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Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4, Regular Unleaded I-4
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Mazda introduced the CX-50 compact crossover SUV last year. It shares showroom space with the similarly sized CX-5, Mazda's most popular vehicle, which means the automaker needs to distinguish them enough from one another so that buyers can perceive meaningful differences. So, the company positions the CX-5 as the stylish on-road SUV while the CX-50 is the rugged off-road SUV.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The reality is both SUVs provide light off-roading capability and impressive on-road handling. The CX-50 is made in the United States and is longer, wider, and lower than the Japan-assembled CX-5. Each model has five-passenger seating and similar cargo capacities. Only the CX-50 adheres to Mazda's SUV naming conventions, suggesting it will ultimately replace the ever-popular CX-5.
After the SUV’s initial rollout, Mazda added the CX-50 Meridian Edition to the lineup. It is supposed to lend credibility to the model's position as the off-roader. Still, aside from all-terrain tires mounted to smaller wheels (resulting in a slight decrease in ground clearance), the Meridian Edition is a cosmetic package.
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 lineup includes 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with prices spanning from $30,300 to $43,300, plus a $1,420 destination charge. The CX-50 2.5 S comes in Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus trim levels. The 2.5 Turbo is available with standard, Meridian Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trim. All-wheel drive is standard on all CX-50s.
Previously, JD Power published a review of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 based on a single day of driving the SUV. This review is based on a week-long test and focuses on the Meridian Edition trim level to determine how it potentially impacts its overall consumer appeal.
For this review of the 2024 CX-50, Mazda provided a test vehicle equipped with Meridian Edition trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $43,905, including the $1,420 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Madison, Alabama, assembly plant to your local dealership.
Though Mazda introduced the CX-50 just last year, the company's engineers have revised the SUV's steering and suspension to improve the ride and handling. In addition, wireless smartphone charging is now standard equipment except with Select trim.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Based on the 2.5 Turbo model, the Meridian Edition swaps 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires for exclusive 18-inch wheels featuring 225/60 all-terrain tires. Ironically, the smaller wheels slightly reduce ground clearance, from 8.6 inches to 8.5 inches.
To further separate the Meridian Edition from other CX-50 models, it has a matte black hood graphic and unique rocker panel trim. You can also get an Apex Package, adding roof rail cross bars, a roof platform, and splash guards. However, those items are available as upgrades on any CX-50 and are not exclusive to the Meridian Edition. This version of the CX-50 comes only in Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand paint colors paired with Terracotta leather.
Every CX-50 has standard AWD, an Off-Road driving mode, and at least 8.5 inches of ground clearance. Compared to one of the most off-road-capable compact crossovers, the Subaru Forester, the CX-50 offers nearly as much maximum ground clearance, a slightly shallower approach angle, and an infinitesimally better departure angle. Mazda doesn't publish a breakover angle, and, of course, I do not include the lifted Forester Wilderness in this analysis.
I've experienced the CX-50 with 20-inch wheels and all-season tires on a Mazda-curated off-road course with uneven and sandy terrain, with spotters to help guide me through the trickier parts of the trail. The SUV performed better than I expected. But you're less likely to take risks when you're out in the middle of nowhere by yourself and driving an SUV you paid for.Â
Since I have previous off-road experience with the CX-50, I did not evaluate the Meridian Edition's trail capabilities during this test. Instead, I tried to assess the added traction benefit of the all-terrain tires on dirt and gravel surfaces.Â
On dirt, the SUV accelerated rapidly from a stop, the suspension successfully absorbed more minor bumps and ruts, and when climbing a hill in Off-Road mode, the tires offered capable traction as the drivetrain automatically distributed the power to keep the CX-50 moving forward. It proved fun to drive on light terrain and a washboard gravel road, and it went places a car cannot, which is the point of a crossover SUV.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The trade-off with the all-terrain tires is additional road noise. Also, they appear to communicate more surface texture than the all-season tires. For example, I could feel the cracks between the pavers on my driveway, a sensation I don't recall from most other test vehicles. Or maybe it was the 2024 CX-50's new suspension dampers.
In addition, when driving on canyon roads, the Meridian Edition's tires exhibited some slip and slide after driving through water running across the pavement. So, when you encounter wet roads, take extra care when rounding curves and corners.
While the all-terrain tires add some road noise, the Apex Package's roof platform produces a significant amount of wind noise at speeds over 60 mph while blocking the view from the panoramic sunroof. I wouldn't be surprised if it also negatively impacts fuel economy due to additional aerodynamic drag. Don't get this option unless you're going to use it.
According to the EPA, the CX-50 Turbo should get 25 mpg in combined driving. On a day that included a morning Los Angeles commute, heavy city traffic, free-flowing coastal driving, and a romp across local mountains, the Meridian Edition managed 19.7 mpg. That's midsize, three-row SUV territory.
However thirsty it might be, I do like the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas (227 hp, 310 lb-ft on regular), it linearly builds power, rewarding deliberate driving. Stomp your foot down on the accelerator pedal, and it won't impress you. Instead, you must train yourself to ride the wave of torque as it builds and crescendos.
The six-speed automatic transmission is excellent, and the CX-50 Meridian Edition has a firm, connected ride quality. Despite hard use during a mountain descent, the brakes resisted fade, and the steering is delightfully crisp and accurate. The CX-50 is secure and athletic on dry pavement, partly because the SUV feels low and wide from the driver's seat.
Speaking of the driver's seat, I wish it offered more rearward seat track travel to help me find an ideal position behind the steering wheel. However, that would further cut into the already tight rear passenger legroom.
Storage space is surprisingly stingy for a vehicle purporting to support off-the-grid adventures. The cargo room behind the back seat is decent at 31.4 cubic feet, but the maximum measurement of 56.3 cu-ft with the rear seat folded down is small for the CX-50's class.
My test car's Mazda Connect infotainment system had no navigation SIM card installed, so I couldn't perform a meaningful voice recognition test. However, it's unlikely to prove satisfying until Mazda adds Amazon Alexa to the CX-50 (the 2024 MX-5 Miata was the first to get it), so use the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto digital voice assistants instead.Â
In other infotainment observations, my iPhone and the CX-50's wireless charger didn't get along well. However, once I centered all its settings, the Bose audio system provided impressive sound.
Unlike many of its rivals, the Meridian Edition had no lane-centering assistance function. However, the other advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) worked well, from the adaptive cruise control to the rear cross-traffic warning systems.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Though they compete with one another in addition to other compact crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 look and feel like different kinds of vehicles. The CX-5 drives more like an SUV, while the CX-50 reminds me of the old Mazda 6 station wagon (and I mean that as a compliment).
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 has style, an upscale interior, athletic driving dynamics, and top safety ratings. However, Mazda needs to figure out how to give the CX-50 robust power without resorting to the optional turbocharged engine. Few people will accept the fuel economy and limited driving range I observed during my evaluation. Electrification is overdue.
Also, the CX-50 Meridian Edition seems to exist only to capitalize on the overlanding trend amongst people who prefer to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Aside from the all-terrain tires, it doesn't offer a convincing argument. At a minimum, skid plates and a suspension lift should be a part of this package.
Unfortunately, there are few truly capable off-roaders besides the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and the Subaru Forester Wilderness in this class. Most other compact crossovers promising adventure, from the GMC Terrain AT4 to the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, use a similar recipe to the CX-50 Meridian Edition, offering more style than substance.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
