The Mazda CX-50 arrived for the 2023 model year as the latest in a line of successful crossovers from the brand. Mazda’s first foray into the extremely popular segment was the Mazda CX-5, which debuted way back in 2013, and continues to be a popular alternative to cars such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue, and the Chevrolet Equinox. Compared with the CX-5, the CX-50 is lower and longer, yet also has more ground clearance, so it's both sleeker and more rugged. The two cars occupy similar territory but the CX-5 outsells its newer sibling.
A key element of the Mazda CX-50’s appeal is an interior that looks and feels smarter than most rivals in the compact crossover segment. Two powertrain options are offered in the CX-50, with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine that produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, or an optional turbocharged engine that produces as much as 256 hp and 320 lb-ft (max power is achieved using 93-octane premium gasoline; the turbocharged engine produces 227 hp on regular unleaded). In addition to being noticeably quicker, Mazda CX-50 turbo models can tow up to 3,500 pounds compared to 2,000 pounds with the base four-cylinder engine. Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is standard with both powertrains, as is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, with multiple drive modes (including a towing mode for turbocharged models). A Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is also available and delivers an estimated 38 mpg combined.
Mazda is known for producing vehicles that are more fun to drive than their primary competitors, and that's true of the CX-50 compact crossover. The CX-50’s taut suspension, sporty steering feel, and well-tuned powertrain make Mazda’s crossover SUV more engaging on the road than its rivals. On the flipside, buyers looking for the roomiest option or those who prefer a softer ride may want to consider something other than the CX-50. A test drive is in order if you’re not sure if the CX-50’s driving experience is something you’d enjoy or come to dislike.
It’s also worth noting that the Mazda Connect infotainment system requires the use of physical knobs and buttons. Though the infotainment display is a touchscreen, the touch functionality only works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda CX-50 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Mazda CX-50 Pros and Cons
- Mazda CX-50 Generations
- Mazda CX-50 First Generation (2023-Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda CX-50 years are the best? As with most popular vehicles, Mazda has made small but meaningful updates across the CX-50's production run. Therefore, the latest version you can find is likely to be the best available.
What are the worst Mazda CX-50 years? There is only one generation of the Mazda CX-50 to consider, and there haven’t been any significant powertrain changes over its production run so far. That said, the old adage to avoid the first model year of any all-new vehicle may apply here. CarComplaints.com highlights the 2023 CX-50 as having the most complaints overall, though the number of complaints is low and they are generally not severe.
Is a used Mazda CX-50 a good deal? Yes, the CX-50 can be a good deal. Pricing for used Mazda CX-50 crossovers is generally a few thousand dollars less than that of well-known class leaders, such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, but above that of value leaders such as the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. If you like the sporty driving experience of the CX-50 and don’t mind a slightly cramped rear seat and lower cargo capacity than its competitors, then a used Mazda CX-50 deserves a test drive.
Mazda CX-50 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stylish design
- Fun to drive
- Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
- Not much cargo space
- Unintuitive infotainment system
- Not as comfortable as some rivals
Mazda CX-50 Generations
Mazda CX-50 First Generation (2023-Present)
The first (and current) generation of the Mazda CX-50 crossover debuted for the 2023 model year, joining the similarly sized CX-5 in dealerships across the United States. The CX-50's styling that’s longer and lower than the CX-5's, and buyers interested in rear-seat legroom will find more of it in the CX-50 than its sibling. The CX-50, when properly equipped, has a higher towing capacity than the CX-5, and because it offers more ground clearance, is slightly more capable on rutted or rocky dirt roads.
In 2023, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Mazda CX-50 lineup included 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Preferred Plus, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus models. With the more powerful engine option, 2023 Mazda CX-50 trim levels included Turbo, Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. Even the base S trim level included LED headlights, keyless entry, pushbutton start, an 8-speaker sound system, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Standard exterior features included 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, roof rails, a rear roof spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. A lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, and a driver-attention monitor were part of the CX-50's standard driver-assist safety features.
The Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select Package upgraded the infotainment system to 10.3 inches and included dual-zone automatic climate control and rear passenger vents, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, LED interior lighting, a 40/60 split folding rear seat, and a 10.25-inch color center display with HD Radio. Black metallic wheels rounded out the upgrades. The Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Package added heated side-view mirrors and windshield wipers, front and rear center armrests with storage bins, a power liftgate with programmable height adjustment, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and heated front seats. Opting for the 2.5 S Preferred Plus Package brought a power-sliding panoramic moonroof.
Specs for the Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus Package—the top trim level without the optional turbocharged engine—included leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a six-way power adjustable front passenger seat. It also featured a Bose 12-speaker audio system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot, SiriusXM satellite radio (with an included trial subscription), and a roof-mounted shark fin antenna.
The first rung of the turbocharged CX-50 ladder was occupied by the base Turbo Package, which came standard with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an optional terracotta interior color with orange stitching. The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Package included the upgraded Bose premium audio system, along with a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Package added a frameless, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated rear seats, a wireless phone charger in the center console, Mazda’s Navigation System, and an Active Driving Display that projected traffic sign information onto the windshield.
When it launched in 2023, a CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition was also available with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tires. Also included in the Turbo Meridian Edition were off-road exterior elements and a unique graphics package. Like all CX-50 models, all-wheel drive was standard.
The base four-cylinder powertrain achieved EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine dropped those EPA ratings to 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Mazda retuned the CX-50’s steering and suspension for 2024, and the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid joined the two gasoline-fueled powertrain options for the 2025 model year, borrowing technology from Toyota to produce 219 horsepower. The larger 10.3-inch infotainment display became standard across the board for the 2025 model year, and Amazon’s Alexa Built-In technology was added.
For the 2026 model year, Mazda made the base four-cylinder engine available with the 2.5 S Meridian Edition and added white leather interior upholstery for some trim levels. Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts at $31,395 (that MSRP includes destination). At the top of the ladder, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $44,595 (including destination).
Prices for the earliest CX-50 models start at about $18,000, but if you want one that’s covered less than 50,000 miles you can expect to pay $20,000 or more. Used hybrid models start at about $28,000.
