A Spirited Drive in the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus

What compact crossover SUV blends spirited performance with upscale amenities at a reasonable price? It’s no other than the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus, which I recently got a chance to explore. The sophisticated Turbo Premium Plus sits at the top of the CX-50 line-up and builds on Mazda’s fun-to-drive philosophy.

New for 2025, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbocharged Premium Plan added an upgraded 10.3-inch display, Amazon’s Alexa voice, more driver assist tech, including better nighttime driving features, and pedestrian detection. In addition, Mazda introduced a new CX-50 Hybrid to the lineup.

Models/Price: The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes in seven different trim levels: The Select ($31,720), Preferred ($33,070), Premium ($35,420), Premium Plus ($38,920), Turbo Meridian Edition ($42,670), Turbo Premium ($42,720), and the Turbo Premium Plus ($44,720) test vehicle.

The CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus has a bold, upscale exterior enhanced by 20-inch machine-cut alloy wheels. The design is masterful with a low-slung roofline and subtle black cladding that conveys its readiness for sporty driving. Black metallic wheel accents and dual exhaust tips also reinforce its performance-looking appeal.

Powertrain: The base models have a four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower. In comparison, the Premium models are powered by Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD). The CX-50 builds on Mazda’s tradition of engineering vehicles that are fun to drive and comfortable.

The Premium Plus model also enjoys taking on curvy highway ramps and windy roads thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which reduces body roll, and weighted steering, which tightens in the Sport mode. (Other modes include Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing).

Interior: The CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus feels more like a luxury SUV than a basic crossover. Inside the cabin, you are surrounded by soft-touch surfaces, brushed aluminum, and stitched leather, including Terracotta leather-trimmed seats with ventilated/heated front and heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, and wireless charging.

Safety features include Mazda’s Radar Cruise Control, Blind-spot Monitoring, Lane-Keep Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Braking, and a 360 View Monitor.

Fuel Economy: The base model provides the best fuel economy with 24 city/30 highway mpg, while the turbo averages 23 city/29 highway mpg. For more fuel efficiency, consider the CX-50 hybrid.

Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.