The 2024 Mazda CX-50 emerges as a compelling crossover SUV, skillfully blending eye-catching aesthetics with engaging driving dynamics. Positioned as a more refined and stylish sibling to the ever-popular CX-5, the CX-50 aims to capture a discerning audience seeking a vehicle that excels in both form and function. After spending considerable time behind the wheel, navigating diverse terrains from city streets to mountain roads, this review delves into the nuances of the 2024 Mazda CX-50, exploring its strengths and acknowledging areas for potential enhancement. While sharing some DNA with the CX-5, the CX-50 distinguishes itself with a lower profile, elongated stance, wider body, and more pronounced wheel arches, culminating in a design that arguably surpasses the CX-5 in visual appeal. This sleek silhouette doesn’t compromise practicality; the CX-50 maintains a comfortable and spacious interior, mirroring the CX-5 in passenger and cargo room. The cabin ambiance elevates the experience, exuding a near-luxury feel, particularly in the top-tier 2.5T Premium Plus trim. True to Mazda’s ethos, the driving experience remains spirited and engaging, a characteristic unexpected in the crossover SUV segment but quintessential to the Mazda brand, renowned for the iconic Miata. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 successfully delivers on its promise as a near-luxury compact crossover SUV, performing admirably across various metrics. However, to provide a comprehensive assessment, this review will dissect the specifics – the aspects that truly impressed and those that left room for improvement. No vehicle is without its imperfections, and the CX-50 is no exception.
2024 Mazda CX-50 Exterior (29)
2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5T Premium Plus: Detailed Review Score
Rating: 8 / 10
The Mazda CX-50 elevates the brand’s award-winning compact crossover SUV formula, introducing a more sophisticated and stylish variant aimed at enthusiasts and those seeking an upscale experience. This ambition is reflected in the CX-50’s pricing, especially for the turbocharged models that deliver exhilarating performance.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 2.5T Premium Plus |
| Engine | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 256 HP @ 5,000 RPM (93 Octane) |
| Torque | 320 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM (93 Octane) |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Starting MSRP | $43,300 |
| MSRP (Tested) | $45,270 |
| Fuel Economy | 25 MPG Combined |
| 0-60 MPH (Est.) | 7.0 Seconds |
Pros:
- Striking and handsome exterior design
- Balanced and predictable chassis dynamics
- Geninely engaging and fun driving experience
- Responsive and powerful engine
- Premium and upscale interior appointments
Cons:
- Ride can be jittery on uneven road surfaces
- Infotainment system feels somewhat dated compared to rivals
- Front seat bottoms could be longer for better thigh support
- Price escalates significantly in upper trims with the Turbo engine
2024-Mazda-CX-50-Review Related Review: 2024 Mazda CX-50: Moving Up Market With Style and Substance – Explore in-depth analysis on how the Mazda CX-50 elevates the compact crossover segment with enhanced style and premium features.
Appreciation for the Exterior Aesthetics
Mazda’s commitment to design excellence is undeniable, particularly since the introduction of the KODO “Soul of Motion” design language. For over a decade, KODO has shaped Mazda’s vehicle designs, resulting in a lineup of visually stunning cars. Initiated 14 years ago with the first-generation CX-5 by then Head Designer Ikuo Maeda, and initially showcased in the Shinari Concept, KODO’s influence remains potent, as exemplified by the 2024 CX-50. Notable past examples of successful KODO design include the previous generation Mazda6 sedan and the third-generation Mazda3, both celebrated for their captivating aesthetics.
2024 Mazda CX-50 Exterior (31)
The CX-50 represents the evolved iteration of KODO design, and it arguably reaches new heights. The trapezoidal grille, resisting the oversized trend prevalent in modern automotive design, paired with sleek, slender headlights, establishes Mazda’s distinctive visual identity. The CX-50 emerges as a significantly more attractive vehicle than the CX-5, owing to its streamlined silhouette, achieved through a lower roofline and more pronounced wheel arches, lending it a rugged and masculine presence. In the competitive landscape of crossover SUVs, the CX-50 stands out as one of the most visually appealing, if not the most, in its class. The continued refinement of the KODO design philosophy is evident in every curve and line of the CX-50.
Enthusiastic Driving Performance
Even for seasoned automotive enthusiasts accustomed to high-performance vehicles, there’s a distinct appreciation for balanced and “just enough” power. The turbocharged variant of the CX-50 delivers precisely that – with 256 horsepower and a substantial 320 pound-feet of torque, it offers more than ample performance for daily driving and spirited adventures. Mazda estimates a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately seven seconds, with independent tests suggesting even quicker times. Combined with Mazda’s expertly tuned six-speed automatic transmission, the CX-50 evokes the driving feel of a front-wheel-drive biased BMW, offering a blend of agility and responsiveness.
2024 Mazda CX-50 Interior (17)
While the altitude in locations like Fairplay, Colorado (at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level), can slightly diminish the turbocharged engine’s output due to thinner air, the CX-50 still demonstrated ample power during mountain pass driving towards areas like Breckenridge. Upon returning to lower altitudes, such as Denver, the CX-50’s performance felt even more vigorous, highlighting the engine’s responsiveness at standard atmospheric pressure. The turbocharged engine option is highly recommended for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience in their 2024 Mazda CX-50.
Delightful and Responsive Handling Dynamics
Bearing the Mazda badge, a marque synonymous with driving enjoyment thanks to models like the MX-5 Miata, expectations for the CX-50’s handling prowess were justifiably high. The CX-50 confidently meets and exceeds these expectations, showcasing exceptional chassis tuning, precise steering, well-calibrated suspension, and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Mazda’s expertise in chassis and suspension engineering is consistently evident across its model range.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems have faced criticism from purists who favor the feedback of traditional hydraulic systems. However, EPS technology has advanced significantly, and the CX-50’s steering is a prime example of its evolution. While early EPS systems often lacked in feel and progression, modern iterations, like that in the CX-50, achieve an excellent balance. The steering provides sufficient road feel to keep the driver connected to the front wheels, while maintaining light effort, high accuracy, and natural progression throughout turns.
2024 Mazda CX-50 In Motion (2)
Complementing the precise steering is the CX-50’s balanced and composed chassis, adept at navigating mid-corner imperfections. Under typical driving conditions, the suspension remains controlled with minimal travel. However, when encountering challenging bends with dips and frost heaves, the CX-50 effectively absorbs these impacts while communicating enough through the chassis to maintain driver awareness, all with minimal body roll and controlled movements.
The CX-50’s capability extends to low-traction surfaces, exhibiting impressive control on ice and snow, even with standard all-season Goodyear Eagle Touring tires. It feels predictable and even playful in low-speed maneuvers. With traction control disabled and drive modes set to Sport or Off-Road, the CX-50 permits a degree of controlled sideways movement, enhancing driver engagement and highlighting the expertly calibrated all-wheel-drive system’s capabilities. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 delivers a genuinely fun and engaging driving experience, a hallmark of the Mazda brand.
Area for Improvement: Noise Insulation
2024 Mazda CX-50 Interior (3)
In general, the Mazda CX-50 performs well in terms of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), providing a comfortable and refined cabin environment. However, in direct comparison to some competitors, the CX-50 could benefit from enhanced sound deadening. While not a critical flaw, the CX-50 exhibits slightly more susceptibility to wind and tire noise, particularly at higher speeds on the highway.
Furthermore, considering the CX-50’s positioning towards the near-luxury segment, improvements in perceived build quality could be made. For instance, the sound produced when closing the doors has a somewhat hollow, metallic resonance, especially when compared to some Korean competitors that offer a more solid-sounding door closure, suggesting a greater level of structural solidity. Adding additional sound insulation and refining door closing acoustics could further elevate the CX-50’s premium feel.
Area for Improvement: Ride Quality on Rough Roads
2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus In Motion Lead
The ride quality of the CX-50 is generally commendable, ranging from good to acceptable across most paved surfaces. It effectively absorbs minor road imperfections and potholes, providing a comfortable ride in typical driving scenarios. However, its composure diminishes when encountering unpaved or significantly rough road surfaces.
Navigating rough mountain roads revealed the CX-50’s limitations on harsh terrain. The vehicle exhibited noticeable shaking and vibrations, to the point where interior rattles became apparent. This was particularly pronounced on washboard-like dirt and snow-packed roads, where the CX-50’s sport-tuned, road-biased suspension transmitted considerable jarring into the cabin and to the occupants. While competent on pavement, the ride quality degrades on more challenging surfaces.
2024 Mazda CX-50-27
Related Article: 2024 Mazda CX-50 – Explore a broader overview of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and its competitive advantages in the crossover SUV market.
Area for Improvement: Absence of Locking Differential
2024 Mazda CX-50 Exterior (47)
Given the Mazda CX-50’s marketing towards individuals with active, outdoors-oriented lifestyles, the absence of a locking differential option is somewhat surprising. A locking differential enhances traction in low-grip conditions by distributing power more evenly across an axle, crucial for navigating loose surfaces.
While the CX-50 is not intended to be a hardcore off-road vehicle, the inclusion of an “off-road” mode in the drive selector suggests a degree of off-pavement capability. During an experience on a snow-covered trail, the limitations of not having a locking differential became apparent. While the all-wheel-drive system performed adequately, situations arose where a locking differential would have been beneficial to prevent wheel spin and maintain momentum. Although recovery was possible through maneuvering, a locking differential would have provided added confidence and capability in challenging low-traction scenarios, especially considering the CX-50’s outdoorsy aspirations.
Personal Recommendation: Is the CX-50 a Worthy Purchase?
2024 Mazda CX-50 In Motion (3)
For those seeking a compact, midsize crossover SUV that prioritizes sporty driving dynamics, stylish design, and overall value, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 is a highly recommendable option. However, the top-of-the-line Premium Plus trim, exceeding $46,000 fully equipped, represents a significant investment. The standard 2.5 Turbo variant offers a more accessible entry point to the turbocharged engine’s performance benefits. The turbocharged engine is strongly recommended, as the base non-turbo engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, with a 0-60 mph time around 8.5 seconds.
If personally in the market for a two-row crossover SUV, the CX-50 would rank highly on the consideration list. In a highly competitive segment, the CX-50 distinguishes itself with its compelling blend of styling, performance, handling, and overall packaging. It strikes a balanced approach, avoiding extremes while delivering across key areas. While strong competition exists, particularly from Korean automakers, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 presents a compelling and stylish choice in the crossover SUV market.
