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. There is the CX-5, which has been around since 2013 and is Mazda’s best-selling vehicle. Then there is the new CX-50, which came out last year, and 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 like the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Let’s look at the CX-50 and see what’s in store for it for 2024.
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 rugged look 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 engine lineup for the CX-50 mimics that of the CX-5. The base engine 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. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission available for the CX-50. In keeping with its off-road image, every CX-50 is equipped with all-wheel drive.
For its second year in production, the 2024 CX-50 receives upgrades to its suspension as well as a simplified trim level lineup.
Trim levels have been reduced from ten to eight. Four of those come with the base engine while the upper 4 trim levels, the Turbo, Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus utilize the more powerful engine. The tester was the outdoorsy Turbo Meridian.
Suspension upgrades include new dampers for a more comfortable ride on all 2024 CX-50 models. The electric power-assist system has also been recalibrated.
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 imperfects and for the most part, keeps them isolated from the cabin, possibly a result of the suspension upgrade, although I never noticed last year’s CS-50 being uncomfortable.
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 starts at $31,675 for the entry level S Select model (last year’s S entry level model, which was nearly three grand less, is no more). The tester had an MSRP of $43,860. Being the Turbo Meridian Edition, it sports 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, cool luggage racks and unique decals. Those luggage racks, while making the CX-50 look the part – comes at a price: windnoise at highway speeds.
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 you want a blend of rugged looks and driving refinement, the CX-50 is the way to go.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition AWD
Base Price: $40,800.00
Price as Tested: $43,860.00
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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