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What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Mazda CX-50? What does it compare to?
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover with seating for five. Longer and wider than the CX-5 but lower, the CX-50 aims to appeal to the outdoor lifestyle group similar to the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
Is the 2024 Mazda CX-50 a good SUV?
Sharing a platform with the Mazda CX-30 but built alongside the Toyota Corolla Cross, the CX-50 looks the part while leaning into the premium segment with its loaded feature set. But it gets expensive and its mechanicals don’t offer any off-road advantage over the CX-5, resulting in a TCC Rating of 6.5 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2024 Mazda CX-50?
For 2024, the CX-50’s suspension and steering tuning get updated for better comfort and control. A new mid-tier Meridian Edition adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and outdoors-inspired trim and graphics.
An about-face for Mazda’s typical clean and curving design, the CX-50 swaps round wheel arches for squared black trim over bulging fenders, and available in six grades of non-turbo trim and then three with a turbo-4. Mazda regulars will be more at home inside, with familiar monotone styling that can be upgraded with contrast stitching, and a dash-mounted display that features a dial controller.
A 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 powers the 2.5 S base lineup, while a 227-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 spins up Turbo models. It’s the better choice, despite the lag from a stop. A 6-speed auto comes with both, and its long shift points engage the driver but result in noise intrusion into the cabin.
As typical for a Mazda crossover, all-wheel drive is standard on the CX-50 and the suspension system uses a front strut and rear torsion beam setup. It has a more rugged traction system than the CX-5, but it still shines better on pavement, with smart steering response and a composed ride.
Front passengers get well-bolstered seats and rear passengers get decent leg room, though that back bench is really only adequate for two adults. Maximum cargo space falls a little short of the CX-5, though the available storage space is more practical overall.
Standard safety features on the CX-50 include active lane control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The NHTSA hasn’t crashed it yet, but the IIHS awards the Top Safety Pick rating to the 2023 model.
How much does the 2024 Mazda CX-50 cost?
The $31,675 entry-level CX-50 includes all-wheel drive, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and cloth seating. We’d spend our money on the $35,375 2.5 S Premium model to get the panoramic roof, 10.3-inch display, 10-speaker Bose audio system, and synthetic leather.
Where is the 2024 Mazda CX-50 made?
In Huntsville, Alabama, in Mazda and Toyota’s shared plant, alongside Toyota’s Corolla Cross.
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