6,500-Miles in our Long Term 2024 Mazda CX-50

We’re back in the Terracotta saddle this week, bringing you the second update on our 2024 Mazda CX-50.

Yes, we’re still raving about this handsome interior, which has been quite comfortable over the last 3,500 miles, ticking the digital odometer up 6,500 miles altogether.

Speaking of digital, the infotainment has proved to be a love/hate ordeal. Mastery of the center command dial takes some work, but once you’re there it’s relatively intuitive, and keeps eyes up and forward. But we really dig these seats— firm and supportive.

Equally firm is the steering. One staffer described it as “Euro taut,” meaning smooth, deliberate and very sporty. We attribute that to Mazda’s trickling down of sports car DNA into their products, which this compact utility incorporates nicely.

When it comes to driving dynamics, Mazda has always leaned to the sporty side of the spectrum, and this CX-50 is no exception. A lot of SUVs get sloppy when you pick up the pace on curvy roads; but this CX-50 not only keeps its composure, it asks for more. And who are we to say no?

The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four is responsive, thanks in-part to the six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive system its tethered to.

Horsepower is rated at 256 with 93 octane fuel, which is what we used to bring our current efficiency to 24.9 mpg. Mazda claims a little less power on Regular 87, down to 227 horsepower. Just keep that in mind.

Stay connected with MotorWeek on social media!

MotorWeek, PBS' award-winning weekly automotive magazine provides unbiased, consumer-oriented car news with feature stories on related topics.

[farcinue]

I like the rotary dial in my mazda and my wife's MB for those reasons. Keeps your eyes up, and gives you tactile feel. I recently had a rental with a touchscreen, and noticed I'd take my eyes off the road longer to do simple things. I'm old, and old school though.

[noseefood]

Prefer dial over touchscreen less smudge and distraction

[ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

I own the exact same one (2024 Mazda CX-50 TPP with terracotta and sand). A couple of things I might add that this video didn't mention. 1) the torque is excellent in this CUV, 320 ft/lbs gets it up to speed, at any speed. No turbo lag in mine. 2) the Bose stereo/subwoofer is by far the best I have ever heard 3) Premium Plus trim gives you 360-deg camera...and it is excellent 4) the seats are not uncomfortable. I am a wide ass fat old guy and I like them. I am comfortable 5) One gripe - the DAM auto start/stop button has to be pushed every time the vehicle is started. You have to push the little button to turn it off after starting the car -- thus, keeps the engine running while stopped at a red light. I wish it would remain OFF all the time...is there a way to permanently defeat this? IMHO, it is OPPSOSITE of what it is intended to do -- the default should be "off" and IF you want that function, push the button 6) Paid $42, 350 for mine...still feels like a "steal-deal" for what I got. ZOOM ZOOM!

[jaydibernardo]

The rotary dial is easy after a week or two. Much safer then a touchscreen.

[hermit]

I have had my CX-50 (Turbo Premium Plus) now for two years and am getting 29.5 mpg combined using regular gas. Mostly highway driving here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

[ssk]

Touch needs to be turned on in settings. Yes... its silly.

[Mxpro]

I get too much compliments on my cx-50 soul crystal red turbo. People constantly ask me if it’s Lexus or bmw I just tell them yea

[roberthoyt]

Will the outgoing CX-5 face the axe now with the CX-50 determined to take its place?

[jordank]

6, 500miles is quite far from what I would consider "long term".

[oligarchy-usa]

From what I have read, the build quality is somewhat erratic at the Alabama assembly plant that builds both the Mazda CX-50 & Toyota Corolla Cross.

[kayemtee]

The infotainment link is a disaster, especially if this is not your only car. When I get back into the car after driving my F-150, it’s hard to remember how to change radio bands, manual tuning of a station requires pressing buttons about five times, and the steering wheel control doesn’t change stations among favorites. The Ford combination of multiple knobs is far superior. I can’t stand that the screen is not a touch screen, EXCEPT FOR WHEN IT IS, in Apple CarPlay mode, and only in Apple CarPlay mode. Who thought of this??? Incredibly stupid. Gas mileage while towing a 1000lb trailer is abysmal, about 15mpg. Seats are rock hard compared to my F-150, but a simple padded cushion on top of the seat made a 12 hour drive reasonably good. Road noise is too loud considering what I paid for the top trim. I didn’t want 20 inch wheels, but my wife insisted on a heated steering wheel, so no choice. I am thinking of switching to 18” wheels although Mazda said it is not recommended. The heads up display stopped working at 10K and dealer had to replace it under warranty.
The steering and acceleration are the strong points for this car, better than its competitors. Why are there no fog lights on even the highest trim level?
I wouldn’t buy it again, but not sorry we bought it. It’s primarily my wife’s car.

[FELiPES]

the only problem with the car is the infotainment...oem's should just copy phone and videogame ui's and stop recreating the wheel because they are terrible at it