The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was designed to be an alternative to the Subaru Outback while also answering what would happen if some of Mazda’s premium touches were sprinkled onto a wagon-shaped crossover. Mazda is adding some minor updates to the 2024 model, which may seem undetectable at first glance, but aim to add incremental improvements to the driving experience for the new model year.
Updated CX-50 Suspension Has Better Trail Capability
One of the updates on hand for the new model year is updated dampers, with Mazda claiming that they have been retuned for the purpose of “encouraging more all-terrain adventures” with the electronic steering rack also being reworked. While Mazda’s release stopped far short of providing context to the fore-mentioned statement, and the CX-50 will still be no substitute for a Jeep Wrangler out on the trail, we hope that means the CUV will have better poise when navigating steep hills and ruts.
In addition to the barely noticeable hardware changes, the trim ladder also gets more noticeable updates for the 2024 model year. The base 2.5 S model has been dropped, and the newly entry-level 2.5 Select model sees its price go up by $1,350 for a revised total of $31,575. Buyers will still get an impressive amount of equipment, including dual-zone climate control, four USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as rain-sensing wipers. Another trim level biting the dust for 2024 is the 2.5 S Preferred Plus model, with the 2.5 S Preferred model seeing its entry fee jump by $1,400 to $32,925.
Performance for the CX-50 remains unchanged for 2024, with base models being powered by a 187-horsepower, naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter four-cylinder while a turbocharged version of this engine produces 256 hp on premium fuel (227 hp when tasked with drinking regular unleaded.) Towing for the base engine remains unchanged at 2,000 lbs while the turbo motor bumps that figure up to 3,500 lbs. A six-speed automatic is standard on both engines, and Mazda claims that this transmission was preferred when retaining some of the driving dynamics they wanted to bake into this model.
When Can I Buy One?
While Mazda didn’t reveal a formal timeline for when the first 2024 models will begin making there way to dealerships, we expect the first models to make their way to dealerships later this year. In the meantime, we have provided a full pricing breakdown which can be seen below.
- 2.5 S Select: $31,575
- 2.5 S Preferred: $32,925
- 2.5 S Premium: $36,425
- 2.5 S Premium Plus: $39,275
- 2.5 Turbo $39,275
- 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition: $42,075
- 2.5 Turbo Premium: $42,575
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $44,575
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.