2024 Mazda CX-50 Starts Under $32K

Mazda has announced pricing for their 2024 CX-50 crossover, with the entry-level 2.5 S Select starting at $31,675 with destination. 

This new base price does represent an increase over last year’s starting MSRP and destination charges, as the 2023 CX-50 2.5 Select started at  $29,425 with delivery. It should be noted that the previous starting point was the 2.5 S, coming in at $28,025; though, it’s missing from this year’s pricing bracket and Mazda’s official 2024 build page, suggesting that the new base model is the aforementioned 2.5 S Select.

Having just debuted for the 2023 model year, the CX-50 returns with minimal changes, but all trims do receive new dampers and a recalibrated electric power-assist steering system said to be “in line with Mazda’s goals of encouraging more all-terrain adventures.” Still standard is the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque delivered to the standard all-wheel drive system through a 6-speed automatic. A turbocharger can be outfitted for a little more performance, which we’ll touch on soon. 

The Select includes a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch LCD instrument panel display, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, and a suite of active safety features. The exterior is distinguished by the appropriate badges, of course, and 17-inch black alloy wheels, LED headlights and roof rails.

The next trim up is the $33,025 2.5 S Preferred, which adds features such as a power rear liftgate, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated side-view mirrors and windshield wipers. The $35,375 Premium gets you a power moonroof, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. For 2024, this trim also receives wireless device charging. Finally, the Premium Plus is the top non-turbo trim, with ventilated front seats, power front seats, a heads-up display, 20-inch alloy wheels, and leather upholstery. It stickers for $38, 875.

The remaining trim levels are all powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, making up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium 93 fuel. The Turbo model also gains paddle shifters, larger exhaust pipe and a Towing Mode. The first turbocharged model, the aptly named 2.5 Turbo, starts at $39,375.

The Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus models are similar to their non-turbo counterparts, albeit with a few more features like heated rear seats and a 360 camera on the Premium Plus, stickering for $42,675 and $44,675 respectively. The Meridian Edition falls between the base Turbo and the two Premium models, and is the most unique model in the lineup. It’s a more off-road focused trim level, which comes with Meridian-exclusive 18-inch alloy-wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a large hood graphic, and a few other accessories. Any adventurers looking to step up to the Meridian can expect to spend $42,175.

The CX-50 was made by Mazda specifically for their North American audience and more active lifestyles, something we first experienced during our California First Drive, put behind the wheel of a top-trim Turbo Premium Plus. We then spent time at home with the CX-50 for an official Road Test and greatly enjoyed it, calling it a “highly capable, up-to-date sport utility vehicle.”

In fact, we enjoyed the debut of the CX-50 so much that it took the gold in our 2023 Drivers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Utility.