The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 2022 for the North American and Chinese market.[4] Based on the same transverse, front-wheel-drive platform as the fourth-generation Mazda3 and the CX-30, the vehicle is sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5 and will be positioned below the larger, rear-wheel-drive based CX-70.[5]
Overview
The CX-50 was officially revealed on November 15, 2021. Compared to the smaller CX-5, the vehicle is designed with emphasis in "active and outdoor lifestyles", by introducing squarer styling and larger body cladding.[6] A more rugged off-road-styled variant named the Meridian Edition is also available.[7] Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive technology and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) are standard in the CX-50.[7]
Compared to the CX-5, Mazda designed a lower roof for the CX-50 to grant easier access to the roof racks, despite the increased ground clearance.[8] It is also the first Mazda ever to feature a panoramic sunroof as an option.[9]
In international markets, the CX-50 is also marketed in Colombia since December 2022 and Mexico since March 2023.[11][12] It is also produced and marketed in China by Changan Mazda, where production started since March 2023.[13][14] The Chinese model is slightly modified with a longer rear bumper, and a 55 mm (2.2 in) larger rear legroom.[15]
Rear view of CX-50 GT (Canada)
CX-50 Premium (front view; USA)
Powertrain
The CX-50 is powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-Ginline-four engine offered in its standard naturally-aspirated (PY-VPS) form, which produces 187 hp (139 kW; 190 PS) and 186 lb⋅ft (252 N⋅m; 26 kg⋅m) of torque, and a turbocharged (PY-VPTS) variant that outputs 227 hp (169 kW; 230 PS) (with 87 AKI octane fuel) or 256 hp (191 kW; 260 PS) (with 93 AKI octane fuel) and 320 lb⋅ft (434 N⋅m; 44 kg⋅m) of torque.[7][16]
In November 2023, the CX-50 HEV went on sale in China. It is powered by a 2.5-litre A25D-FXS engine and the Toyota Hybrid System, paired with an eCVT gearbox.[17]
Trim levels
The CX-50 in the United States is available in Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. The turbocharged engine option is reserved for Base (Turbo), Premium, and Premium Plus trims. In addition, Mazda also offers a more rugged "Meridian Edition" trim for the turbocharged model, which adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, model-specific front hood graphics, and other outdoor-oriented accessories.[18]
The CX-50 was updated on 9 July 2024 for the 2025 model year in the United States. The hybrid powertrain option is now offered for the Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus trims, while the base Turbo trim is no longer offered. [19]
Safety
The 2023 CX-50 was awarded the "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received overall Good and Superior ratings on all categories except the non-turbo models, which received an Acceptable rating on headlights, as only the turbo models are offered with adaptive headlights.[20]
^"新车：长安马自达CX-50国内亮相，明年上半年上市" [New car: Changan Mazda CX-50 debuts in China and will be launched in the first half of next year]. Sohu. China. December 15, 2022. Archived from the original on December 16, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
^"长安马自达MAZDA CX-50正式下线 小定同步开启-新华网" [MAZDA CX-50 officially off the assembly line]. www.news.cn. March 20, 2023. Archived from the original on July 23, 2023. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
^"到底行不行？试驾马自达CX-50行也，短板补齐，很实在！_车家号_发现车生活_汽车之家" [Will it work? The test drive of the Mazda CX-50 worked well, and the shortcomings were corrected. It was very practical!]. chejiahao.autohome.com.cn (in Chinese (China)). Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
^Shi, Jingxu (November 17, 2023). "19.58万元起，长安马自达CX-50行也HEV上市，2.5升混动系统" [Starting from 195,800 yuan, Changan Mazda CX-50 HEV is on the market, 2.5-liter hybrid system]. www.dongchedi.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
