As Ricky Bobby once said, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Mazda took that to heart when designing the compact CX-50 SUV. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 isn’t even on dealership lots yet, but critics have already praised it for its stylish design, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. In short, this new car does it all and makes it look pretty easy. Let’s get into those design elements that make the CX-50 stand out.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50’s striking design

Drivers who want something different from the compact SUV segment might appreciate the 2024 Mazda CX-50. The automaker noted that for next year’s lineup, there was an emphasis placed on improved comfort and added convenience features for those in the vehicle. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is new for 2024, along with the new seven-inch LCD screen for the instrument panel display.

One of the elements Mazda focused on when designing the newest CX-50 was the connection with the driver. Access to all elements of the SUV is at your fingertips, which means you can load up and head out without issue. It has some extra ground clearance, which makes it a bit more nimble on off-road adventures. It also looks more aggressive and sporty. That is combined with a low roof height, both of which make the compact SUV easy to load up. A roof rack is an available option, or it comes on some of the trims, but it is helpful if you need extra space.

Off-roading aside, the 2024 CX-50 just makes sense. It looks a little different than similar compact SUVs, and the low-but-wide stance makes the small sport utility vehicle look aggressive but capable at the same time. Pricing ranges from $30,300 for the base 2.5 S Select, while the fully loaded 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is $43,200.

Power and performance make the Mazda CX-50 a blast

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 utilizes Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) tech, which helps improve traction on and off the beaten path. As usual, there are two engine choices to meet the needs of drivers. The Skyactiv-G 2.5L has 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Skyactiv-G 2.5L Turbo gets 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular gas and 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium gas.

Additionally, Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive is back and better than ever for 2024. The system helps the SUV ride better in all road conditions, and it comes standard across the board. Much of the competition offers all-wheel drive as an upgrade, but we appreciate that it is a standard feature across many models.

There are a few different drive modes to select from that can optimize the Mazda CX-50 for the experience. Normal mode is best for basic driving, and Sport mode increases responsiveness. Off-Road Mode is a newer feature that helps increase traction in dirt and sand. There is also a Towing mode to help compensate for added weight in the back.

Safety is a top priority for the compact Mazda.

No matter which engine and trim you end up with, all options come with plenty of safety features. Some of the standard systems include Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning.

The IIHS awarded the 2024 Mazda CX-50 with its Top Safety Pick award. On the main crashworthiness tests, the compact SUV earned high marks across the board. Mazda also improved some of the airbags in the cabin to increase the updated side test score. The NHTSA has not fully crash-tested the 2024 CX-50 yet but gave it a five-star rating on the frontal crash segment.

Overall, the Mazda CX-50 SUV is a great buy because it delivers on style, performance, luxury, and safety. It also has a comfortable interior, and more importantly, it’s fun to drive. You know what they say, zoom zoom.