2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo AWD Meridian Edition
10/24/2024
Shahed Hussain
Synopsis
Review
As SUVs have become among the best-selling vehicles in the US, Mazda has adjusted its model range accordingly. The CX-50 compact SUV slots just above the popular CX-5, and below the new CX-70 in Mazda's lineup.
Mazda offers the 2024 CX-50 in eight models, starting with the 2.5 S ($30,300) and ranging up to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus ($43,300). We tested the top CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition ($40,800) painted in the optional Zircon Sand ($450). Adding the Apex Package ($1,235) and delivery fee ($1,420) totaled up to $43,905. Notable standard equipment includes 18-in. alloy wheels, roof rack, moonroof, adaptive front lights, power rear hatch, 8-speaker audio system, leather seats, 8-way power driver's and 6-way front passenger seats, heated front seats, 10.25-in infotainment display, wireless Android Auto(TM) and Apple CarPlay(TM). Mazda's suite of active safety technologies includes radar cruise control, rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
As in its other SUVs, Mazda has two version of its 2.5L inline-4: normally-aspirated or turbocharged, both mated to a 6-speed automatic. The all-aluminum, direct-injected DOHC turbo is rated for 256-hp @ 5,000 RPM and 320 lb.-ft. @ 2,500 RPM on 93-octane gasoline. Power and torque drop to 227-hp/310 lb.-ft. on 87-octane fuel. Mazda has implemented engine idle-off technology on the 2.5L turbo, an increasingly common technology as automakers reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The six-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels via Mazda's i-Activ AWD system and a 3.841:1 final drive ratio. Both fifth (0.707:1) and sixth (0.600:1) gear ratios are overdrive. EPA fuel consumption is rated at 23/29 MPG (city/hwy.). We averaged around 19-20 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving. According to Mazda, all CX-50s powered by the 2.5L turbo are capable of 142 MPH.
The CX-50 front suspension consists of MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar. At the rear is a torsion beam setup with coil springs and dampers. An electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system is geared for 2.7 turns lock-to-lock. Brakes are all discs: 12.8 in. rotors front and rear. Turbo CX-50s are available with 18-in. or 20-in. alloy wheels. The CX-50 Meridian Edition rolls on 18-in. alloy wheels and 225/60R18 Falken Wildpeak A/T tires. CX-50 Turbo models weigh in at 3,913 lbs. and towing capacity is 3,500 lbs.
Mazda's interior design and materials are typically more premium than its direct Asian and American competitors, and the CX-50 doesn't disappoint. Polished aluminum trim accents the steering wheel, dash vents and center console. The gray leather seats are stitched in orange thread, with matching stitching across the dashboard. Most surfaces such as the dash, door panels, and center console are padded.
The CX-50's leather-wrapped steering wheel has audio, cruise and phone controls integrated on the spokes. Dual paddle shifters are mounted behind the steering wheel. Mazda's configurable digital cluster displays a tachometer, speedometer, coolant temperature and fuel level. Smaller bar graphs next to the speedometer indicate fuel consumption and range. Mazda widescreen infotainment display projects out of the dashboard, but its low profile doesn't obstruct vision. The non-touchscreen display is controlled using a rotary knob and buttons on the center console. Seat heater/ventilation and steering wheel heater controls are set in the climate control panel. Dual cupholders are located ahead of the transmission shift lever. A Qi wireless charging pad on the center console allows convenient phone recharging. A 12V outlet on the center stack can power common electrical accessories.
Mazda's front seats provide decent lateral support, but the protruding stitched seam in the seatback can cause some discomfort. Headroom front and rear is restricted for occupants over 5'-10" due to the panoramic sunroof. Rear passengers benefit from acceptable legroom and good seat comfort. The center position is only suitable for short trips due to the hard seatback.
Mazda's turbo inline-4 delivers excellent low and midrange throttle response, moving the CX-50 swiftly through urban traffic. Highway acceleration is similarly robust, enabling quick passing in the left lane as needed. Compared to the previous CX-50 we reviewed, Mazda has tamed the noise and vibration from the 2.5L turbo, which is now as refined as other large inline-fours from competitors. Torque steer was nonexistent, as the AWD system routed power to the rear wheels for enhanced traction and stability.
As a mainstream compact SUV, the CX-50 aims for competent but not sporty handling. On winding roads, the suspension exhibits mild understeer and minimal body roll, but around tight curves the front weight bias contributes to increased understeer. Mazda's engineers tuned the springs and dampers for excellent body control, despite its semi-independent rear axle. Where the CX-50's ride suffers is on patched highways; the rear axle is unable to absorb road impacts effectively, degrading passenger comfort. The CX-50's brakes provide firm pedal feel and progressive actuation. Steering is accurate with acceptable power assist, but we the all-terrain tires require more steering correction than the all-season tires on the CX-50 models. The optional roof rack in the Apex Package adds significant wind noise above 60 MPH. We recommend removing the roof rack unless needed for luggage stowage.
As more SUVs have returned to emphasizing their off-road capabilities, Mazda has followed the segment trends by introducing the new CX-50 Meridian Edition. If gravel and dirt roads trails are part of your weekend activities, this Mazda is for you.
