This week I am spending time behind the wheel of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus, the top-of-the-line in the CX-50. The CX-50 first debuted as a 2023 model, and a lot of us assumed it was the replacement for the CX-5, but that is not the case, the CX-5 is still around. The CX-50 is longer, wider, and more rugged than the CX-5, offering a sportier design, higher ground clearance, and available off-road drive modes, while the CX-5 leans more toward urban comfort with a softer ride and slightly smaller body. Both share similar engines and interior tech, but the CX-50 is better suited for active lifestyles and light off-road use and is all-around more modern.
Let’s look at the direction of Mazda for a second. As I’ve said on the Car Pro Radio Show many times, Mazda has been moving toward becoming a luxury brand for quite some time. For years, Mazda was lumped in with the other Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Now little Mazda is trying to separate itself from the pack, and they are getting it done. The CX-50 falls in line between the CX-5 and the CX-70, so you can get some zoom-zoom in your choice of 3 five-passenger SUVs.
Exterior
My review vehicle is the range-topping Premium Plus package. This CX-50 came in a beautiful color called Ingot Blue and I just love it.
The exterior appearance looks great with the signature Mazda grill, functional air vents to feed air to the engine, LED lights, and a long, sculpted hood. As you head down the sides, there is black trim that runs over the wheels and along the bottom of the SUV that matches nicely with the mirrors, more black between the wheels at the bottom, and it has low, bright, roof rails.
There are 20” alloy wheels that look fantastic, and a rear spoiler. I would have liked to have seen the spoiler but just a bit larger and the rear wiper tucked up under it, but that is just a quirk of mine that some do not share.
Performance
Under the hood you find an inline 2.5-liter four cylinder that is mated to an 6-speed automatic with small shift paddles. The end result of all this Skyactiv drivetrain technology is 256-horses and a strong 320 pound-feet of torque, if you spring for premium fuel. If you go cheap at the pump, it knocks you down to 227-horses, but still a strong 310 pound-feet of torque. In what I am seeing a lot with Mazda these days, the CX-50 upper lines come standard with all-wheel drive, but when not in AWD it operates as a front-wheel drive, moving power to the rear if needed. If you choose to, for 2025 Mazda now offers a hybrid version of the CX-50, which I think will be a huge hit.
Interior
As you open the door, you are struck by the beauty of the interior. Most impactful is beautiful leather material that runs from the soft-touch door panels across the dash.
Criss-cross stitching is everywhere and really pops. The dual heated and cooled power front seats are very comfortable and offer memory settings for the driver, and power lumbar support for both front occupants. The seats are made of fine leather and are bolstered slightly and extremely comfortable.
As you hit the start button, a smallish but colorful and configurable 7” gauge cluster greets you. It features a clean analogueanchored layout with a central speedometer or digital display (depending on drive mode), flanked by classic needle-style tachometer and fuel/temp gauges—balanced between sporty and modern info. What it lacks in size, it makes up in presentation. The steering wheel is a manual tilt and as you look up you see a large head-up display that features your speed and traffic sign recognition.
High center dash is a 10.25” infotainment screen that is not a touchscreen (unless you are using Apple CarPlay). This is an issue for some people who think it’s too small or looks just added-on to the dash, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me. It’s functional and VERY simple. The screen is controlled from a round knob on the center console. This is where you operate the navigation system, the 12-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD radio with Sirius XM. This is also where you operate the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Bluetooth system, and Mazda Connected Services for real-time information. There is also a 360-degree camera with amazing clarity.
The center console houses a wireless phone charger, USB ports, two cupholders, the auto hold, a volume knob for the stereo, and the electronic emergency brake. Near the gear shifter is the chrome Mi-Drive bar to change drive modes which include sport, normal, and off-road. Each setting changes the steering, transmission shifts, and throttle behavior and the differences in the modes are distinctive.
Look up and you’ll see a massive power panoramic moon roof with a power sliding cover. There are more controls to the left of the steering wheel for the camera views, memory seats, traction control, and the most important one to turn off the i-stop, which is a clever name for the start/stop system.
Moving to the second row, it is larger than expected in a compact SUV and would comfortably seat three adults. Second-row folks have air vents, USB ports, heated seats, and there is a very soft armrest that folds down and houses two cup holders. Leg and head room are both very good, and it is a 60/40 rear seat configuration.
Moving to the cargo area, behind the second row seat is 31-cubic feet of cargo, which is great for a smaller SUV. If you fold the second row down (which lays really flat by the way) you get 53-cubic feet of cargo. There are levers in the cargo area to easily drop either side of the back seat.
There is a power liftgate that operates up and down quickly from the key fob, a button on the dash, or a button on the liftgate. There is some underneath storage to hide valuables, and there is a compact spare tire and jack back there also, a rarity these days.
Standard Features
Everything we’ve talked about is standard equipment on this trim level. There are no options on this one, not even the paint. A few other features not mentioned so far is front & rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear defroster, heated steering wheel, HD radio, and keyless remote.
Safety
On the safety front, CX-50 comes with the full iActivsense suite, including automatic emergency braking (Smart Brake Support), blind‐spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning plus lane keep assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, high beam control, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear seat alert system—all aimed at preventing collisions and protecting occupants.
Ride and Drive
Driving impressions are impressive. The ride is smooth, acceleration is terrific especially in Sport mode, and there is absolutely no body lean. Steering feedback is light and responsive.
The interior has a little road noise, but it sounds more like tire noise, and it’s not a deal killer by any stretch. They pipe some exhaust sound through the speakers, and I’d have to say, it is not annoying. Overall, I’d say the CX-50 is playful, but more refined than a lot of others in the small SUV segment.
MSRP and MPG
MSRP on this super loaded vehicle is $44,720. That is right in line with RAV4 and CR-V equipped this well. Fuel economy is really good at 23 city and 29 highway, it will drop slightly with regular gas. Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds.
Verdict
If you look at and drive the CX-50, you’ll realize this is a near-luxury SUV, even though it is a Mazda. Mazda’s drive differently than most, it is engaging, and I think it is safe to say you won’t get bored with it.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo
- What I Liked Most: The interior, the driving dynamics, the price, and I love the way it looks on the exterior.
- What I would change: I would love to see an 8-speed automatic in this SUV.
- MSRP: Base Price $43,300 Total MSRP $44,720 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 23 city/29 highway and 25 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 5,900 miles.
- Weight: 3,915 pounds/4,976 GVWR.
- Spare tire: Compact temporary spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.8” long/75.6” wide with mirrors folded in/63.5.” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 3.500 pounds.
- Official Color: Ingot Blue Metallic.
- 2025 CX-50 in a few words: Finally, a compact SUV that is fun to drive with a great interior, that is not overpriced.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Madison, Alabama.
- Manufacturer's website: Mazda
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