2025 MAZDA CX-50

It’s a taste thing, sure, but we think the Mazda CX-50 looks as good as it drives and drives as good as it looks. If we wanted something almost-premium with an enjoyable character, the CX-50 would be at the top of our wish list. It isn’t just a question of Mazda getting lots of things right in the CX-50; it’s more that the company takes certain aspects to an exquisite level. And it’s one of the few contenders in this class to have all-wheel drive as standard. Actually, the CX-50 has some off-road chops, which hasn’t always been a Mazda strength before now.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Mazda CX-50.

After launching for 2023 and receiving a few updates for 2024, the 2025 CX-50 continues to improve. In the safety department, every new CX-50 comes with a rear seat alert, vehicle exit warning, and the forward collision warning system now includes nighttime pedestrian detection. From a tech perspective, Amazon Alexa compatibility comes on board. Mazda has also introduced the new-for-2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which we review separately.

The one-up-from-base 2.5 S Preferred is the most popular model, which we would also recommend for its feature-to-price ratio.

Other top-selling compact SUVs include the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both priced similarly to the CX-50. The Kia Sportage begins a little below.

Before buying a new Mazda CX-50 compact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values should be around average for the class. Keep in mind that recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Most CX-50 buyers choose the base engine, which develops 187 horsepower. That’s the same muscle as the Kia Sportage, only three horses shy of the entry-level Honda CR-V, and quite typical in general. We think it’s sufficient for most situations. Whether cruising highways or slugging it out in heavy city traffic, we’ve found the CX-50 adapts well, delivering smooth, consistent performance. Much of this results from multiple driving modes engineered to deliver consistency over a range of conditions. Anyone seeking an SUV with all-wheel drive and sedan-like handling should definitely consider the CX-50. And we especially like the 227-horsepower turbocharged alternative — or 256 horsepower when using 93 octane gas.

Fuel Economy

Keeping in mind that the CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive as standard and most of its rivals don’t, it still lands close to the middle of its class. The non-turbo engine achieves 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s just one mile per gallon less than the Subaru Forester (another contender with standard all-wheel drive). The CX-50’s turbocharged engine manages 25 mpg combined. That works out to only about $13 more per month in fuel costs than the non-turbo when driving 15,000 miles a year.

Mazda designs some of the swisher interiors among mainstream marques. Despite its uptown vibe, the CX-50’s cabin furthers the impression that this all-wheel-drive SUV is no wallflower. Hosing out the interior is a no-no, but the quality of the craftsmanship more than makes up for it, in our opinion. Although the CX-50’s rear legroom is more than adequate, its cargo space is below average for this compact SUV class. That said, we doubt owners will ever actually run out of room in normal situations.

There’s no mistaking a Mazda for anything else. The longish hood and short overhangs provide the CX-50 with a rakish, sporty look. We always contend that Mazda styling would be totally appropriate with a luxury badge.

i-Active all-wheel drive
This intelligent and standard system can predict when wheelspin will occur and respond almost immediately, sending power where it’s needed most.

Mi-Drive
Also known as Intelligent Drive Select, Mi-Drive lets the CX-50 driver choose from Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. In Sport, responses are sharpened. For example, the transmission doesn’t upshift automatically when lifting off the throttle, keeping the engine ready for acceleration action.

Dual-zone automatic climate control
A set-it-and-forget-it system, dividing the CX-50 into left and right regions, each with separate temperature settings. Once set, the system maintains the preset temperatures automatically. It comes standard in the CX-50.

Driver assistance technologies
Mazda includes an array of safety tech like adaptive cruise control, emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and driver-attention monitor.

Head-up display
This available color display projects vital information onto the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight. It’s designed to help drivers keep their eyes on the road. This feature is more common in luxury vehicles, so we’re pleased to see it in a mainstream model.

Bose audio
Available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, this 12-speaker system features Bose Centerpoint and AudioPilot technologies for an immersive listening experience.

The most popular engine is the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit making an acceptable 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This goes to a standard all-wheel-drive system through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when there’s regular 87 octane gas in the tank, or 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on a diet of 93 octane gas.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers, although Hyundai and Kia do better.

Safety Ratings

This generation of CX-50 has taken the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).