2024 Mazda CX-50 – CAMPING? THIS IS GLAMPING.

2024 Mazda CX-50

CAMPING? THIS IS GLAMPING.

Even in the most capital-intensive industries on the planet, cooperation can be a key to success.

Take, for example, the partnership between Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda; in 2021 they opened the door on a jointly owned and operated factory in Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville has been a vital cog in NASA’s engineering for 60 years, thanks to the Marshall Space Flight Center.

The Toyota/Mazda plant has two separate assembly lines, Apollo and Discovery, which can produce up to 300,000 units a year. Toyota rolled the first Toyota Corolla Cross off the assembly line in September 2021, and Mazda began production of the CX-50 in January 2022. Both are roomy, practical, and flexible five-seaters.

Two years later, both models are skyrocketing up the sales charts. Glancing over dealer and storage lots, Americans seem to have grown weary of dealer markups on $70,000 pickups and $90,000 gas-guzzling, body-on-frame SUVs. On the other hand, in the second quarter of 2024, sales of dependable, affordable models grew by more than 40%.

Both the CX-50 and Corolla Cross are gaining a foothold in the North American market, though the Cross has done better. Mazda sold 44,595 CX-50 units in 2023 and 27,399 from January to May 2024, a 64% growth spurt over the same quarter a year ago. In 2023, Toyota sold 64,090 units of the Corolla Cross in the U.S. and 19,028 in the second quarter of 2024, a 55% jump year-over-year.

While the companies remain tight-lipped about the specifics of sharing, it is evident that both the CX-50 and Corolla Cross are products of precision engineering and high-quality assembly. This attention to detail is reflected in both vehicles’ high marks from critics and owners.

This fall, the two companies will add hybrid-electric vehicles to the mix in Huntsville. Across the industry, HEV sales grew 53% last year and rose even more rapidly this year. In the first six months of 2024, Toyota saw electrified vehicles grow to 38.3% of all sales. The company has only one all-electric vehicle, so nearly all that growth is hybrids.

HEVs, which Toyota first offered to the American public with the Prius a quarter-century ago, run on gasoline and have a battery that captures and reuses energy that would otherwise be lost through braking. This gives them better fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional vehicles. On average, 73% of the energy pumped into an HEV becomes propulsion force; for gas engines, it is about 13%.

Toyota already has a Japanese-built hybrid Corolla Cross available, which costs about $1,200 more than a non-hybrid. The EPA puts its combined fuel economy at 42 mpg, compared to 30 mpg for the gas-only version. That is 40% less regular unleaded to purchase for those who remember to divide the change (12) by the base (30) and multiply by 100.

Gas engines in hybrids last much longer because the electric motor, with 1/10 the moving parts and none of the friction of a gas engine, takes on much of the workload. Six of Consumer Report’s ten most reliable cars are hybrids.

Conventional wisdom among industry insiders is that Mazda will license a hybrid drivetrain for the CX-50 from Toyota. The rationale offers these reasons:

• Mazda has produced but one hybrid vehicle, the CX-90 plug-in. 
• Toyota now employs fifth-generation hybrid technology and seems to have the bugs worked out.
• Mazda, Toyota, and Subaru (with whom Toyota co-developed its sole all-electric SUV, the bZ4X) announced in May that they were partnering in powertrain development for what the companies described as the electrification era.

In the meantime, Mazda has a hit on its hands. The CX-5, built in Japan, still sells slightly more units internationally. However, the CX-50, which sits on a different platform and is longer and wider with a longer wheelbase (read: better riding), is quickly closing the gap.

Designed for Exploration, Crafted with Care

The CX-50’s exterior is handsome and adventurous. Muscular lines and a prominent grille hint at its off-road capability, while available dark accents and bold wheel designs exude sophistication. This is not just an SUV; it is a statement for those who value both form and function.

Power Meets Stability: Confidence-Inspiring All-Wheel Drive 

Under the hood, the CX-50 offers a choice between two potent and efficient engines. The standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces a healthy 187 horsepower, while the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged unit delivers a thrilling 256 horsepower. 

The EPA says the non-turbo will return 27 mpg, the turbo 25. 

Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Mazda’s intelligent all-wheel-drive (i-AWD) system, which does much more than provide traction in mud and ice. 

This AWD system seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles, ensuring excellent stability on twisting highways and off-road trails. The CX-50 inspires confidence whether you are screaming through sweeping mountain curves or navigating a rocky road up in the Quachitas.

Cabin Crafted for Comfort and Functionality

The CX-50’s interior is a haven of minimalist elegance. High-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship create a sense of sophistication, while the ergonomic layout prioritizes driver comfort and control. An available panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin in natural light, enhancing the sense of openness and connection with the outdoors.

Cargo space is ample, offering 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This allows for comfortable family road trips or successful shopping sprees, making the CX-50 a versatile companion for everyday adventures.

Standing Out in a Crowded Field

The CX-50 competes with established players like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. All offer similar features and capabilities, but the CX-50 differentiates itself through its focus on driver engagement and a touch of off-road charm. 

The starting MSRP, ranging in five trim lines from $30,300 to $38,000, falls within the competitive range for compact SUVs, making it an attractive option for value-conscious buyers.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Striking and versatile design
• Powerful and efficient engine options
• Confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive system
• Stylish and well-crafted cabin with ample cargo space
• Winner of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s coveted Top Safety Pick+ standard

Weaknesses:

• Some reviewers find the rear headroom a bit tight for taller passengers.
• Infotainment systems, while functional, might feel less intuitive compared to rivals.
• Fuel economy figures for the turbocharged engine might not be as impressive as the naturally aspirated option.

Safety First: A Suite of Standard and Optional Technologies

The CX-50 prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 

Optional packages add features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view camera, enhancing safety and driver confidence. Mazda has all these features dialed in nicely. With lane-keep and dynamic cruise control turned on, the car keeps itself a safe distance behind vehicles ahead and nicely balanced in its lane: no ping-ponging down the highway, typical of American manufacturers.

A Reliable Partner: Peace of Mind on the Road

Mazda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the CX-50 ought to continue that tradition. Projected depreciation falls within the industry average for compact SUVs. Mazda offers a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind for ownership.

Bottom Line

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is more than just a competent compact SUV. It is a stylish and engaging companion for those who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

Its blend of rugged capability, refined driving dynamics, and a well-crafted interior makes it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a vehicle that reflects their active lifestyle. If you are looking for an SUV that feels at home on both paved roads and dirt paths and will not force you to choose between a car payment and your children’s education, the CX-50 is worth a test drive.