2027 Mazda CX-50MotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Stylish design inside and outsideConnected driving feelGreat reputation for safetyLimited cargo capacityUnimpressive fuel economyBetter than new CX-5?Although the CX-5 is better known—and was just completely redesigned for 2026—the CX-50 is a slightly different interpretation of a compact SUV in Mazda’s lineup. The CX-50 arrived for 2023, intended to offer sleeker design and a more adventurous personality than the relatively conventional CX-5.AdvertisementAdvertisementAvailable with turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, the CX-50 competes against popular small SUVs like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.What’s NewThe CX-50 was introduced for 2023, so now four years into its production run, a refresh might be expected. However, Mazda might hold off on any major changes so as not to take attention away from the all-new CX-5 it introduced for 2026.This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkIn a segment full of conventional offerings, the CX-50 presents an interesting—although potentially compromised—alternative.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis is a great-looking vehicle. Its body balances elegance with a solid stance, enhanced by stylish available paint choices. Inside, the CX-50 shows Mazda’s upscale aims with premium material choices and good attention to detail. Tech features aren’t especially impressive, but the amount of real, physical buttons and toggles benefits ease of use.In Mazda’s way, the CX-50 drives nicely, too. The steering is heavy and precise, and although the ride is a bit stiff, it comes together for sporty handling. Even with the turbocharged engine, the CX-50 isn’t very quick, but it still shows how Mazda engineers its vehicles for enjoyable dynamics.Where the CX-50 falls short is in practical measures. Fuel economy isn’t great, although the available hybrid powertrain helps with that. Rivals offer more cargo capacity. Mazda includes many driver assist features, but they could be tuned better.Other compact SUVs might seem to make more sense, but the CX-50 provides enough capability with its driver-oriented feel to remain worth consideration.Top-Ranked Competitors:Toyota RAV4Honda CR-VKia SportageSubaru ForesterMotorTrend TestedEvery CX-50 uses a six-speed automatic transmission and has standard AWD.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe base engine is a 2.5-liter I-4 that produces 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. With this, the CX-50 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds.An optional turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 increases output to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of high-octane fuel. With this increased potency, the CX-50 hit 60 mph in 7.0 seconds in MotorTrend testing.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the CX-50 could be better. With the standard engine, it gets about 24/30 mpg city/highway, and full-tank driving range of 413 miles. Meanwhile, the turbocharged mill returns approximately 23/29 mpg and goes up to 398 miles between fill-ups.Is the CX-50 Hybrid Better?Mazda offers the CX-50 with a hybrid powertrain engineered by Toyota. The CX-50 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter I-4 engine and three electric motors for AWD and total output of 219 hp. With that, 0–60-mph acceleration takes 7.6 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementImproved fuel economy is the real benefit: The CX-50 Hybrid gets about 39/37 mpg city/highway and can go more than 550 miles on a tank of gas. Read more about the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid here.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe 2026 CX-50 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and NHTSA five-star overall safety designation, each the best possible accolade from those respective organizations.Standard FeaturesMazda’s driver assist features aren’t as well-tuned as equivalents from some rival automakers, but many features are still included on the CX-50. Among those are front automatic emergency braking, rear and side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesHigher-end CX-50 models gain intersection collision mitigation and enhanced adaptive cruise control that provides more steering assistance in low-speed traffic situations.Cargo Space and Interior RoomPassenger space inside the CX-50 is about what’s expected from the segment, but the Mazda’s rivals tend to provide considerably more cargo capacity.TechnologyInfotainmentThe CX-50 uses a 10.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Depending on the driving scenario, this screen is either a touchscreen or controlled by a knob on the center console. There’s also a 7.0-inch adjustable display in the gauge cluster. Both rows of seats have USB-C ports, and the front row has a wireless charging pad.Sound SystemAn eight-speaker audio system is standard, and higher-end models gain a Bose 12-speaker premium setup.Available UpgradesWell-equipped CX-50 models gain a head-up display and built-in navigation with off-road maps.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 CX-50 should start at about $32,000 in 2.5 S Select trim. This model comes with LED headlights, 17-inch black-painted wheels, and roof rails.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin has manually adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leatherette-accented upholstery, and a 10.3-inch infotainment display. Other features include keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charging pad.Recommended TrimFor the CX-50, the turbocharged engine is nice to have but not a must-have—the hybrid model is preferable.For the base engine, the 2.5 S Premium trim adds niceties that make it our pick in the range. Among those are heated and ventilated front seats, a power operated tailgate, leather-trimmed upholstery, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Windshield wiper deicers and heated side mirrors help in cold weather. A panoramic sunroof and 20-inch wheels add some panache. Pricing for the 2027 CX-50 2.5 S Premium starts at about $36,000.Mazda CX-50 vs CX-5: What’s the Difference?Compact SUVs are very popular, but Mazda is one of few manufacturers that offers two vehicles in that segment—and those, the CX-50 and CX-5, are pretty similar. Notably, the CX-5 was fully redesigned for 2026, with new sheetmetal, a longer wheelbase, increased passenger and cargo space, and touchscreen-centric user interface.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven though the CX-5 is now newer than the CX-50, both use the same 2.5-liter I-4 engine. A turbocharged new CX-5 is likely to arrive eventually but has not been officially confirmed. However, Mazda has announced a new CX-5 Hybrid that uses an in-house-engineered powertrain, not one supplied by Toyota as in the current CX-50 Hybrid.See all the details on the new-generation Mazda CX-5 here.
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