Mazda’s all-new compact SUV adds to the Mazda ensemble as an outdoor-oriented companion to the CX 5. The CX 50 establishes its own distinct identity through a lower, more athletic stance. Its capabilities invite its occupants to discover wilderness adventure possibilities and excitement.
The CX 50 is the first vehicle to be assembled in the new Huntsville, Alabama Plant, which is a joint venture with Toyota.
You have a choice between the naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 187-horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and the Twin-scroll Turbo 2.5-liter producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The latter model was my test vehicle. The transmission is the same SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed auto with i-ACTIV AWD across the board.
Turbocharged CX 50 has a rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, for a combined average of 25 mpg. Turbo power plus AWD enables this 3,900-pound vehicle to go from 0-60 in just over 6 seconds.
Inside the cabin, there are spots for five in leather-trimmed seats. In the front, the driver’s seat is 8-way power-adjustable with two-position memory, while the front passenger seat is 6-way power-adjustable. The heated steering wheel also features paddle shifters for added driving engagement. The power liftgate is wide, allowing for quicker loading and loading.
The CX 50 rests on 20-inch alloy wheels, and its exterior features rear roof spoilers, dual exhaust, large pipes, plus heated side mirrors with memory.
The interior is fairly clean and modest, not dazzling you with technology. The 10.25-inch color center touchscreen infotainment system with a dial controller on the center console is superb. You can integrate your phone by way of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Front leg room is adequate, but taller folks may have limited head room in the rear, since the seats do not slide or recline.
The available surround-view camera system gives you a good view of your surroundings, but the camera use is limited to no faster than 10 mph.
The turbo engine allows up to 3,500 pounds for towing, and on the turbo models the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) is equipped with a specific mode for towing. The Towing Mode tweaks the transmission logic to accommodate the heavy load, and uses the AWD system to compensate for trailer sway.
Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control compensates for the rear load and restores the steering response by shifting weight to the front tires when steering wheel movement is sensed. These systems keep the vehicle “centered in its lane and tracking straight.”
For a long road trip, the small rubberized tray for phone plus modest size cup holder bins and door pockets may not be adequate.
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning System withLane Keeping Assist, Rear View Monitor, Driver Attention Alert, Hill Launch Assist, and 24-hour Roadside Assistance are all standard on the CX 50 to ensure peace-of-mind for everyone aboard.
The vehicle has not been given the NHTSA 5-Star Rating as of this writing.
Manufacturer’s Suggested retail Price for the CX 50 starts at $26,800 for the base 2.5 S. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model sit at the top of the lineup and carries a sticker price of $41,550.
Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
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