The Mazda CX-50, designed for seating five, offers a more spacious and sleek alternative to the CX-5, targeting enthusiasts of outdoor activities, much like the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
DESIGN
The CX-50 showcases an appealing overall design, slightly marred by some awkward edges that don’t quite capture the elegance seen in Mazda’s earlier SUV models. Inside, the cabin maintains a familiar aesthetic, predominantly employing dark materials, with our test car featuring a Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior and Terracotta interior.
With its expansive front, it adopts the popular larger grille style, enhanced by slender headlights. However, cohesion weakens at the arched front fenders, shifting into a more angular and blocky aesthetic overall. This deviation from the CX-5’s curves establishes a distinct yet potentially polarizing appearance.
In the cabin, Mazda’s distinctive dash design stands out, with a horizontal bar housing a 10.25-inch touchscreen. A minimalist arrangement of switches is enhanced by metallic trim. Despite the clean layout, the steering wheel includes various controls, while a rotary knob on the center console provides a convenient alternative for some drivers.
PERFORMANCE
With a 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine under the hood, the CX-50 boasts impressive power figures: 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline, with the potential for a boost to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when fueled with 93-octane. This powerplant is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
Acceleration in the CX-50 may reveal some initial turbo lag, especially noticeable when in Sport mode. However, once the turbo spools up, it delivers ample torque from as low as 2,000 rpm, enhancing its passing capabilities, particularly on highways, although it may feel slightly less responsive in city driving scenarios.
With a longer wheelbase than its CX-5 and CX-30 counterparts, the CX-50 delivers a smoother ride and more responsive steering, enhancing stability and comfort on uneven roads. Its precise steering instills confidence, setting it apart from competitors known for a disconnected driving experience.
VERDICT
The 2024 CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition comes with a total price of $44,010.
Competition
In the compact SUV category, the CX-50 distinguishes itself from the slightly smaller CX-5 by adopting a distinct approach. Despite not offering electrified powertrain options, it trails behind the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which are among the top-selling models.
Derived from the Escape platform, Ford Bronco Sport boasts a compact, boxy design, two engine choices, and versatile all-wheel-drive and off-road modes. Similarly, Subaru Forester, featuring standard all-wheel drive, offers thrilling accessories in its Wilderness trim.
