2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, giving it a sleek and seductive appearance that was characteristic of Mazda's design ethos over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness not seen before, with its blistered fender swells and bold lower body cladding. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the 2023 CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, and the dashboard was equipped with round analog and digital gauges. While the vertical air vents framed the instrument cluster, the lone off-centre vent on the dash seemed like an afterthought. Despite this, the overall interior design was attractive, with terracotta upholstery available on higher trims. The CX-50's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to combining style with functionality, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, while maintaining its rugged counterpart status to the CX-5, offered a more refined design. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. The square wheel arches and fake air vents below the headlights and taillights added to its robust appearance. The 2024 model was available in three trims: GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition, with the latter featuring all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The optional Apex Package further enhanced its adventurous image with a roof platform and splash guards. However, unlike its competitors, the CX-50 did not include suspension changes or additional drive modes for off-road capability.

The interior of the 2024 CX-50 was pleasing, with an infotainment screen positioned on a shelf reminiscent of BMW designs. The material quality and fit and finish were impressive for a non-luxury brand, and the use of piano black plastic trim was minimal. The earthy colour palette, including Polymetal Grey Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint and Terracotta leather upholstery, added to its appeal. However, the CX-50's aspirations to move upscale were still a work in progress, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat on base models. Despite these limitations, the CX-50 offered a sensible layout and adequate storage space, making it a practical choice for buyers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, with the base GT model featuring a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivered power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, with fuel consumption rated at 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim provided a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel type. Torque varied from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The turbo model also increased towing capacity from 907 kg to 1,587 kg. The CX-50 Turbo offered smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with minimal turbo lag. Mazda's Mi-Drive system provided Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, though the differences between them were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was firmer than the CX-5, and it exhibited some torque steer during tight turns. Despite this, the CX-50 felt more like a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 continued to use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo engine offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard across all models, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kg. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires provided limited grip and increased noise, and the roof platform added wind noise at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was well-mannered and suitable for daily driving, though it lacked the engaging driving experience of the CX-5.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for winter with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort in warmer weather. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could benefit from more side bolstering. The back seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, facilitating easy entry and exit. Storage space was adequate, though Mazda missed opportunities for additional storage bins. The available smartphone charger was conveniently located under the centre armrest. The power rear liftgate revealed 889 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 1,595 litres when the rear seats were folded. While the load floor was long, it was narrow between the wheel wells, and the CX-50 offered slightly less cargo space than the CX-5 due to its lower roofline.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5's maximum capacity. The CX-50 trailed most competitors in cargo space, though it offered more than the Subaru Forester with the rear seats up. The available power liftgate improved cargo-area access, but the space was not ideal for dirty or bulky items. The optional roof platform was high, making it challenging for shorter individuals to use. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage space, despite the substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. While some automakers have reduced shifter size to free up space, Mazda demonstrated that it was not necessary.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. In Canada, a 10.25-inch display was standard. Historically, Mazda Connect did not offer touchscreen control, relying instead on centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the screen was not optimally positioned for touch input. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered valuable information within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 also featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with dual front and rear USB ports available. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the touchscreen-free interface required adjustment, it provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without taking eyes off the road. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, but it was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity. The system's graphics were less relevant when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and less-than-stellar results in night-time pedestrian collision avoidance and the updated side crash test. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on higher trims. The standard active blind-spot monitoring system could prevent unsafe lane changes, while optional features included Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 also received a 2023 Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. The NHTSA had not published complete safety ratings for the 2024 model year. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included emergency lane-keeping, rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system. While these features were beneficial, the standard equipment covered essential safety needs.