The Australian SUV market has become fiercely competitive, with buyers demanding style, practicality, and genuine driving enjoyment in equal measure. Into this mix comes the 2025 Mazda CX-50, a midsize SUV that promises rugged appeal, cutting-edge technology, and the sort of driver-focused dynamics Mazda is renowned for. While the CX-5 remains the company’s global best-seller, the CX-50 arrives as a more adventurous and performance-oriented sibling, aimed squarely at buyers who want something practical yet engaging.
This in-depth review takes a closer look at the 2025 Mazda CX-50 from every angle – exterior styling, interior comfort, technology, safety, performance, fuel economy, ownership experience, and how it stacks up against rivals. For Australian families, couples, and even solo adventurers, the question is whether this SUV strikes the right balance between ruggedness and refinement.
Design and Exterior Styling
Mazda has a long-standing reputation for creating vehicles that look far more premium than their price tags suggest, and the 2025 CX-50 continues that tradition. Built on Mazda’s updated platform, the SUV has a more rugged and athletic appearance than the urban-friendly CX-5.
The front end showcases Mazda’s signature Kodo design philosophy, with a bold blacked-out grille, slim LED headlights, and muscular bumper sculpting. The proportions are longer, wider, and lower than the CX-5, giving it a planted stance on the road. Chunky wheel arches with protective cladding emphasize its off-road aspirations, while the rear design features sleek taillights, a sloping roofline, and a subtle spoiler for a sporty finish.
Mazda offers the CX-50 in a palette of striking colours tailored to outdoor-inspired buyers – from Zircon Sand Metallic to Deep Crystal Blue. Higher trims ride on larger alloy wheels, up to 20 inches, enhancing both aesthetics and capability. The end result is an SUV that looks as at home parked outside a city café as it does heading toward the Snowy Mountains.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Experience
Step inside, and the CX-50 feels immediately upscale. Mazda has invested heavily in cabin quality, rivaling premium brands like Lexus or Audi at a fraction of the price.
Layout and Materials
The cabin design is driver-centric, with a wide dashboard, minimal clutter, and high-quality materials throughout. Soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and brushed metal details elevate the sense of luxury. Even base trims feel refined, while higher grades introduce leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and panoramic sunroof options.
Space and Practicality
The 2025 CX-50 offers seating for five, with supportive front seats designed for long Australian road trips. Rear legroom is generous compared to rivals, making it a family-friendly option. Cargo space is also strong, with over 450 litres available with the rear seats upright, expanding to more than 1,400 litres when folded – enough for camping gear, surfboards, or weekly shopping.
Tech at Your Fingertips
Mazda’s latest infotainment system sits proudly atop the centre console, with a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch display depending on trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, now wireless, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Drivers also benefit from a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and a premium Bose sound system on higher trims.
Technology and Features
The CX-50 isn’t just about rugged looks – it’s loaded with technology and features designed to enhance convenience, comfort, and safety.
- Mazda Connect System: Enhanced user interface with voice commands and connected services.
- Advanced Navigation: Real-time traffic and Australian-specific mapping.
- Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the range.
- Comfort Tech: Dual-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports.
- Luxury Touches: Optional heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting create a premium driving environment.
Mazda has struck a balance between traditional knobs for climate and volume – which many drivers still prefer – and modern digital screens, ensuring the car feels user-friendly rather than overly complicated.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
One of the biggest selling points of the Mazda CX-50 is that it’s actually fun to drive, something few midsize SUVs can claim.
Engine Options
For the Australian market, the CX-50 is expected to arrive with a choice of:
- A naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing around 140kW.
- A turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine with up to 186kW and 420Nm of torque.
Both engines pair with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.
Ride and Handling
On the road, the CX-50 feels balanced and agile, living up to Mazda’s reputation for sporty handling. Steering is precise, body roll is well controlled, and the suspension strikes an excellent compromise between comfort and sharpness.
Unlike many SUVs that feel floaty or cumbersome, the CX-50 genuinely rewards keen drivers. It handles winding coastal roads with enthusiasm while remaining stable and comfortable on long highway stretches.
Off-Road Capability
While not a hardcore off-roader, the CX-50 is more capable than the CX-5. It comes with Mazda’s Mi-Drive system, offering drive modes for Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. This flexibility allows drivers to adapt to sand tracks, gravel roads, or towing small caravans and trailers – a major appeal for adventurous Aussie families.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel economy is increasingly important in Australia, with petrol prices rising and eco-conscious buyers seeking efficiency.
The naturally aspirated 2.5L engine delivers around 8.0–8.5L/100km combined, while the turbocharged version averages closer to 9.0–9.5L/100km depending on driving style.
While not the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, these figures are competitive for a midsize all-wheel drive model. Mazda may eventually introduce a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the CX-50, following global trends toward electrification, but for 2025 the focus remains on petrol power.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
Safety has long been a Mazda strength, and the CX-50 builds on this with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Standard features include:
- Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function
- Traffic Sign Recognition
The vehicle is also designed with Mazda’s latest Skyactiv body structure, engineered for maximum crash safety. The CX-50 is expected to achieve a 5-star ANCAP rating, giving Australian families peace of mind.
Ownership, Warranty, and Running Costs
Mazda offers strong ownership benefits in Australia:
- Warranty: Five years, unlimited kilometres.
- Servicing: Capped-price servicing available, with service intervals every 10,000km or 12 months.
- Resale Value: Mazda SUVs traditionally hold their value well in the used-car market.
Insurance premiums are expected to be in line with other midsize SUVs, though turbocharged versions may attract slightly higher costs due to performance.
How the CX-50 Compares to Rivals
The midsize SUV segment is crowded, so how does the 2025 CX-50 measure up against rivals?
- Toyota RAV4: More fuel-efficient thanks to hybrid options, but less engaging to drive.
- Subaru Forester: Strong off-road credibility with symmetrical AWD, though cabin design feels more utilitarian.
- Hyundai Tucson: Packed with features and tech, but lacks Mazda’s premium interior feel.
- Kia Sportage: Bold design and long warranty, yet driving dynamics trail the CX-50.
Mazda’s edge lies in its balance – stylish looks, premium cabin, and genuine driving fun, something that makes it stand out in a sea of practical but uninspiring rivals.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The CX-50 is ideal for:
- Families who need space, comfort, and safety.
- Outdoor adventurers who want a stylish SUV capable of tackling gravel roads and light off-roading.
- Driving enthusiasts seeking an SUV that doesn’t sacrifice fun.
- Urban buyers wanting a premium look without premium pricing.
It may not suit those purely focused on fuel economy or buyers needing seven seats, but for the sweet spot of Australian midsize SUV shoppers, it’s an excellent choice.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is more than just another midsize SUV – it’s a statement of Mazda’s ability to combine style, performance, and practicality in a single package. With rugged good looks, a premium interior, strong safety credentials, and driving dynamics that put a smile on your face, it’s one of the most exciting new SUVs to hit Australia in 2025.
For buyers who find the Toyota RAV4 too safe, the Subaru Forester too conservative, or the Kia Sportage too flashy, the Mazda CX-50 strikes the perfect balance. It’s stylish, powerful, and genuinely fun to drive – a rare combination in today’s SUV market.
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