The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover designed to blend style, performance, and practicality. It is available as a 5-passenger, 4-door wagon with standard all-wheel drive. Don't get it confused with the slightly smaller Mazda CX-5, it's an entirely different vehicle that is designed with roomier dimensions for American tastes. Facing competition from models such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda added CX-50 hybrid and new features and options for 2025.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers a dizzying ten trim levels: Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus, Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. The Select through Premium Plus trims come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower, while the Hybrid variants combine this engine with electric motors for a total of 219 horsepower. The Turbo trims feature a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. All models are equipped with all-wheel drive. The gas-only models get a traditional six-speed automatic transmission while hybrids get a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Pricing starts at $30,300 for the base Select trim and rises to $43,300 for the top Turbo Premium Plus trim. Safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio system, and an adaptive suspension for improved performance and comfort on various terrains.
The base engine provides barely adequate performance given the CX-50's 3,800-pound curb weight. Matters only get worse when you add a couple of passengers or a load from Home Depot. However, it's likely to provide the best highway fuel economy. Stepping up to the Turbo brings snappy acceleration and solid passing punch. The engine does feel a bit sleepy off the line unless you select Sport driving mode. When floored, the turbo motor can propel the CX-50 from 0 to 60 MPH in a few ticks below 7 seconds.
Though the standard 6-speed automatic may be down a couple of gears to competitors, it's certainly a smooth shifting transmission and has a tall enough final ratio that the CX-50's engines are positively loafing at highway speeds. Thankfully, it doesn't hunt between gears when rounding corners or cresting mild hills.
Coming standard with all-wheel drive helps differentiate the CX-50 from the similar-size CX-5. Though the system does not have a low range, the CX-50 proves quite capable on trails. It's no rock climber, though.
EPA estimates for the turbo motor are 23 MPG city, 29 MPG highway and 25 MPG combined. The normally aspirated mill eeeks out 1 MPG better in city and highway driving. Both engines will run fine on regular-grade gasoline, but Mazda recommends premium-grade fuel with the turbo for best performance. In routine suburban driving, expect to average about 25 MPG with the turbo, perhaps a few more MPGs with the base engine. Straight highway cruising will likely yield about 28 MPG with either engine. The 15.9-gallon fuel tank gives the CX-50 about 420 miles of highway range.
With a sporty ride and crisp handling, the CX-50 carries on Mazda's recent trend toward dynamically capable vehicles. Ride quality definitely firms up when you opt for the Turbo, but even the non-turbos have precise and firm steering and little body lean in quick transitions. The brakes provide good stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal. Overall, the CX-50 provides a communicative and rewarding driving experience without an unduly harsh ride.
Still, the CX-50 does ride more firmly than competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Even close competition like the Subaru Forester and Ford Bronco Sport provide better bump absorption. Those looking to be pampered, might want to look elsewhere.
Interior noise levels are low. There's very little wind noise, but tire noise is noticeable at highway speeds. Both engines are vocal in hard acceleration, but exhaust noise is never a problem.
Inside the CX-50 is a model of elegance and simplicity. Materials are a step above what you would find in most competitors.
Driver's face a hybrid instrument cluster that's part analog and part digital. It's a good compromise, providing necessary information at-a-glance and still somewhat customizable. The Base CX-50 comes with a smallish 8.8-inch infotainment screen, but all others get a more respectable 10.3-inch screen. Both versions run Mazda Connect, which is controlled by a console-mounted jog dial. The system is very basic but provides quick access to important vehicle functions. There are separate controls for the HVAC system and an audio volume knob. Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play are standard, but only the Turbo Premium Plus gets a wireless charging pad.
The CX-50 offers reasonable room for four large adults. Legroom in both the front and back is generous, though the low roofline does complicate entry/exit. Seats are firm, but comfortable with ample support. Outward visibility is good forward, but somewhat restrictive to the rear because of thick rear pillars.
In terms of safety features, the CX-50 comes standard with most of the expected features. The adaptive cruise control works well in stop-and-go traffic and maintains a safe distance and lane corrects nicely. There's also a head-up display on higher trims. It's clear and properly illuminates and dims depending on ambient light conditions.
Cargo room behind the back seats is 31.4 cubic feet and overall sits at 56.3 cubic feet. Most competitors offer similar space, if not a bit more. Interior storage is minimalist. There's a small bin at the front of the center console, a modest covered bin and a smallish glove box. Map pockets are usefully sized and the wireless charger, though somewhat size limited is conveniently located and holds phones securely.
Bottom Line -- If the CX-50 were to replace the CX-5, I think everyone would be more than happy, but since it hasn't quite yet, there's some confusion. Yes, the CX-50 is a bit more capable off road, but it's every bit as sporty and fun to drive as the CX-5 and also plays the upmarket interior card just as well. Pricing is reasonable and reliability should be quite good. As Mazda transforms its lineup, the brand becomes more and more appealing to a wider range of shoppers. Mission accomplished.
