2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus - Try one, you might like it!

I pine for the good old days when cars had names, and those names meant something. (Well not really but they did evoke something.) Trying to decipher Mazda's crossover names hurts my head. The numeric part of the name appears to have a correlation to the size of the vehicle (except when it doesn't).

Whatever. The CX-50 is in the middle of the lineup at 185.8" long on a wheelbase of 110.8". No Mazda crossover is a behemoth like the Suburban; the longest (CX-90) is two feet shorter than a 'Burb.

Okay enough on that topic. Regardless of the name and the size, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is a good size for a couple or small family. It's not so big that you can't park it, yet big enough for the stuff you need to haul around with you. 

There is seating for five, and a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet of storage with the rear seat folded down. Load height into the rear cargo area is 28.4", and with the rear seat folded you can slide in something 75.4" long and about 30" tall. 

There are three versions of the 2.5-liter SkyActive, 4-cylinder engine; the base that makes 187 hp, a turbo as in the test CX-50 that makes 256 hp on premium fuel, and a hybrid. The turbo is rated at 23-mpg city and 29 highway. If you're after ultimate economy go with the hybrid but for my money I'd stick with the turbo. The turbo can tow up to 3,500 lbs., the others less.

The base and turbo engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. As the picture shows, the CX-50 is AWD.

The black interior was accented with some nice bold stitching. The seats were comfy (it has been a long time since I've been in a uncomfortable driver's seat). 

Photo courtesy Mazda

I'm seeing a trend that I like - fewer finicky controls. I had no problem using most things on the CX-50. I still find the smart cruise controls too small but with more use I think I would master them. 

One thing I have noticed on a few cars, not just Mazdas, I've driven is engine noise. On the CX-50 it was not unpleasant but I'm not sure why it's there. I'm not talking about the sound of power when you stand on the gas, more of a raspy purr at lower speeds. 

After a few years the Mazda styling is growing on me. In a world of cookie-cutter crossovers/SUVs maybe it's a good thing to stand out from the crowd.

I have no problem recommending a 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, or any Mazda. If you think a Mazda CX-50 is what you need, visit your local Mazda dealer and try one. The one I tested lists for $43,500 (www.mazda.com).