Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: United States
Coloration: Machine Grey Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 191
Actual-world gas economic system: 23.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 227 horsepower, 2.5-Liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 23/29/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common fuel
Base value: $41,300 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($595)
Worth as examined: $43,315
Execs and Cons
The good: Luxurious for the value, sporty character
The nice: Snug freeway trip, run on common fuel
The not so good: Engine sounds and feels crude at low speeds
Assessment
Although, per Coca-Cola, New Coke gained numerous blind style checks, {the marketplace} wasn’t prepared for a alternative for authentic Coca-Cola, and the brand new stuff was ultimately dropped from retailer cabinets.
New Coke
This was again in 1985. This writer recollects the brand new stuff tasting just a little like Pepsi, which was advantageous, however American customers rejected the new-formula Coke fairly resoundingly—and gross sales languished.
The “previous” Coke was promptly returned to retailer cabinets, and Coke advertising sorts went on to retail the new-formula cola as a value model, making it out there in choose markets by way of 2002. Sooner or later in 1991, New Coke was renamed Coke II, not that anybody remembers that little bit of rebranding. As I recall, Coke II was seen most frequently in 2-liter bottles on sale for $.99 on short-term end-aisle shows.
CX-5 Versus CX-50
I point out New Coke as a result of Mazda finds itself in one thing of comparable state of affairs. New for the 2023 mannequin 12 months, the Mazda CX-50 compact crossover fills a distinct segment much like that occupied by the model’s CX-5 crossover, however is mostly extra fashionable in feel and look. But, regardless of costing little greater than the CX-5, and arguably wanting extra rugged and SUV-ish, the CX-50 has not swayed very many Mazda loyalists away from the old-school CX-5.
Gross sales
Gross sales quantity bear this out: Accounting for 134,000 gross sales in 2024, the CX-5 stays far and away the model’s best-selling mannequin. The newer, like-size CX-50 notched simply 81,000 gross sales, although that quantity represents critical progress over 2023.
And whereas we respect each Mazda crossovers as top-notch private and small-family transportation, there a few causes we lean solidly within the route of the newer ’50. We’ll clarify in a second.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2025, the CX-50 is obtainable in seven trim ranges. The vary begins with the entry-level Choose ($31,720), and ascends by way of Most well-liked ($33,070), Premium ($35,420), Premium Plus ($38,920), Turbo Meridian ($42,670), Turbo Premium ($42,720), and topline Turbo Premium Plus ($44,720).
Engines
Non-turbo fashions are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 187 horsepower. Turbo fashions characteristic a regular turbocharged 2.5-liter engine rated at 227 horsepower on regular-grade fuel. Operating on premium gas, the turbo engine is sweet for 256 horsepower. Each engines mate to a 6-speed automated transmission. All CX-50 trim ranges include AWD.
Dimensions
In comparison with the CX-5, the CX-50 is decrease, and rides on an extended wheelbase. What this implies is that the 50 rides considerably extra snug, is a bit more secure at freeway speeds, however, as a result of it’s longer, is rather less maneuverable in tight quarters than the CX-5.
Positioning
Mazda additionally positions the CX-50 barely upmarket of the CX-5, with the ’50 price-range topping out about $2000 increased than the ‘5.
Hybrid
Observe, although, that solely the CX-50 is obtainable in hybrid trim. The CX-50 Hybrid incorporates a Toyota-sourced electrified drivetrain rated at 219 horsepower. You may learn our full assessment of the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid right here.
In back-to-back take a look at drives none of this issues an excessive amount of, as each the CX-5 and CX-50 boast good energy, nimble dealing with, and the fundamental sporty character that defines the Mazda model.
Check Automobile
Shopper Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2025 CX-50 2.5 in penultimate Premium Turbo Premium trim in extra-cost Machine Grey Metallic. All advised, together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automotive got here to $43,315.
Luxurious Cabin
A lot has been made from the cabin trim in recent-generation Hyundai and Kia automobiles, and with good motive. However it’s simple to overlook that Mazda has been doing the nice-cabin factor for years now, and continues to construct automobiles and crossovers with great-looking interiors.
Our take a look at CX-50 isn’t any exception. The ‘50’s Terracotta upholstery—which is at the very least partially comprised of actual leather-based—seems to be each daring and stylish, and each visible-and-touchable floor is made from high-grade materials.
Room and Consolation
The cabin itself is mostly roomy, even for bigger people, and the beneficiant glass space contributes to an open and ethereal setting. The rear seating row is likewise roomy, although best fashions are at the very least just a little roomier.
Controls
Like different model automobiles, the CX-50 employs the Mazda Join rotary-dial system for infotainment operation. The management knob, and associated switchgear, is positioned on the middle console, inside simple remainder of the motive force. Whereas the system has its detractors, we discover it intuitive and simple to make use of, if very totally different from that present in different model automobiles. After a really quick time, Mazda Join operation turns into second nature.
Bose Audio System
And for many who care, the trim-level commonplace Bose-brand audio system does a pleasant job of cranking out clear and crisp-sounding music.
Experience and Dealing with
On the highway the CX-50 shines. The small crossover serves sporty strikes, responsive steering and braking, and complicated, upscale trip consolation. The turbocharged engine offers loads of prepared energy, and helps the CX-50 leap shortly from a cease, or energy down an on-ramp. For the 2 p.c of drivers who make use of such instruments, the CX-50 is provided with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. In our opinion the transmission is responsive sufficient to utilize the paddle shifters pointless.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness
We do have one drivetrain quibble—nicely it’s just a little greater than a quibble: The CX-50’s engine is just a little tough. We had been stunned by course it sounded, particularly after chilly begins. Smoothness, too, trails that of the engines present in like-price small crossovers. To some this visceral powertrain factor is perceived as sporty, however we predict it’s just a bit past that time. Fortunately, engine noise fades away shortly as velocity builds, and is non concern at freeway velocity.
Worth
At $43,000 our take a look at CX-50 could really feel just a little costly, however per Mazda edict, it does come off as premium in really feel. In selecting between the CX-5 and CX-50, we’d go for the ’50, largely due to its superior trip consolation and, frankly, extra compelling design. However the same CX-5 makes loads of sense for urbanites who put a premium on tight-space parking and storage maneuverability. Frankly, in the event you’re buying for a sophisticated small crossover that doesn’t break the financial institution, we propose stopping by your native Mazda supplier and take a look at driving each automobiles. You gained’t be disenchanted. And, not like New Coke, the CX-50 isn’t going away anytime quickly.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo PremiumHearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Footage
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