Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: United States
Colour: Machine Grey Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 191
Actual-world gasoline 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 autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 227 horsepower, 2.5-Liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 23/29/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common fuel
Base value: $41,300 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($595)
Value as examined: $43,315
Execs and Cons
The good: Luxurious for the worth, sporty character
The great: Comfy freeway experience, run on common fuel
The not so good: Engine sounds and feels crude at low speeds
Evaluate
Although, per Coca-Cola, New Coke received numerous blind style checks, {the marketplace} wasn’t prepared for a substitute for authentic Coca-Cola, and the brand new stuff was ultimately dropped from retailer cabinets.
New Coke
This was again in 1985. This writer remembers the brand new stuff tasting a bit like Pepsi, which was wonderful, however American customers rejected the new-formula Coke fairly resoundingly—and gross sales languished.
The “outdated” Coke was promptly returned to retailer cabinets, and Coke advertising sorts went on to retail the new-formula cola as a value model, making it accessible in choose markets via 2002. In some unspecified time in the future 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 momentary 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 just like that occupied by the model’s CX-5 crossover, however is usually extra fashionable in feel and appear. 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 development over 2023.
And whereas we recognize each Mazda crossovers as top-notch private and small-family transportation, there a few causes we lean solidly within the course 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 via Most popular ($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 function a typical turbocharged 2.5-liter engine rated at 227 horsepower on regular-grade fuel. Working on premium gasoline, the turbo engine is nice for 256 horsepower. Each engines mate to a 6-speed computerized 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 steady 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 greater than the ‘5.
Hybrid
Notice, 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 possibly can learn our full evaluate of the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid right here.
In back-to-back check 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
Client Information just lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2025 CX-50 2.5 in penultimate Premium Turbo Premium trim in extra-cost Machine Grey Metallic. All informed, together with vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here to $43,315.
Luxurious Cabin
A lot has been fabricated from the cabin trim in recent-generation Hyundai and Kia autos, and with good motive. However it’s straightforward to neglect that Mazda has been doing the nice-cabin factor for years now, and continues to construct automobiles and crossovers with great-looking interiors.
Our check CX-50 isn’t any exception. The ‘50’s Terracotta upholstery—which is a minimum of partially comprised of actual leather-based—seems to be each daring and stylish, and each visible-and-touchable floor is fabricated from high-grade materials.
Room and Consolation
The cabin itself is usually 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 a minimum of a bit roomier.
Controls
Like different model autos, 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 straightforward remainder of the driving force. Whereas the system has its detractors, we discover it intuitive and straightforward to make use of, if very completely different from that present in different model autos. After a really quick time, Mazda Join operation turns into second nature.
Bose Audio System
And for individuals who care, the trim-level commonplace Bose-brand audio system does a pleasant job of cranking out clear and crisp-sounding music.
Journey and Dealing with
On the street the CX-50 shines. The small crossover serves sporty strikes, responsive steering and braking, and complicated, upscale experience consolation. The turbocharged engine supplies loads of prepared energy, and helps the CX-50 leap rapidly from a cease, or energy down an on-ramp. For the 2 % 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—properly it’s a bit greater than a quibble: The CX-50’s engine is a bit tough. We had been shocked 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 aspect is perceived as sporty, however we expect it’s just a bit past that time. Fortunately, engine noise fades away rapidly as pace builds, and is non situation at freeway velocity.
Worth
At $43,000 our check CX-50 might really feel a bit 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 experience 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, should you’re procuring for a sophisticated small crossover that doesn’t break the financial institution, we recommend stopping by your native Mazda supplier and check driving each autos. You received’t be disillusioned. And, not like New Coke, the CX-50 isn’t going away anytime quickly.
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