Text by Tom Appel
2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Country of Manufacture: United States
Color: Machine Gray Metallic
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 191
Real-world fuel economy: 23.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 227 horsepower, 2.5-Liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged four |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23/29/25 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $41,300 (not including $1420 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($595)
Price as tested: $43,315
Pros and Cons
The great: Luxurious for the price, sporty character
The good: Comfortable highway ride, run on regular gas
The not so good: Engine sounds and feels crude at low speeds
Review
Though, per Coca-Cola, New Coke won countless blind taste tests, the marketplace wasn’t ready for a replacement for original Coca-Cola, and the new stuff was eventually dropped from store shelves.
New Coke
This was back in 1985. This author recalls the new stuff tasting a little like Pepsi, which was fine, but American consumers rejected the new-formula Coke pretty resoundingly—and sales languished.
The “old” Coke was promptly returned to store shelves, and Coke marketing types went on to retail the new-formula cola as a price brand, making it available in select markets through 2002. At some point in 1991, New Coke was renamed Coke II, not that anyone remembers that bit of rebranding. As I recall, Coke II was seen most often in 2-liter bottles on sale for $.99 on temporary end-aisle displays.
CX-5 Versus CX-50
I mention New Coke because Mazda finds itself in something of similar situation. New for the 2023 model year, the Mazda CX-50 compact crossover fills a niche similar to that occupied by the brand’s CX-5 crossover, but is generally more modern in look and feel. Yet, despite costing little more than the CX-5, and arguably looking more rugged and SUV-ish, the CX-50 has not swayed very many Mazda loyalists away from the old-school CX-5.
Sales
Sales number bear this out: Accounting for 134,000 sales in 2024, the CX-5 remains far and away the brand’s best-selling model. The newer, like-size CX-50 notched just 81,000 sales, though that number represents serious growth over 2023.
And while we appreciate both Mazda crossovers as top-notch personal and small-family transportation, there a couple of reasons we lean solidly in the direction of the newer ’50. We’ll explain in a moment.
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2025, the CX-50 is offered in seven trim levels. The range starts with the entry-level Select ($31,720), and ascends through Preferred ($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 models are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 187 horsepower. Turbo models feature a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter engine rated at 227 horsepower on regular-grade gas. Running on premium fuel, the turbo engine is good for 256 horsepower. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All CX-50 trim levels come with AWD.
Dimensions
Compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 is lower, and rides on a longer wheelbase. What this means is that the 50 rides somewhat more comfortable, is a little more stable at highway speeds, but, because it is longer, is a little less maneuverable in tight quarters than the CX-5.
Positioning
Mazda also positions the CX-50 slightly upmarket of the CX-5, with the ’50 price-range topping out about $2000 higher than the ‘5.
Hybrid
Note, though, that only the CX-50 is offered in hybrid trim. The CX-50 Hybrid features a Toyota-sourced electrified drivetrain rated at 219 horsepower. You can read our full review of the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid here.
In back-to-back test drives none of this matters too much, as both the CX-5 and CX-50 boast good power, nimble handling, and the basic sporty character that defines the Mazda brand.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2025 CX-50 2.5 in penultimate Premium Turbo Premium trim in extra-cost Machine Gray Metallic. All told, including destination charge, our test car came to $43,315.
Luxurious Cabin
Much has been made of the cabin trim in recent-generation Hyundai and Kia vehicles, and with good reason. But it is easy to forget that Mazda has been doing the nice-cabin thing for years now, and continues to build cars and crossovers with great-looking interiors.
Our test CX-50 is no exception. The ‘50’s Terracotta upholstery—which is at least partially comprised of real leather—looks both bold and classy, and every visible-and-touchable surface is made of high-grade material.
Room and Comfort
The cabin itself is generally roomy, even for larger folks, and the generous glass area contributes to an open and airy environment. The rear seating row is likewise roomy, though most competitive models are at least a little roomier.
Controls
Like other brand vehicles, the CX-50 employs the Mazda Connect rotary-dial system for infotainment operation. The control knob, and related switchgear, is located on the center console, within easy rest of the driver. While the system has its detractors, we find it intuitive and easy to use, if very different from that found in other brand vehicles. After a very short time, Mazda Connect operation becomes second nature.
Bose Audio System
And for those who care, the trim-level standard Bose-brand audio system does a nice job of cranking out clean and crisp-sounding music.
Ride and Handling
On the road the CX-50 shines. The small crossover serves sporty moves, responsive steering and braking, and sophisticated, upscale ride comfort. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of ready power, and helps the CX-50 leap quickly from a stop, or power down an on-ramp. For the two percent of drivers who employ such tools, the CX-50 is equipped with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. In our opinion the transmission is responsive enough to make use of the paddle shifters unnecessary.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness
We do have one drivetrain quibble—well it’s a little more than a quibble: The CX-50’s engine is a little rough. We were surprised by course it sounded, especially after cold starts. Smoothness, too, trails that of the engines found in like-price small crossovers. To some this visceral powertrain element is perceived as sporty, but we think it’s just a little beyond that point. Thankfully, engine noise fades away quickly as speed builds, and is non issue at highway velocity.
Value
At $43,000 our test CX-50 may feel a little expensive, but per Mazda edict, it does come off as premium in feel. In choosing between the CX-5 and CX-50, we’d opt for the ’50, largely because of its superior ride comfort and, frankly, more compelling design. But the similar CX-5 makes plenty of sense for urbanites who put a premium on tight-space parking and garage maneuverability. Frankly, if you’re shopping for a classy small crossover that doesn’t break the bank, we suggest stopping by your local Mazda dealer and test driving both vehicles. You won’t be disappointed. And, unlike New Coke, the CX-50 isn’t going away anytime soon.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo PremiumListen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Pictures
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