The Mazda CX-50 arrived for the 2023 model year as the latest in a line of successful crossovers from the brand. Mazda’s first foray into the extremely popular compact SUV segment was the Mazda CX-5, which debuted way back in 2013 and continues to be a popular alternative to cars such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue, and the Chevrolet Equinox. Compared with the CX-5, the CX-50 is lower and longer. It also has more ground clearance, so it's both sleeker and more rugged. The two cars occupy similar territory, but the CX-5 outsells its newer sibling.
A key element of the Mazda CX-50’s appeal is an interior that looks and feels smarter than most compact crossover rivals. Two powertrain options are offered in the CX-50: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine that produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, or an optional turbocharged engine that produces as much as 256 hp and 320 lb-ft (max power is achieved using 93-octane premium gasoline; the turbocharged engine produces 227 hp on regular unleaded).
In addition to being noticeably quicker, Mazda CX-50 turbo models can tow up to 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds) compared to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) with the base four-cylinder engine. Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is standard with both powertrains, as is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, with multiple drive modes (including a towing mode for turbocharged models). A Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is also available and delivers an estimated 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined.
Mazda is known for producing vehicles that are more fun to drive than their primary competitors, and that's true of the CX-50 compact crossover. The CX-50’s taut suspension, sporty steering feel, and well-tuned powertrain make Mazda’s crossover SUV more engaging on the road than its rivals. On the flipside, buyers looking for the roomiest option or those who prefer a softer ride may want to consider something other than the CX-50. A test drive is in order if you’re not sure if the CX-50’s driving experience is something you’d enjoy or come to dislike.
It’s also worth noting that the Mazda Connect infotainment system requires the use of physical knobs and buttons. Though the infotainment display is a touchscreen, the touch functionality only works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda CX-50 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda CX-50 years are the best?
As with most popular vehicles, Mazda has made small but meaningful updates across the CX-50's production run. Therefore, the latest version you can find is likely to be the best available.
What are the worst Mazda CX-50 years?
There is only one generation of the Mazda CX-50 to consider, and there haven’t been any significant powertrain changes over its production run so far. That said, the old adage to avoid the first model year of any all-new vehicle may apply here. CarComplaints.com highlights the 2023 CX-50 as having the most complaints overall, though the number of complaints is low and they are generally not severe.
Is a used Mazda CX-50 a good deal?
In Canada, prices for used examples of the Mazda CX-50 are roughly on par with its rivals. On the other hand, it’s not possible to buy a CX-50 new as of this writing as imports have been suspended due to tariffs. Used is therefore the only way to get one at the moment. If you’re shopping for a compact SUV and like a sporty driving experience but don’t mind a slightly cramped rear seat and lower cargo capacity than average, then a used Mazda CX-50 deserves a test drive.
Mazda CX-50 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stylish design
- Fun to drive
- Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
- Not much cargo space
- Unintuitive infotainment system
- Not as comfortable as some rivals
Mazda CX-50 Generations
Mazda CX-50 First Generation (2023-Present)
The first (and current) generation of the Mazda CX-50 crossover debuted for the 2023 model year, joining the similarly sized CX-5 in the brand’s dealerships across North America. The CX-50's styling is longer and lower than the CX-5's, and buyers interested in rear-seat legroom will find more of it in the CX-50 than its sibling. When properly equipped, the CX-50 has a higher towing capacity than the CX-5. Because it offers more ground clearance, it’s slightly more capable on rutted or rocky dirt roads.
In 2023, the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre Mazda CX-50 lineup for Canada included GS-L and GT models. The more powerful engine was an option on the GT trim. The base GS-L trim level included LED headlights, keyless entry, pushbutton start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a power-sliding panoramic moonroof, an 8-speaker sound system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Standard exterior features included 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, roof rails, a rear roof spoiler, a power liftgate with programmable height adjustment, and dual exhaust outlets. A lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind spot monitor, and a driver attention monitor were part of the CX-50's standard safety and driver assistance features.
Specs for the Mazda CX-50 GT — the top trim level without the optional turbocharged engine — included leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, LED front and rear signature lighting, auto-leveling headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors, a piano black grille, and more. It also featured a Bose 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio (with an included trial subscription), a wireless charging pad, on-board navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic jam assist.
Adding the turbocharged engine to the GT trim also equipped the towing mode for the Mi-Drive system, paddle shifters, larger exhaust outlets, and black front and rear bumpers with silver accents.
For 2024, a CX-50 Meridian Edition was added to the line-up. It was based on the GT Turbo and also added 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tires, a terracotta leather interior, hood graphics, and side rocker garnishes. The optional Apex Package tacked on a roof platform with roof-mounted black crossbars and front and rear splash guards.
The base four-cylinder powertrain achieved Natural Resources Canada-estimated fuel economy of 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. The turbocharged engine increased those ratings to 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.2 highway, and 9.4 combined.
For 2025, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid joined the two gasoline-fueled powertrain options, borrowing technology from Toyota to produce 219 horsepower. The larger 10.25-inch infotainment display became standard across the board for the 2025 model year, and Amazon’s Alexa Built-In technology was added.
As of this writing, the Mazda CX-50 has not been sold in Canada for the 2026 model year due to the ongoing tariff situation.
In Canada, prices on the used vehicle market for the earliest CX-50 models start at just under $30,000, while like-new examples can top $50,000. Used hybrid models start at about $45,000.
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