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 financial system: 23.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Economic 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 your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 227 horsepower, 2.5-Liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 23/29/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common fuel
Base worth: $41,300 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Particular paint ($595)
Value as examined: $43,315
Professionals and Cons
The good: Luxurious for the worth, sporty character
The nice: Snug freeway experience, run on common fuel
The not so good: Engine sounds and feels crude at low speeds
Overview
Although, per Coca-Cola, New Coke gained numerous blind style assessments, {the marketplace} wasn’t prepared for a alternative for unique 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 a bit like Pepsi, which was fantastic, 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The “outdated” Coke was promptly returned to retailer cabinets, and Coke advertising sorts went on to retail the new-formula cola as a worth model, making it out there in choose markets by 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 non permanent 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 yr, the Mazda CX-50 compact crossover fills a distinct segment much like that occupied by the model’s CX-5 crossover, however is usually extra trendy 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 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 by 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 normal 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
Be aware, although, that solely the CX-50 is obtainable in hybrid trim. The CX-50 Hybrid contains a Toyota-sourced electrified drivetrain rated at 219 horsepower. You possibly can learn our full overview 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.
Take a look at Automobile
Shopper Information not too long ago 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 informed, together with vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here to $43,315.
Luxurious Cabin
A lot has been product of 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 vehicles and crossovers with great-looking interiors.
Our check CX-50 is not any exception. The ‘50’s Terracotta upholstery—which is no less than partially comprised of actual leather-based—appears each daring and fashionable, and each visible-and-touchable floor is product of 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 surroundings. The rear seating row is likewise roomy, although best fashions are no less than a bit 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 situated 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 completely different from that present in different model automobiles. After a really brief time, Mazda Join operation turns into second nature.
Bose Audio System
And for individuals who care, the trim-level normal 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 complex, upscale experience consolation. The turbocharged engine gives 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 supplied 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—effectively it’s a bit greater than a quibble: The CX-50’s engine is a bit tough. We have 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 rapidly as velocity builds, and is non problem at freeway velocity.
Worth
At $43,000 our check CX-50 could 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, in case you’re buying for a complicated small crossover that doesn’t break the financial institution, we advise stopping by your native Mazda seller and check driving each automobiles. You gained’t be disillusioned. And, in contrast to 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 Photos
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