2024 Mazda CX-50 Review: Dimensions, Trims, Prices

2024 Mazda CX-50 Review: Dimensions, Trims, Prices

Mazda’s rugged and adventurous compact crossover SUV arrives in its second model year as the 2024 Mazda CX-50. The 2024 edition of the CX-50 continues where the 2023 model left off and is largely a carryover model, yet it adds several upgrades and updates that may make it an even more attractive option than the 2023 CX-50 it replaces.

See our 2024 Mazda CX-50 review, covering this athletic and capable crossover SUV’s available engines, trim levels, dimensions, and new features. We also compare it to its similarly sized stablemate, the CX-5.

CX-50 Specs: Engine Options & Performance

The Mazda CX-50 is available with a choice of two responsive engines, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated (NA) engine, developing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine powers most modern Mazda cars and SUVs as the base powertrain, as it does in the 2024 and 2023 CX-50.

A Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine is offered exclusively on the Mazda CX-50 Turbo trims and takes this SUV’s power output and acceleration to the next level. The 2023 and 2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo models produce up to 320 pound-feet of torque and 256 horsepower on 93-octane premium gas. Filling your CX-50 Turbo with regular unleaded fuel still generates 310 pound-feet of torque and 227 horsepower from this advanced direct-injection turbo-four engine.

Since the debut of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 in 2022, this crossover SUV has come standard with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD), technology that’s become standard across Mazda’s SUV lineup as of late. Also included is the carmaker’s Mi-Drive (Mazda Intelligent Drive Select), complete with Sport and Off-Road modes. A Towing mode is offered on select CX-50 trim levels or configurations.

Thanks to its standard Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, i-Activ AWD, and available Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine, the Mazda CX-50 towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

What’s New: Steering & Suspension System Upgrades

So, what’s new for 2024? Not much. Mazda stays the course with the CX-50’s second model year, providing only a few updates and upgrades, mainly to the SUV’s suspension and steering setup.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 gets a recalibrated electric power-assist steering (EPAS) system and new dampers, engineered to enhance this SUV’s poise and performance over various surfaces, terrain, and cornering situations.

2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo vs. NA Engine: Power & MPG

Choosing between the CX-50 Turbo and NA engine can be challenging, as both offer benefits.

The Mazda CX-50 Turbo models are definitely more potent, lively, and fun to drive. Still, the tried-and-true 2.5-liter base powertrain delivers brisk acceleration from a standstill and more than enough power in most driving situations, helped by its sharp throttle response.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 MPG ratings are impressive no matter the selected powertrain, so fuel economy might not play a substantial factor when deciding whether to opt for the standard NA or high-powered turbocharged engine. The CX-50 gas mileage starts at an EPA-estimated 24 City and 30 Highway MPG with its standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, six-speed transmission, and AWD.

Mazda CX-50 SUVs fitted with the turbo-four engine earn a nearly identical 23 City, 29 Highway MPG by the EPA. However, real-world driving may find the CX-50 Turbo significantly more thirsty for fuel than the standard engine, given the powerful temptation the turbocharged engine brings.

So, which CX-50 engine to choose?

Drivers shopping for a fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive SUV for the long haul should consider the naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter. This proven powertrain delivers predictable gas mileage and respectable power output matched with impressive longevity. As the main engine powering Mazda cars and SUVs since the introduction of Skyactiv technologies over a decade ago, the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G has a track record of reliability and low cost of maintenance.

Still, if you prefer a more powerful and thrilling driving experience and you don’t have a second, sportier car for those spirited drives, you might choose one of the high-powered CX-50 Turbo models. It’s an SUV that brilliantly blends its surprisingly sharp on-road handling and capable off-roading with plentiful power. The result is a rugged and athletic compact SUV that delivers thrills when you need it.

2024 Mazda CX-50 Dimensions & Design

Crossover SUV shoppers often compare the Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5, the automaker’s two similarly sized sport-utes, and rightfully so. These two compact SUVs feature similar dimensions and pricing but different styling directions and target audiences.

Many motorists are far more familiar with the CX-5, Mazda’s top-selling SUV that launched the Skyactiv technology suite and KODO design language over a decade ago. So, we’ll compare the CX-50 dimensions to its more popular stablemate here.

The Mazda CX-50’s exterior dimensions measure 185.8 inches long with a 110.8-inch wheelbase and 75.6 inches wide. All those dimensions are more substantial than the CX-5 by 3-5 inches. However, the CX-50 features a more low-slung design than most of its compact SUV competition, including the CX-5. It measures under 64 inches tall, or almost 3 inches lower than the CX-5, even though it offers substantial ground clearance at up to 8.6 inches.

Together with its low-slung, almost wagon-like appearance and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the CX-50 not only competes with more traditional crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, but more all-terrain wagons like the Subaru Outback and other Subaru offerings.

While the rugged Mazda CX-50 is wider and longer than the CX-5, its interior is slightly smaller than its famous CUV sibling. The CX-5 offers slightly more maximum cargo space and total passenger volume than the CX-50, including more front and rear headroom, shoulder room, and hip room.

Still, the CX-50’s dimensions are comparable to the CX-5 and many rivaling compact SUVs that don’t match the CX-50’s ground clearance and more adventurous, all-terrain persona.

Comparing the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Trims

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is offered in the following flavors:

• CX-50 2.5 S Select
• CX-50 2.5 S Preferred
• CX-50 2.5 S Premium
• CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus
• CX-50 2.5 Turbo
• CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition
• CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium
• CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

The well-equipped 2024 CX-50 2.5 S Select is the base model in positioning only. It comes loaded with standard i-Activ AWD, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, wireless smartphone integration, and rugged exterior styling inside and out. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 starting MSRP of $30,300 gets you the 2.5 S Select trim and its extensive features.

Consider the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus model with the 2.5 S powertrain if you’re looking for an athletic compact SUV with high style and comfort. This top trim of the non-turbo CX-50 models wears leather seat upholstery with ventilated front seating elements and bold 20-inch alloy wheels with a machined and black metallic finish. The 2024 CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus price starts at $37,500.

The 2024 CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition is the most adventurous and expressive take on the CX-50 design and capability. Its 18-inch alloy wheels are finished with black metallic paint and come wrapped in all-terrain tires. This edition wears exclusive Meridian hood graphics, a visual cue that sets it apart from the other CX-50 trims. The 2024 CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition price starts at $40,800.

If you saw our detailed Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 comparison and are still deciding between these two models, consider that the Mazda CX-50 prices start higher than the CX-5. Still, due to differing demand for these SUV models, you might find your preferred new or late-model CX-50 trim for the same money or less than a comparable CX-5.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50: Mazda Driving Dynamics Meet Off-Road Capability

The 2024 CX-50 is a similarly equipped follow-up to the first-ever 2023 Mazda CX-50, providing several upgrades that refine it further, making it an even more attractive option in the two-row SUV space. It’s also a worthy alternative to other fine Mazda SUVs like the CX-5 and smaller CX-30.

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