Two important trims have been axed from the roster.
Mazda has released pricing and updates for the 2024 CX-50, with the roster now two models lighter and boasting a starting price of over $30,000 compared to 2023's $27,550 base price. Revisions to the rugged family crossover are minimal, but the automaker says they make the SUV even more capable on rough terrain.
Changes include new dampers and a recalibrated electric power-assisted steering system. Additionally, Mazda has bolstered standard features for specific models. The CX-50 2.5 S Premium and higher trims benefit from a wireless device charger and an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The bad news is that Mazda has axed the 2.5 S and Preferred Plus derivatives from the lineup. We've reached out to Mazda USA to confirm whether these models have been discontinued entirely or if they might reappear later.
Subsequently, the Select is the new entry-level model. Priced at $30,300, the Select is $1,350 pricier than before, with entry to the CX-50 lineup now $2,750 more than it was for 2023.
Despite its bottom-rung status, the Select boasts integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push-button start, a 10.25-inch center display, LED headlights, and an array of driver assists.
The $31,650 2024 CX-50 Preferred ($30,250 for MY2023) has several additional luxuries, including a power-operated tailgate, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
Mazda has reduced the MSRP for the Premium trim. Previously priced at $35,150, the MY2024 equivalent comes in at $34,000 and features a panoramic sunroof, the aforementioned upgraded Bose audio system, and a wireless device charger.
Upgrade to the $37,500 Premium Plus ($37,150 for MY2023), and you get 20-inch machine-cut alloy wheels with black accents, ventilated front seats, black leather upholstery, and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The driver's seat receives a two-position memory function.
For an additional $500, you could upgrade to the more powerful 2.5 Turbo. As the entry-level turbo model, this derivative lacks some luxuries but receives adaptive LED headlights, Turbo exterior badging, and larger exhaust pipes. This model is $850 pricier than before.
Introduced last year, the Turbo Meridian Edition is priced at $40,800 ($850 mode than MY23). It introduces rugged, model-specific styling such as 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, unique hood graphics, and various adventure-minded accessories.
The $41,300 Turbo Premium (a $1,000 increase) receives a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and the Bose audio system, among other things. This trim also gains a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio and power-folding side mirrors with a memory setting.
Sitting at the top of the range is the Turbo Premium Plus. This plush model enjoys heated rear seats, Mazda's navigation system, an active driving display, a 360-degree camera, and lane-keep assist, to name a few of the features. It is priced at $43,300, or $1,000 more than last year.
As before, premium paint colors are available: Polymetal Grey Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, and Zircon Sand Metallic cost $450, while Machine Gray Metallic and Soul Red Crystal Mica command $595.
No one likes a price increase, but the size of this one is accounted for by the entry-level model now being a higher-specced trim than before. Why Mazda has culled two trims remains a mystery, but we suspect it may have something to do with focusing on the production of the models people want most. Since its arrival, the CX-50 has been a hit and the brand has struggled to keep up with demand. By June of 2023, Mazda had already sold 21,466 CX-50s, more than 25% of the sales volumes of the CX-5. By focusing on core models, those figures could swell in the latter half of this year.
As a reminder, the CX-50 2.5 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The lustier Turbo produces a hearty 256 hp and 320 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across the range.
All MY2024 prices listed here exclude Mazda's $1,375 destination charge ($1,420 in Alaska).
Keyword: 2024 Mazda CX-50 Gets A $2,750 Price Hike