Mazda CX-50 an affordable stellar driving experience 

MAZDA

The 2026 Mazda CX-50.

Mazda’s CX-50 is slightly bigger than the CX-5, or at least it was. 

There is an all-new version of the CX-5 coming soon that may be bigger or the same size as the current CX-50 which questions the necessity of this vehicle.

If you are confused, so am I, but that’s nothing new for me. Mazda is keeping the CX-50 around for obvious reasons – it’s a great vehicle that suits the needs of a general population.

The CX-50 looks more rugged than the CX-5. It has standard electronic AWD, and my version was the hybrid premium plus. That version has no options and only a few accessories available. It’s top dog, in other words.

The Hybrid CX-50 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine coupled to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. This setup allows the CX-50 to achieve 38 miles per gallon which is fairly frugal for a vehicle this size.

Mazda’s hallmark is its ability to deliver an enthusiast’s driving experience at an economy car price. There isn’t a twisty road that intimidates this vehicle. It corners with confidence ad tracks the highway with authority. It has the latest gadgets to keep it centered in lanes but most of the credit goes to Mazda’s excellent suspension.

The CX-50 will hold five people comfortably but only has so-so cargo space if you carry all five.

The second row will fold to give you more cargo space.

The interior is much like all Mazdas – functional but also upscale. There is plastic but it doesn’t feel or look cheap. There is wood, metal and leather to give a more luxury feel and look.

The seats are leather and comfortable. Power adjustments are standard on both front seats and each seat is heated. The steering wheel and rear seats are heated as well.

The biggest problem with the interior is the touch screen which is only a touch screen if Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is being used. The rotary control works fine but I’ve yet to figure why Mazda doesn’t go full touch screen.

The amount of standard equipment for the hybrid premium plus model is staggering. Leather seats the are heated I front and rear, ventilated front seats, dual zone climate control, smart cruise control, power mirrors with two position memory function, LED headlights with adaptive front lighting system, black metallic interior trim and contrast stitching, aluminum roof rails and dual exhaust tips are what separates this from the premium models.

The premium plus model also has a 12-speaker Bose system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three months of SiriusXM satellite radio, traffic sign recognition, windshield wiper de-icer, power lift gate, 911 automatic emergency notification, HD radio and built in Alexa.

The as-tested price was around $42,540. That’s not a bad price for a premium hybrid SUV. This is a bit more expensive than competitors but none drive as nicely as the Mazda. 

The company continues to offer impressive vehicles that satisfy those who want a little more than average transportation.

Pros:

• Efficient engine setup

• Excellent handling

• Loaded with equipment

• Smooth, comfortable ride

• Modern, upscale interior 

• Handsome exterior

• AWD

Cons:

• Pricey

• Limited cargo space

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