SUV · Hybrid
Mazda CX-50 2023–2026 (1st gen)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $27,600–$42,000
- MPG
- 38
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Strength: Strong cargo & utility
How it scores for you10 scores
A top-safety, thrifty 38-MPG hybrid crossover with rare Mazda driving polish, though its 1,500-lb towing and snug rear space limit true utility.
Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; none of its 7 recalls were serious. About 10% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +6 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $1,750 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 80% of cars we track.
31.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 72% of other SUVs we track.
5 seats with 31.4 cu ft cargo (56.3 folded) is about average for a compact SUV; the sleek CX-50 profile trades some rear headroom, keeping it segment-typical.
Mazda tunes its vehicles for engagement; CX-50 has sharp steering and composed handling praised in reviews. The 187hp hybrid figure is modest, but the driving feel is above segment norm.
Standard Mazda Connect infotainment, driver aids, and hybrid tech (Toyota-sourced) are competent and up to date, but the interface and feature set are roughly segment-typical, not class-leading.
Mazda interiors are known for upscale materials and quiet, refined ride quality, generally rated above average for a compact SUV.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 1,500 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls8 recalls
8 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2023–2025
- Brakes — 10 complaints (2023)
- Recall — Exterior lighting: headlights; forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking; lane departure: sensing system: camera (2025)
- Powertrain — 10 complaints (2025)
2026
No recorded issues.
2025
- RecallExterior lighting: headlights; forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking; lane departure: sensing system: camera24V649000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not aut
- RecallTrailer hitches25V167000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software25V413000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: hybrid management: power control unit/module (hpcu): software; engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ecm)25V418000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The transmission gear shifter can be moved from Neutral to Drive without pressing the brake pedal.
- RecallSuspension: critical fasteners25V737000
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain10 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect in my 2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred, which is approximately four months old. On one occasion, the vehicle moved backward while in Drive mode. This occurred twice on the same day under similar conditions on a slight incline. After starting the vehicle, I
- Complaint clusterBrakes7 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
The automatic emergency braking in this vehicle is faulty. It misinterprets obstacles and uses the emergency braking inconsistently. I park in a parking garage and I have to slowly (less than 5 MPH) drive up any ramps because it apparently sees the ceiling of the garage as a obstacle and as a result
- Complaint clusterStructure5 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
The drivers side inside door handle has quit working twice. The dealer has temporarily fixed it both times, but advised us to "just be more gentle with the handle". The cable is falling off of the door hinge inside the door, and the dealer claims they don't have a way to permanently fix it. Th
- Complaint clusterSuspension5 complaintscomplaints:SUSPENSION
The vehicle was traveling at highway speeds when it experienced a sudden, violent lateral jerk to the side, causing immediate side-curtain/seat airbag deployment prior to impacting the center divide. I believe there was a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure of the front suspension componants ca
2024
- RecallTrailer hitches25V167000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
- Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is the 2nd time I’m reporting that I was severely burnt on my thigh from my drivers seat heater, overheating. There are on going glass action law suits against Mazda for this issue. My 2024 CX-50 has not been in service at Olympia Mazda with no updates on repairs and when I will get my car back
- Complaint clusterStructure5 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
I was attempting to mount my bike rack. To get the clips to properly fit I needed to partially open the liftgate. Upon triggering the door release the power liftgate and began opening the door. The anti pinch system did not detect the pinch and it crumpled the roof and liftgate at the seam. I tri
2023
- RecallTrailer hitches23V135000
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2023 CX-50 vehicles equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch. The trailer hitch harness may detach and become damaged, which can result in inoperative trailer lights and/or brakes.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V275000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
- Complaint clusterBrakes10 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
Premature brake wear exacerbated by heavy stop and go traffic conditions.
- Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The temperature control dial on the climate control system behaves erratically and inconsistently. When turning the dial to increase temperature, the displayed temperature sometimes decreases. When turning it to decrease, it sometimes increases. The dial also jumps multiple units rather than increme
- Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
On multiple occasions the vehicle has not acceleratedfrom a stop while pushing the accelerator pedal. Have noticed this is usually on warmer days, with AC on half to full, within 3 minutes, and within 1 mile from leaving work for the day after car has sat parked. I am worried this will get worse and
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other6 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rain water leaking into interior body of vehicle. Water pools up between the headliner and interior body of vehicle. Mold starts to form on headliner fabric and in unseen places on the interior. Safety concern is mold. Living in warm humid tropical climates is asking for serious issues. Symptoms of
- Complaint clusterSuspension5 complaintscomplaints:SUSPENSION
Wear of Strut Bearing causing crunching sounds at low speed braking and turning. Dealer reports this is due to dirt and debris getting up there. Vehicle has 34,000 miles (out of warranty due to time) and has had only light use off-road on dirt roads (2 camping trips). Not repairing can cause further
Cost to own$24,300 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$27,600–$42,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$1,750/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
39
Highway MPG
37
Combined MPG
38
Horsepower
187 hp
Doors
4
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
56.3 cu ft
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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