Among the questions I get from car buyers, “What’s a fuel-efficient SUV that’s not too expensive and fun to drive?” seems to top the list these days. Many of you don’t want to go electric, and even a plug-in sounds like a bad idea, so you’re looking for a great alternative. Enter the Mazda CX-50. She’s got all of those features, but with three different powertrain options and loads of trims, navigating the CX-50 as a buyer can be as baffling as trying to get your teenager out of bed by noon.
The Mazda CX-50 At A Glance
The CX-50 is essentially the new, rougher version of the CX-5 mid-sized SUV. Competitors include:
Standard features include:
- All Wheel Drive
- Mazda Safety Features: Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Alexa Built In
With a starting MSRP of around $30,000, the CX-50 is about as good a value as possible. But don’t get too comfortable there—there are plenty of great reasons to splurge for the higher trims. Let me show you why:
For The Prius Person
If you’re coming out of a Prius (first of all, congratulations), it may also interest you that this hybrid system—composed of a 2.5L liter engine paired with three electric motors—was developed in partnership with Toyota (which owns a 5% stake in Mazda). So you’ll feel right at home. Honestly, it’s a very efficient and smooth engine. Another upside—the electric motors allow the transmission to be an eCVT, which smooths the ride considerably.
If you have a standard hybrid (meaning non-PHEV) vehicle and love breezing past the fuel station and the bragging rights of a slow-sipping set of wheels, you’ll want to check out the Hybrid CX-50, new for 2025. Check out my video here:
The Hybrid model starts at $33,900 MSRP the one I drove above was the highest trim (the Hybrid Premium Plus), which costs $40,050. Why spend the extra $6k or so? Well, for me, the Bose sound system is worth every penny. But if you’re less of a sound snob, consider the 19″ wheels, automatic folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, and 6-way power passenger seat for your picky shotgun riders.
Which Mazda CX-50 Is Right For The Enthusiast
If you’re the kind of person who curses every GT3 that passes you in traffic and gets wistful at even the idea of a track day, I got you, too. The turbo trim of this little monster is a blast. No, I’m serious. Pop this bad boy into manual, change the drive mode to SPORT, and you can get your blood genuinely flowing. Can you catch up to that GT3? Calm down, fool. That’s crazy. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun.
At $43,300, the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus sounds expensive. And I know what you’re thinking: why not just get a Miata? I’m certainly not going to argue. But if you need to do tedious things like carpooling, grocery runs, and things like bikes, boards, and gear, the CX-50 makes sense.
The specs on the turbo trim are impressive: the 2.5L turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine produces 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. No, those aren’t Lamborghini-busting stats, but those numbers are just fine for a sweet, unassuming SUV.
How About The Cheap (But Generous) Parent?
If you’re a parent considering a CX-50 for your new driver, it is a great idea. Honestly, with the standard safety systems, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, you’ve got a great option in this car. Like all other cars for new drivers, I’d say which trim you should buy honestly depends on that driver. Don’t even think about the turbo if you’ve got a lead-footed son. No, it’s not fast enough to get him arrested, but it performs well enough for him to think he can do things he can’t. If you give him the standard trim, you certainly won’t have that problem. As for timid young women, I love the turbo trim, mainly because it includes an enhanced safety system that includes front cross-traffic alert and smart brake support.
The New Mom
Once again, I’d lean into the Hybrid trim for the new family. There’s plenty of room for car seats, the all-wheel drive for peace of mind, and the EPA-estimated 38 combined MPG is about 40% better than the base model. With a delightful drive at lower speeds, the hybrid will keep you and the little one comfy. I loved the Premium Plus trim with the heated (hello back pain) and ventilated seat.
The Verdict
One thing that Mazda is really good at doing (like other small and loyal brands like Volvo and Subaru) is understanding and listening to their customers. I feel that the timing of the CX-50 hybrid couldn’t be better, as so many people are looking to save fuel costs but aren’t quite ready to go electric. But as the standard and turbo trims are also solid, it’s hard to go wrong with the Mazda CX-50.