
The interior design is consistent with the rest of the Mazda line, but the blockier, upright air vents add a slightly more muscular vibe consistent with the exterior. Materials quality is similarly elevated, with padded, soft-touch surfaces and high-quality switchgear. What are the CX-50 interior and in-car technology like? Mazda also increased prices by $800 in early August, which is reflected in our pricing section below. The more rugged Meridian Edition will be added mid-way through the model year. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? In total, we think the Mazda CX-50 is more appealing than the CX-5, which was already one of our top compact SUVs. Mazda also doesn’t offer a hybrid version (though few competitors can match its muscular turbo engine upgrade). Downsides? The knob-and-display infotainment system won’t be for everyone, even if Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be operated by touch, and tech offerings in general aren’t as robust as those of some rivals. It’s also similarly luxurious, boasting elevated materials quality and a tasteful minimalist design aesthetic with a few extra angles here and there to correspond with the CX-50’s slightly more rugged vibe.

Basically, it’s better for taking long road trips to outdoorsy vacation spots.Īt the same time, the CX-50 is every bit the engaging, driver-focused vehicle to drive as the CX-5 and every other Mazda. The extra ground clearance also speaks to the CX-50’s more rugged capabilities, which in concert with a unique-for-Mazda Off-Road drive mode, make it more capable of tackling unpaved roads. Instead, those larger dimensions result in the CX-50 feeling more substantial and refined, and a bit more like a midsize SUV (the Chevy Blazer is broadly comparable). Those don’t really translate to a larger interior – you’ll find back-seat legroom and cargo space virtually the same. At least on the outside, where the CX-50 measures a considerable 6.7 inches longer and 3.1 inches wider than its sibling, and is an inch higher off the ground.

Well, although both technically belong to the compact SUV segment, the CX-5 is on the small end, while the CX-50 is one of the bigger offerings. So what do you get along with that zero in the name? And they’re both compact SUVs that offer the same engines and are only about $1,000 apart. Pros: Engaging and refined driving experience luxurious interior strong turbo engine good looksĬons: No hybrid available infotainment system won't be for everyone
