The all-purpose 2025 Mazda CX-50

It’s rare that a car company offers two vehicles in the same class, but Mazda does just that by offering two compact crossover SUVs, both equally good. There is the CX-5, which has been around since 2013 and is Mazda’s best-selling vehicle. Then there is the CX-50, which came out in 2023. Similar to the CX-5, the CX-50 is a more rugged and capable vehicle. Either one can serve your needs well, but the newer CX-50 appeals to the outdoor lifestyle group much like the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. This week’s ride is the 2025 Mazda CX-50.

The CX-50 is slightly larger than the CX-5, but more importantly, it is an inch higher off the ground and has a slightly more off-road demeanor by way of its more pronounced fenders. And with more than 8 inches of ground clearance (as well as an Off-Road drive mode), the CX-50 offers improved off-road and towing capabilities compared to the CX-5.

The base engine for the CX-50 is a 2.5-liter Skyactive four-cylinder, rated at 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels get treated with a more powerful version of the same engine – a turbocharged 2.5-liter Skyactive that makes 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you want even more power, switch over to premium fuel and those numbers rise to 256 and 320 respectively. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2025, a hybrid joins the CX-50 lineup. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder matched to three electric motors which produces a combined 219 horses and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In keeping with its off-road image, every CX-50 is equipped with all-wheel drive.

With the addition of the hybrid drivetrain, the CX-50 now becomes available with no less than 10 trim levels. Four of those come with the base engine (Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus), three with the hybrid system (Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus) while the upper 3 trim levels, the Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus utilize the more powerful engine. The tester is the outdoorsy Turbo Meridian.

Inside the 5-passenger CX-50 is an interior familiar to other Mazda vehicles. The controls have a solid feel and are easy to use. The 10.25-inch center display isn’t a touch screen but is controlled through a dial on the center console. In typical Mazda fashion, the volume control is also placed on the center console. These controls do take some getting used to, but after a short time they become second nature. The backseat offers decent room for adults and shouldn’t offend anyone. The CX-50 can carry 31.4 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row and that increases to 56.3 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down.

Like nearly all other Mazda’s, the highlight of the CX-50 is in the driving department. Power from the turbo-four is plentiful – able to hit 60 mph in just a tick over 7 seconds. But its real asset is the way it handles. Equipped with G-Vectoring Control Technology, the CX-50 has minimal body roll and it’s quick, responsive steering helps make it feel as if it’s glued to the road. The ride is comfortable as it absorbs bumps and road imperfections and for the most part, keeps them isolated from the cabin.

When it comes to fuel economy, the CX-50 is about average in its class. With the base-engine, the CX-50 you can expect an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined city and highway. The upgraded turbo engine sees that drop to 25 mpg combined. Go with the new hybrid CX-50 and you can expect around 38 mpg combined.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts at $31,720 for the entry level Select model. The tester has an MSRP of $42,670. Being the Turbo Meridian Edition, it sports 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires and unique decals.

The compact crossover SUV market is a tough class to play in. But Mazda seems to have it covered nicely. Want a typical cute SUV? Then the CX-5 will do the job. But if the possibility of some off-road adventures are in your future, and you want a blend of rugged looks and driving refinement, the CX-50 is the way to go.
— Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition AWD

Base Price: $40,800.00
Price as Tested: $42,670.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter Skyactiv Turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 227 hp
Torque: 310 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 23 city / 29 highway mpg

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