2024 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged alternative to the CX-5, boasting a more robust design with its lower, wider, and longer dimensions. It featured broad-shouldered proportions, square wheel arches, and faux air vents, giving it a fresh and modern look compared to the older CX-5. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a variety of styling options, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, all-terrain tires, and earthy color palette. The interior was well-designed, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality, though it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded luxury with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a premium appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued this theme with an elegantly rendered interior featuring Nappa leather and polished metallic trim. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also featured a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it provided a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, making it less ideal for those seeking a quieter ride.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 introduced a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered even more power, with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, but the observed 21.3 mpg fell short of expectations. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same 25 mpg combined rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing competitors in cargo capacity. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the area wasn't ideal for bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its luxurious features, struggled with climate control efficiency. The three-zone system took time to cool the cabin, and front-seat ventilation was less effective. The CX-90 offered Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating, but limited seat-track travel could make child seat installation challenging. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with it folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down, which was small for the segment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons, rather than a touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface took some getting used to, but its simplicity appealed to those who preferred less tech-heavy vehicles.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard combined a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using the center console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, with blind-spot alerts as a standout feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 had a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some limitations in certain conditions.