The Mazda CX-50 2025 is that adventurous compact SUV that’s turning heads with its bold styling, engaging drive, and a new hybrid option for buyers who want a blend of off-road capability and everyday refinement. Priced between $31,720 and $44,995 (MSRP), it’s a versatile choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters seeking up to 38 mpg combined fuel economy and Mazda’s signature zoom-zoom feel. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan, offering a 2.5L turbo or hybrid powertrain, i-Activ AWD, and features like a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. This review details its price, specifications, features, and performance.
Compact and Contemporary Design
The CX-50 2025 stands out with its rugged, athletic profile, featuring a wide grille, slim LED headlights, and sculpted fenders that give it a premium off-road vibe. It’s a compact crossover at 185.8 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 63.5 inches high, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase for balanced handling. Weighing 3,700-3,900 pounds, it boasts 8.3 inches of ground clearance (up to 8.6 inches on Meridian Edition), and 17-20-inch alloys with all-season tubeless tires. Available in colors like Machine Gray Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue, and Soul Red Crystal, with trims from S Select to Turbo Premium Plus—cargo space is 31.4 cu ft behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.3 cu ft, making it a practical hauler for weekend gear or groceries.
Clear Display
Inside, the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (standard on all trims for 2025) supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless navigation and entertainment. The 10.25-inch digital driver’s display shows speed, fuel economy, and AWD status clearly, with dual-zone auto AC and cloth seats on base models. It’s intuitive with a rotary knob for controls, perfect for keeping eyes on the road during family trips, though base S Select uses an 8.8-inch screen.
Efficient Performance
The lineup includes a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-four (187 hp at 6,000 rpm, 186 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm), a turbocharged 2.5L (227 hp, 310 lb-ft), or new hybrid (219 hp combined, 199 lb-ft), paired with a 6-speed automatic and i-Activ AWD. The base claims 25/31 mpg city/highway (10.6/13.2 km/l)—real-world 9-11 km/l in mixed runs, with a top speed of 120 mph and 0-100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds. The hybrid hits 38 mpg combined (16.2 km/l), and the 15.9-gallon tank stretches 400-450 miles, with independent suspension ensuring a smooth ride—peppy for highways but excels in all-weather traction, ideal for US winters or mountain drives.
Advanced Camera System
The setup includes a rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines, with 360-degree panoramic on Premium and above. i-Activsense features adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, pre-collision braking, and blind-spot monitoring—up to 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and hill descent control deliver 5-star safety. It’s a family guardian, handling snow or sudden stops like a pro, with rear cross-traffic alert for parking lots.
Long-Lasting Fuel System
The 15.9-gallon tank covers 400-450 miles for 1-2 weeks of mixed driving, refueling in 2-3 minutes. Running costs are $2-3 per gallon equivalent (Rs. 6-8/km)—low NVH for quiet passenger chats, perfect for long family road trips.
Connectivity and Features
LED headlights and DRLs light the way, with USB ports, wireless charging on Limited, and keyless entry. The 12-speaker Bose audio supports Bluetooth and aux, plus cruise control on all variants. Heated/ventilated seats and panoramic sunroof on Touring add comfort—it’s connected with remote app controls, balancing Mazda fun with family perks.
Pricing and Availability
Starting at $31,720 for the S Select to $44,995 for the Turbo Premium Plus (MSRP), on-road equivalent in India Rs. 38-55 lakh with taxes and insurance. Launched for 2025, available at Mazda dealers with deals up to $1,000 off. Maintenance $500-800/year, 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Wait times: 1-2 months.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Owners love the engaging handling, spacious cargo, and safety—the 8.3 inches clearance handles light snow, and 31 mpg highway saves cash. Bose audio and sunroof get thumbs up. But the base engine is noisy under load, ride firm on rough roads, and no third row—premium pricing for entry trims might sting.
Comparison with Competitors
In the $32,000-$45,000 compact SUV segment, the CX-50 edges the RAV4 on fun factor but trails the CR-V in space. Matches the Tiguan’s tech, with Mazda’s resale and service network giving it the long-term edge.
Speculative Notes
2025 model at $31,720-$44,995, with 2.5L inline-four/turbo/hybrid, 25/31 mpg. Confirm with dealers for variants.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Mazda CX-50, with its compact frame, efficient turbo/hybrid powertrain, and adventurous soul at $31,720-$44,995, is the SUV that nails fun and versatility for US roads. It’s not the roomiest or cheapest, but that handling, mileage, and Mazda trust make it a smart buy. With strong support, it’s set to zoom.
