2024 Mazda CX-50 Ranks #1 in Car and Driver's Compact SUV Comparison

It's no surprise that the recently published Comparison Test: 2024 Compact SUVs for the Real World by Car and Driver ranked the 2024 Mazda CX-50 at #1.

Read on as we share what was said in the Car and Drive Mazda CX-50 review.

2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is available in eight trims fitted with either a naturally aspirated version of Mazda's Skyactiv 2.5L engine or the gutsy turbocharged version.

What Vehicles Were Compared?

Readers of Car and Driver wanted to see reviews of affordable vehicles that real people buy, with the lineup including:

• Mazda CX-50
• Toyota Rav4
• Honda CRV
• Nissan Rogue
• Ford Escape
• Kia Sportage
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Dodge Hornet

Car and Driver's Comparison Test Results

We share the team's ranking and their Highs, Lows and Verdict summary for each vehicle.

Eighth Place

The Nissan Rogue offered the quietest engine of them all.

HIGHS: “The Interior looks like luxury, with a welcoming rear seat and lots of equipment.”
LOWS: “Resistant to having fun, numb and aloof steering, it falls far short of its EPA numbers.”
VERDICT: “First impressions aren't everything.”

Seventh Place

Despite its top-spec status, the Kia Sportage had the lowest as-tested price aside from the mid-trim Honda CRV.

HIGHS: “Wallet-friendly price, all the bells and whistles, quiet cruising.”
LOWS: “Oh, so slow, middling fuel economy, longest stopping distance.”
VERDICT: “How slow can you go?”

Sixth Place

The top-selling Toyota RAV4 in rugged TRD guise impressed with its good fuel economy.

HIGHS: “4Runner-wannabe rugged looks, plenty of space for people and their stuff, observed fuel economy tops the field.”
LOWS: “Engine strains and sounds coarse doing so, off-road kit is a hindrance on-road, interior is more practical than pretty.”
VERDICT: “A Toyota that will please people who like Toyotas.”

Fifth Place

The Dodge Hornet impressed with its lively Hot Hatch performance which endowed it with the best 0 -60 mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds.

HIGHS: “Hemi-like acceleration, sporty interior environs, hot-hatch persona.”
LOWS: “Hemi-like fuel consumption, painful over potholes, cramped back seat.”
VERDICT: “The small crossover for those who really want a Challenger.”

Fourth Place

The Ford Escape is described as a suburban softy but also features a turbocharged engine offering serious performance, making it the second quickest on test.

HIGHS: “Overachieving powertrain, surprising fuel economy, well-laid-out infotainment.”
LOWS: “Depressing interior environs, wonky brake-pedal action, exterior is a style-free zone.”
VERDICT: “All ate up with motor.”

Third Place

The Honda CRV stood out for its best score in driver's seat comfort, while its rear seat took top honors for space and was judged the most comfortable.

HIGHS: “The ace of space, pleasing cabin, charming chassis.”
LOWS: “The lack of pace, missing features, smallish infotainment display.”
VERDICT: “Much of what we love about the Accord, in SUV form.”

Second Place

The VW Tiguan is exactly what Americans wanted from VW, a bigger SUV and as such was the biggest on test.

HIGHS: “American-size interior, Korean-level value, German-correct suspension tuning.”
LOWS: “The lowest horsepower meets the highest curb weight, fussy touch controls.”
VERDICT: “Designed for America, with just a hint of the Old World.”

First Place

The Mazda CX-50 earned the comment of being the "best-realized chassis in the group, which lends the Mazda an air of upmarket refinement that's missing among the rest."

HIGHS: “Fetchingly wagon-like proportions, robust turbo four, ride and handling in harmony.”
LOWS: “Cavelike rear seat, not-so-great gas mileage, infotainment struggles.”
VERDICT: “A top-tier powertrain meets a top-tier chassis.”

Why Buy a Mazda CX-50?

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offers a refined drive, decent space for five passengers and useful off-road capability making for a no regrets vehicle purchase.

Get Your 2024 Mazda CX-50 at Autex Mazda of Keene

Contact Autex Mazda of Keene and learn more about the 2024 Mazda CX-50. Book a test drive and experience this outstanding compact SUV for yourself.

With an extensive selection of both new Mazda models and used cars, we are sure we can meet your motoring needs.