have as much as 8.6 inches of ground clearance and there’s an Off-Road drive mode. 

How fast is the Mazda CX-50?

The base version is a bit pokey, hindered somewhat by its 6-speed automatic transmission. The turbo version is too slow to spool up, which makes it difficult to come away from a stop smoothly. Once it’s in the boost, it guzzles fuel and delivers smooth, strong acceleration. Note that the CX-50 is rated to make just 227 hp on regular unleaded. You’ll need 93-octane gas for the full 256 hp. 

This year’s new hybrid comes from Mazda partner Toyota. It’s the same setup in that company’s RAV4, which makes for a downright intriguing comparison between the two. Here, the 2.5-liter inline-4 fed in part by a battery punches out 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque through a CVT. That latter figure is a head-scratcher since the RAV4 Hybrid has nearly 100 more lb-ft of torque. 

We’ll update this space when we drive a CX-50 hybrid.

Gas-only models have had a comfortable, relatively taut suspension that pairs well with sharp, well-weighted steering. It drives with an almost Germanic poise, which stands in marked contrast to the way some Japanese and Korean rivals can wander a bit. It’s fun enough to entertain on a winding road without being too stiff for day-to-day use. Kudos to Mazda for getting this one just right, particularly compared to the relatively lumpy, slightly shorter CX-5. 

The CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

The 31.4 cubic-foot cargo area is pretty roomy behind the rear seats, though it grows to a somewhat small-for-the-class 56.3 cubic feet with the seatbacks down. 

Nice materials even on the base version are in line with the CX-50’s hefty pricetag. This SUV is fairly lithe, for what it is, in part because Mazda was so stingy with sound deadening. We wish they’d tossed a bit more in, as the excessive road and engine noise make the CX-50 tiring on long trips.  

The lineup kicks off at $31,720 for the base 2.5 S, which has synthetic leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and all-wheel drive. Its 8.8-inch is screen operable via a center console rotary knob unless hooked up to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Then it’s a touchscreen.

The CX-50 has a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. 

Which Mazda CX-50 should I buy?

We like the idea of the hybrid, which starts at $35,390 in its base Preferred trim. That trim is nicely outfitted with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, Alexa Built-In, a wireless device charging pad, a power tailgate, and heated front seats. 

The Premium trim tosses in leather seats, Bose audio, and a big sunroof, plus adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go for $38,820.

Turbo models are expensive. Figure at least $42,220 for the Meridian Edition, which admittedly rivals some luxury cars for features. It comes with cooled front seats, navigation, heated rear seats, and a few other niceties. 

How much is a fully loaded Mazda CX-50?

The lineup can crest $45,000 for a turbocharged model in Premium Plus guise. It’s outfitted with a surround-view camera system that can create a stitched-together, simulated view of the car’s underside, front cross-traffic alerts, and a system that can automatically steer a wandering CX-50 back into its lane if it detects an impending collision.