Why do Americans love crossovers? Is it for their high driving position and ample cargo space, or their go-anywhere attitude and sure-footed all-wheel drive (AWD)? Mazda may give us an answer to that question soon.
Mazda Will Sell Two SUV Lineups
In 2021, SUVs outsold cars and trucks combined in the U.S. Many promise to be all things to all buyers. That makes it a little tricky to sort out which promise lured in which buyers.
But late last year, Mazda announced a plan to revamp its SUV lineup. The company already markets a full lineup of impressive crossovers known for their excellent on-road performance and upscale cabins at reasonable prices. In 2022, it promised to launch a second set – a lineup of off-road-oriented SUVs with standard AWD and weekend-warrior trim levels aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.
CX-50 vs. CX-5
The first of them is the CX-50. Unveiled in November, it’s a rugged compact SUV to be sold alongside the soft-roader CX-5. It offers standard AWD, scratch-resistant plastic body cladding, and an attitude from an REI window display. But it’s about the size of the CX-5, with largely the same measurements and the same two engines to choose from.
Today, Mazda revealed its price. It’s… well… about the same as the CX-5. The CX-50 will start at $26,800 — not far from the $25,900 starting price of the CX-5. Fully-equipped, prices climb to the low $40,000 range. Just like… well, you guessed it.
At every trim level, the CX-50 is just slightly pricier than the CX-5. For the added cost, you get standard AWD just like in the CX-5, plus the Mi-Drive mode selector featuring Sport and Off-Road modes, and an aesthetic that suggests the SUV will see the occasional trail.
That may bring a different sort of buyer onto Mazda sales lots. Or it may simply show that the traditional Mazda shopper wouldn’t mind a little Subaru-style hot sauce sprinkled on their crossover. We’ll be interested to see how CX-50 sales figures compare to the CX-5’s numbers over time.
Pricing:
Mazda adds a $1,225 delivery fee to all prices in 49 states, or a $1,270 fee in Alaska.
| Package | Starting MSRP |
| CX-50 2.5 S | $26,800 |
| CX-50 2.5 S Select | $28,200 |
| CX-50 2.5 S Preferred | $29,500 |
| CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus | $31,940 |
| CX-50 2.5 S Premium | $34,400 |
| CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus | $36,400 |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo | $36,400 |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium | $39,550 |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $41,550 |
