Introduction

The 2024 CX-50 is Mazda's second entry into the crowded compact SUV segment. It is the more outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5, but offers 10 different trims so you can get exactly what you are looking for in a vehicle. The CX-50 also boasts increased off road capabilities from Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). They are in stock now at Tustin Mazda. Come in and see one today.

Performance

Powertrain

Mazda offers two different engines for the CX-50 SUV. The first is a naturally aspirated 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder producing 186 hp. The second is a more aggressive 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder turbo producing 256 hp. Both engines come with a 6 speed automatic transmission and All Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard with all trims. We recommend the Turbo to fully appreciate the driving dynamics of this compact SUV, especially when trying to accelerate at highway speeds. Mazda is also working with Toyota to produce a hybrid model. The release date on the CX-50 hybrid has not been confirmed at this time though.

Drive

With the 2024 CX-50 Mazda is taking the CX-5 off road. It keeps the SKYACTIV-G engine and i-AVTIV AWD drive train and adds Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) to further improve the handling in changing road conditions. For the latest model Mazda retuned the suspension and steering to provide a smoother ride from the 2023 model.

If you're serious about driving dynamics we recommend you upgrade to the turbo, but both engines offer a smooth and athletic drive. It offers two different drive modes to adjust for changing road conditions or your personal driving style. Sport mode, engaged from the button next to the shifter in the center console, stiffens the steering and adjusts shift points for a more aggressive driving experience. Off road mode, designed for loose surfaces and deeply rutted trails, in engaged by pressing the “TCS OFF” button. This will engage the brakes on wheels that are spinning freely to transfer power to the wheels with traction. While normal mode will get you through your daily drive, it's nice to know your CX-50 has options for when you want to punch it up a little.

Safety

Safety

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 includes the i-Activsense suite of safety features. The i-Activsense system offers a host of innovative driver assistance and safety technologies to help avoid collisions, enhance driver awareness and minimize the severity of an impact. Not all safety features are standard with all trims, so talk to your sales representative at Tustin Mazda if you have questions.

These include:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control maintains a set speed and minimum following distance from the traffic ahead.
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert to notify the driver of traffic coming from the sides.
- Smart Brake Support
- Six total airbags including dual frontal airbags, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags (curtains), and driver and front passenger knee airbags
- Anti-lock brake system with brake assist
- Lane Departure Warning System

Exterior Design

Mazda gave the CX-50 a more aggressive exterior than its sleek SUV counterparts. It features more muscular shoulders over the wheels and cladding along the body to give it a more solid look. The front is more square, but the rear tapers in an almost coupe-like fashion. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the reinforced roof racks designed to carry equipment like kayaks and rooftop storage units. Overall the evolution of the Kodo design language is more confident that its predecessors and worth a look at Tustin Mazda

Interior Design

Crafted Interior

The 2024 CX-50 offers comfortable leather seats and matching soft touch plastic and leather accented dashboard and door trim. Overall every surface looks and feels like a luxury car especially when compared to other compact SUVs in the same price range. It's the kind of vehicle you need to sit in to fully appreciate so come visit us from anywhere in Orange County and see one for yourself.

Technology

The Mazda CX-50 features an analog driver gauge cluster with a digital center screen and a larger 10.3” central infotainment screen. Mazda does not use touchscreens, instead the infotainment unit is controlled by a rotary dial located in the center console next to the driver's thigh. Avoiding a touchscreen allowed Mazda to fully integrate the infotainment unit into the dash, which is pushed away from the driver and passenger to give them more space and also incorporate the screen better into the driver's field of view. It has a straightforward layout and simple controls to ensure it is easy to use while on the road. They also included a heads up display that projects the current speed onto the windshield. Android Auto and Apple Carplay come standard and the cockpit includes a USB port in the central storage compartment and in the center stack. It also offers a 360 degree exterior vehicle view alongside the backup camera.

Seating

The Mazda CX-50 seats and offers more room than the subcompact CX-30, however it will still be tight for 3 adults or a rear facing car seat. The seats are certainly comfortable though and made from the same leather as the front seats. The driver and front passenger seats offer both 3 level heating and cooling and the outside rear seats are also heated. It offers rear vents to keep your passengers comfortable and two USB ports in a small compartment in the fold down arm rest.

Cargo

The rear of the CX-50 offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row seats. If you need more room or need to transport something longer the 60/40 rear seats fold down to create 59 cubic feet of total space. Additionally, the elongated cargo floor and lift gate opening are optimized for stowing outdoor gear. If you need more storage a properly equipped CX-50 can tow up to 2,000 lbs.