Mazda CX-50

Not to be confused with Mazda CX-5.

The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 2022 for the North American and Chinese market.^[4] Based on the same transverse, front-wheel-drive platform as the fourth-generation Mazda3 and the CX-30, the vehicle is sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5 and will be positioned below the larger, rear-wheel-drive based CX-70.^[5]

Mazda CX-50
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT (Canada)
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Model code	VA[1]
Production	January 2022 – present
Model years	2023–present
Assembly	United States: Huntsville, Alabama (MTMUS) China: Nanjing (Changan Mazda)
Designer	Eiji Kimoto,[2] Takeshi Shinohara, Kouhei Kawakami, Young-Joon Suh, Ryousuke Nozaki, Yutaka Sukegawa, Heitetsu Takemoto, and Yasuyuki Murata[3]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Platform	Small Product Group
Related	Mazda3 (BP) Mazda CX-30
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 2.0 L Skyactiv-G PE-VPS I4 (China) 2.5 L Skyactiv-G PY-VPS I4 2.5 L Skyactiv-G PY-VPTS turbo I4 Gasoline hybrid: 2.5 L Toyota A25A/A25D-FXS I4
Power output	PE-VPS: 153 hp (114 kW) PY-VPS: 187 hp (139 kW) PY-VPTS: 227–256 hp (169–191 kW) HEV: 176 hp (131 kW)
Transmission	6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic eCVT (HEV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.8 in (2,814 mm)
Length	185.8 in (4,719 mm) 188.4 in (4,785 mm) (China)
Width	75.6 in (1,920 mm)
Height	63.5–63.9 in (1,613–1,623 mm)
Curb weight	3,706–3,907 lb (1,681–1,772 kg)

Overview

The CX-50 was officially revealed on November 15, 2021. Compared to the smaller CX-5, the vehicle is designed with emphasis in "active and outdoor lifestyles", by introducing squarer styling and larger body cladding.^[6] A more rugged off-road-styled variant named the Meridian Edition is also available.^[7] Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive technology and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) are standard in the CX-50.^[7]

Compared to the CX-5, Mazda designed a lower roof for the CX-50 to grant easier access to the roof racks, despite the increased ground clearance.^[8] It is also the first Mazda ever to feature a panoramic sunroof as an option.^[9]

The CX-50 began production at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant in Huntsville, Alabama, United States alongside the unrelated Toyota Corolla Cross on January 26, 2022, marking Mazda's return to production in the United States after 10 years when American assembly of the Mazda6 sedan ceased in 2012.^[10]

In international markets, the CX-50 is also marketed in Colombia since December 2022 and Mexico since March 2023.^[11][12] It is also produced and marketed in China by Changan Mazda, where production started since March 2023.^[13][14] The Chinese model is slightly modified with a longer rear bumper, and a 55 millimetres (2.2 in) larger rear legroom.^[15]

• 
  Rear view of CX-50 GT (Canada)
• 
  CX-50 Premium (front view; USA)

Powertrain

The CX-50 is powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine offered in its standard naturally-aspirated (PY-VPS) form, which produces 187 horsepower (139 kW) and 186 pound-feet (252 N⋅m; 26 kg⋅m) of torque, and a turbocharged (PY-VPTS) variant that outputs 227 horsepower (169 kW) (with 87 AKI octane fuel) or 256 horsepower (191 kW) (with 93 AKI octane fuel) and 320 pound-feet (434 N⋅m; 44 kg⋅m) of torque.^[7][16]

In November 2023, the CX-50 HEV went on sale in China. It is powered by a 2.5-litre A25D-FXS engine and the Toyota Hybrid System, paired with an eCVT gearbox.^[17]

Trim levels

The CX-50 in the United States is available in Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. The turbocharged engine option is reserved for Base (Turbo), Premium, and Premium Plus trims. In addition, Mazda also offers a more rugged "Meridian Edition" trim for the turbocharged model, which adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, model-specific front hood graphics, and other outdoor-oriented accessories.^[18]

The CX-50 was updated on 9 July 2024 for the 2025 model year in the United States. The hybrid powertrain option is now offered for the Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus trims, while the base Turbo trim is no longer offered. ^[19]

Safety

The 2023 CX-50 was awarded the "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received overall Good and Superior ratings on all categories except the non-turbo models, which received an Acceptable rating on headlights, as only the turbo models are offered with adaptive headlights.^[20]

IIHS scores

Small overlap front (Driver)	Good
Small overlap front (Passenger)	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side (original test)	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints and seats	Good
Headlights (all turbo trims)	Good
Headlights (all non-turbo trims)	Acceptable
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle)	Superior
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, day)	Superior
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use	Good+

Awards

In 2024, the CX-50 was one of five compact SUVs listed on Car and Driver's Editors' Choice.^[21]

Sales

Year	U.S.	Canada	Mexico	China
2022	21,329[22]	2,365[23]
2023	44,595[24]	5,711[25]	1,901[26]	10,265[27]
2024	81,441[28]	14,260[29]		7,337[30]