2024 Mazda CX-50 Review

Mazda’s 2024 CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV starting at around $30,300. You’ll likely score this vehicle for less, as the 2025 CX-50 arrived this summer. The 2024 model year CX-50 introduces suspension and steering refinements for enhanced handling while including a 12-speaker Bose sound system and wireless charging in more of its eight trims. This iteration of the CX-50 remains part of the model’s first generation, beginning in 2023.

Motopickers Rating: 8.9/10

At a glance, its primary upsides are a responsive optional turbo engine, an interior bordering on luxury, and better-than-expected off-road capability. However, tall drivers may lack enough headroom, warranty coverage is average, and pricing for the model is slightly more expensive than its rivals.

Primary 2024 model-year competitors of the Mazda CX-50 include:

• Kia’s Sportage – $27,190
• Hyundai’s Tucson – $27,500
• Toyota’s RAV4 – $28,675
• Nissan’s Rogue – $28,850
• Volkswagen’s Tiguan – $28,880
• Ford’s Escape – $29,495
• Honda’s CR-V – $29,500

Our review will compare the 2024 CX-50 to these competitors while evaluating how it stacks up against its Mazda sibling, the CX-30, which starts at $24,995. The CX-30 differs from the CX-50 in its classification as a subcompact SUV. Learn more about the 2024 CX-50 with our findings below.

Exterior spotlight

The base-level 2024 CX-50, labeled 2.5 S Select, has 17-inch alloy wheels with a black metallic finish and daytime running lights. Unlike the headlights, these daytime running lights aren’t LED. The roof has a rear spoiler, rails, and features like a rear wiper and washer, which may not seem like a big deal, but 2025 compact SUVs like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 only recently added this feature.

An entry-grade CX-50 also sports dual exhaust outlets and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, enhancing its value. Moving into a 2.5 S Preferred trim means you’ll receive driver and passenger heated side mirrors in addition to a windshield wiper de-icer. A 2.5 S Premium trim delivers a power-sliding panoramic moonroof, and graduating to a 2.5 S Premium variant increases wheel size to 20” while supplying automatic power-folding side mirrors.

The 2.5 Turbo trim adds exclusive badging, LED combination taillights, and an adaptive front-lighting system making real-time angle adjustments based on driver steering inputs and road conditions. Those looking to upgrade the 2024 CX-50’s exterior further can opt for a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition with hood graphics.

Competing models like Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 share 17” wheels within their base grade but contain standard LED daytime running lights, unlike the CX-50. The 2024 CX-50 does have standard auto on/off headlights, but this feature is becoming increasingly common within the compact SUV segment and is present within Mazda’s subcompact CX-30. Still, it’s worth noting that the 2024 CX-30 doesn’t contain standard automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers like its CX-50 counterpart.

Overall, the 2024 CX-50 is relatively well equipped within its base trim, especially since some competing SUVs offer roof rails as an upgrade.

Interior analysis

Mazda’s 2024 CX-50 seats up to five passengers in two rows. Its dual-zone automatic climate control complements a pollen filter and rear seat vents. Drivers receive a solid amount of adjustment capability with the 6-way manual seat or available 8-way power seat. Front passengers receive a 4-way manual adjustment configuration.

While drivers have room to adjust, the central infotainment screen can feel slightly out of reach. Seats are upright but contain a low position for easier entries and exits. Mazda dresses the interior up with some trim inserts in standard silver paint. Optional trim inserts have black metal paint with camel stitching or orange stitching. This compact SUV’s gear selector is leather-wrapped, and the rear seat contains a 40/60 split setup.

Cargo capacity for the 2024 CX-50 middles at 31.4 cubic feet (cu. ft.). Competitors for 2024 with more cargo room behind their second row include:

• Honda’s CR-V (most at 39.3 cu. ft.)
• Hyundai’s Tucson
• Toyota’s RAV4
• Nissan’s Rogue
• Volkswagen’s Tiguan

Second-row passenger space is also slightly limited. The 2024 CX-50’s gear selector and steering wheel are leather-wrapped, and the upholstery is half leatherette, cloth, or leather.

By comparison, the less-expensive CX-30 has even less cargo capacity due to its subcompact configuration at 20.2 cu. ft. Rear air conditioning vents aren’t present within the 2024 CX-30’s base trim, which may bother some potential buyers. The 2024 CX-30 shares the CX-50’s pollen filtration system but doesn’t offer dual-zone automatic climate control capability within its entry-level grade.

Mazda similarly equips the CX-30 with upholstery materials like leatherette while wrapping the gear selector and steering wheel in leather. For a price difference of over $5,000—the 2024 CX-50 could use a few more standard interior features.

Power and performance

The first four 2024 Mazda CX-50 trims, the 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus, all contain a 2.5 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain works alongside a six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can enjoy the perk of standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across this model’s entire lineup, which helps increase towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Mi-Drive provides Sport and Off-Road drive modes, and moving into a 2.5 Turbo trim and above delivers increased power.

A 2024 CX-50 with a turbocharged engine produces 227-256 horsepower, depending on whether you use 87-octane or 93-octane gasoline. Torque within the turbocharged powertrain spans 310-320 lb.-ft., and Mi-Drive adds a dedicated towing mode. Drivers can expect to receive 23-24 MPG in the city and 29-30 MPG on the highway. The 2024 CX-30 provides 22-26 MPG in the city and 30-33 MPG on the highway. AWD is also optional within the CX-30.

However, the CX-30’s horsepower ranges from 191-250, and torque 186-310 lb.-ft.—giving the CX-50 a run for its money. While neither the 2024 CX-50 nor the CX-30 are off-roading beasts, the CX-50 is advantageous in this area. The CX-30 shares the CX-50’s 6-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V contain more standard horsepower within their base 2024 models at 203 and 190, respectively. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson matches the CX-50’s 187 standard horsepower. Drivers can achieve better fuel efficiency with a hybrid 2024 Toyota RAV4 and rise far above the CX-50’s off-roading with a TRD trim. The Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson also offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with greater mileage than the CX-30.

If you go with a 2024 Mazda CX-30, we highly recommend opting for the turbocharged powertrain, as you’ll have an easier time with maneuvers like highway overtaking.

Tech overview

One of the 2024 CX-50’s most significant standard tech features is its inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bose 12-speaker sound system is optional, and the standard audio setup contains eight speakers. Drivers can select a 2024 CX-50 trim with a 10.3” full-color center display or the base grade’s 8.8” display. This compact SUV’s digital instrument cluster measures 7”.

While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, the wireless smartphone charger is limited to certain trims. The audio menu offers voice command capability, but only touch-sensing for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An available feature worth considering is the CX-50’s auto-dimming rearview mirror, which automatically adjusts its brightness to lower glare from tailing vehicles’ headlights.

Tech enthusiasts may also prefer a trim with the head-up display projecting driving information like speed and navigation onto the windshield. The peak 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim enhances its HUD with traffic sign recognition.

Mazda’s Connected Services system is standard across all 2024 CX-50 trims and includes:

• In-vehicle WiFi
• Remote vehicle commands like engine starts
• Vehicle status alerts
• Navigation
• Roadside assistance

The 2024 CX-30 also contains standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a standard 8.8” display or optional 10.3” touchscreen. You won’t find standard wireless smartphone charging in the CX-30, and the base-grade sound system contains six speakers instead of the 2024 CX-50’s eight.

Regarding the competition, Honda’s CR-V offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as an available feature, and its display sizes fall short of the CX-50 at 7” and 9”. Higher 2024 Subaru Forester trims have even smaller displays measuring 6.5” and 8”.

Safety capabilities

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the 2024 Mazda CX-50 its highest passenger crash protection scores of Top Safety Pick+ and five stars, respectively. Let’s take a look at the standard safety features that help form these high marks.

Standard safety

A CX-50 comes equipped with blind spot monitoring with traffic jam assist, which warns drivers when another car approaches their blind spot and reduces driver fatigue in traffic with steering assistance and automatic braking/acceleration. However, the blind-spot monitor doesn’t provide automatic steering assistance. Driver attention alert within the CX-50 recognizes signs of distracted or drowsy vehicle operation, resulting in a prompt to take a break.

While the CX-50’s blind-spot monitoring system doesn’t contain automatic steering assistance to avoid collisions, you’ll find this function within the emergency lane keeping feature. Drivers who drift from their lane without an active turn signal will also receive audible and visual alerts. Rear cross traffic alert will warn you of cars approaching from the sides when you’re in reverse. Still, you’ll have to rely on the rearview camera for additional reverse driving support since there are no standard sensors detecting obstacles directly behind the CX-50.

Drivers must move into the peak 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus CX-50 trim to receive front and rear parking sensors. 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus CX-50 drivers also get smart automatic braking support to avoid colliding with obstacles in reverse and a 360-degree view monitor.

Mazda’s 2024 CX-30 also received the highest possible crash protection scores from the IIHS and NHTSA. Jeep’s Compass, Subaru’s Crosstrek, Kia’s Seltos, and Chevrolet’s Trax are all competing 2024 SUVs that didn’t receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. All of these rivals also received four stars for crash protection from the NHTSA.

Trim guide and owner considerations

Below is a list of all 2024 model year CX-50 trims and their starting prices, ordered from least to most expensive:

• 2.5 S Select – $30,300
• 2.5 S Preferred – $31,650
• 2.5 S Premium – $34,000
• 2.5 S Premium Plus – $37,500
• 2.5 Turbo – $38,000
• 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition – $40,800
• 2.5 Turbo Premium – $41,300
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – $43,300

Competing 2024 vehicles with lower starting prices include, but aren’t limited to:

• Chevrolet Equinox – $26,600
• Kia Sportage – $27,190
• Hyundai Tucson – $27,750
• Ford Escape – $29,495

Mazda offers 2024 CX-50 customers a new-vehicle limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain protection, and 24/7 roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles. All of these warranty plans are subpar, and many rivals offer unlimited mileage with their roadside assistance. The 2024 CX-30 provides the same warranty coverage.

Final verdict

Despite some flaws, such as middling cargo capacity, lower headroom for tall drivers, and a slightly higher starting price, the 2024 CX-50 is a formidable contender within the increasingly crowded compact SUV segment. It’s well-equipped with desirable standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unlike many of its compact SUV competitors, the optional screen doesn’t cut corners on its dimensions, and its thorough safety offerings foster peace of mind behind the wheel.

We gave the 2024 Mazda CX-30 an 8.7/10 rating, and we’re scoring the 2024 CX-50 slightly higher at 8.9/10. The CX-50 and CX-30 share many features, but the CX-50 will offer increased cargo space, better off-roading, and more passenger space despite our observation of more limited headroom for taller drivers. If fuel economy is your number one concern, you may be better off with a competitor offering hybrid models, but in terms of overall value for a compact SUV, the 2024 CX-50 checks all the right boxes.