The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is one of the latest additions to the Mazda range of SUVs that takes the brand into the exciting new direction of adventure lifestyle with more off-road capability than any previous Mazda crossover. The CX-50 has all the style and panache we now expect from Mazda, but this model is capable of much more than touring the urban jungles of Martinsville, Danville, Rocky Mount, and Greensboro. Even though this is just the second model year, the CX-50 gets some tweaks to the steering and suspension that make it even better to drive.
Mazda has been building some of the most stylish, contemporary, and desirable models in their classes for some time now, and the 2024 Mazda CX-50 has more than its share of that signature sleek, sporty, and futuristic look. However, this time, Mazda has added an extra dimension with squared-off black cladding over the wheels, bulging fenders, and a wing grille with tips that slip alluringly under the headlights. Vertical air intakes below the headlights are a new styling cue, and the off-road-capable look continues with bumpers that appear higher than usual and feature fake skid plates.
It’s not unusual for a model to only be available in a limited number of trim levels in its early days, but you can order a 2024 Mazda CX-50 in any one of eight different trim levels. The first trim level in the refreshed CX-50 lineup for 2024 is the 2.5 S Select, and from there, the range goes through 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and reaches its pinnacle with the superb 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
Mazda makes it clear that the off-road aspirations of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 are more than a gimmick because every one of the nine CX-50 available trim levels includes the company’s i-ACTIV AWD system as part of its standard specification. The AWD system shares many similarities with other Mazda models, but this is a more advanced iteration with a more complex traction control system for enhanced off-road performance. You don’t have to be an expert off-roader to enjoy the CX-50. The Mazda has selectable drive modes that let the driver choose from Normal, Sport, Towing, and Off-Road settings that employ torque vectoring to shift torque from the rear axle at a stop to the front wheels as speed increases.
Non-turbo models get their power from a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. However, turbo models deliver more power from a 2.5-litre twin-scroll turbo-four, which provides the CX-50 with 256 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque when using 93 octane gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. with 87 octane gas. Both engines send their power to all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic transmission across the lineup.
There’s no such thing as a version of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 that could be considered short of standard equipment. With nine trim levels to choose from, there’s sure to be one that fits the requirements of most customers and budgets. Even the entry-level 2.5 S gets standard AWD, 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, keyless entry, two USB ports, 8.8-inch display infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and air conditioning. Most customers are likely to start with the 2.5 S Preferred because it’s available in three more exterior paint colours than base models and also gets standard dual-zone climate control, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and HD Radio.
Look beyond the base model to higher trim levels, and you’re sure to be impressed with a raft of genuine luxury features that are standard and available. These features include genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch full-colour display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, navigation, and plenty more.
Take everything great about existing Mazda crossovers and add an extra element of rugged styling and off-road capability, and that’s what you get with the 2024 Mazda CX-50. Customer demand will be high, and inventory of this exciting new model will be limited, so come and see the Nelson Mazda team at our dealership located at 201 Commonwealth Blvd, Martinsville, Virginia. Alternatively, call us today at (276)-638-2331 for more details about the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and to schedule a test drive.
