Mazda’s CX-50 stands out from other compact SUVs for its engaging handling and light off-road capabilities. It also offers state-of-the-art safety features like the latest iteration of the i-ACTIVSENSE suite.
The 2025 CX-50 adds a hybrid variant that should achieve an impressive 38 mpg combined. It should compete well with other hybrids and conventional nonhybrid models in this class.
Interior
Mazda is known for handling cars that feel upscale, and the 2025 CX-50 proves these skills translate to SUVs. Its lithe chassis, communicative steering, and optional 256-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine deliver driving thrills that aren’t often found in this class of compact SUVs. Even with the standard front-wheel drive, this is one of the most fun to drive vehicles on the market.
The available i-Activ AWD system uses the vehicle’s sensors to predict when wheelspin will occur and sends power to the area most affected. It also includes a system called Mi-Drive, which lets drivers choose from Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings to tailor the vehicle’s responses to different conditions.
All models include a 10.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They also have a rear-seat alert system, a power-sliding panoramic moonroof, and a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system. The top-of-the-line CX-50 Hybrid adds a head-up display and an extra USB port for charging smartphones.
Drivers who prioritize safety will love the CX-50’s standard list of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, traffic-jam assist, and lane-departure warning. All of this technology helped the model earn a IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. If you need to install child safety seats, there are two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the back outboard positions and a tether anchor for the middle seat.
Exterior
Mazda’s lithe handling, communicative steering, and a perky optional 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine provide driving thrills that are rare in this class. Its long hood and short overhangs give the CX-50 a rakish, sporty look that rivals SUVs from luxury brands.
The interior is luxurious and well-appointed. Even in the base S Select, which is one of the cheapest models in the class, buyers get a large infotainment screen and a power-sliding panoramic moonroof. Mazda’s standard Mi-Drive system can predict wheel spin and respond almost instantly, sending torque to where it’s needed most. A variety of drive modes lets you tailor the experience to your mood.
All trims offer adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam assist, an around-view camera, and a head-up display. An available augmented reality traffic system projects important information directly onto the windshield, and the top-of-the-line Premium model adds a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The CX-50 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and has a generous three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also offers a unique set of active safety features, including a driver-attention monitor that warns if the car detects signs of fatigue or distraction, and an automatic emergency braking system with nighttime pedestrian detection and head-on collision mitigation.
Technology
Mazda includes plenty of high-quality technology and features in the CX-50. The interior feels upscale, even in lower-level models, and there’s good headroom and legroom for passengers. However, the infotainment system doesn’t always respond to touch, and some functions are only available via a console-mounted dial.
Mazda’s signature Kodo design language gives the CX-50 a sophisticated look and feel. Its long hood and short overhangs create a muscular stance that adds to its confidence-inspiring presence on the road.
The available power-sliding panoramic moonroof opens the cabin to natural light and enhances the sense of open space. Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps you and your passengers comfortable, and the rear seats can be heated or ventilated.
Drivers can customize their driving experience with Mazda’s Mi-Drive system, which automatically adjusts vehicle settings for optimum performance. When tackling slippery roads, the system can predict wheelspin and respond almost instantly by sending more power to the wheels that need it most. It also provides selectable drive modes for a more engaging driving experience.
In terms of safety, the CX-50 offers adaptive cruise control, emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. You can also keep tabs on your SUV using the available mobile app, which allows you to lock/unlock your doors, start it, and check its status from anywhere.
Safety
For the 2025 CX-50, Mazda has made a number of upgrades to its safety features and functions. All models include the latest iteration of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite, which uses cameras, sensors, and radar to help protect drivers and passengers. Features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, traffic jam assist, and more.
Also available is a suite of smart convenience functions that connect the CX-50 to your smartphone. The Mazda Connected Services app lets you lock/unlock your vehicle, start the engine, check vehicle status, and more from anywhere you have an internet connection. This system also gives you the ability to connect your car to popular third-party apps like Spotify and Amazon Alexa, which will allow you to use voice commands to control your vehicle’s functions and your home’s connected devices.
The most significant addition to the 2025 CX-50 is the hybrid powertrain, which adds three electric motors to a gas engine that produces up to 219 horsepower. Mazda claims this hybrid setup will return up to 38 mpg combined, which is a good figure for the segment.