Glamping on Wheels: A Review of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo

Ruggedness is king in 2024 and while Mazda has always been known for sleek performance, this Japanese car company is arriving at the gritty offroad party, better late than never, with the 2024 CX-50 Turbo. It’s “zoom zoom” that can traverse dirt and gravel just as easily as smooth pavement. Mazda’s philosophy of capturing that exhilarating sense of horse and rider is still very much front and center, but in the CX-50, that horse has the capability to slosh through mud and rock. If you’re an adventurous Dad Driver, this is the Mazda vehicle you’ve been waiting for.

Ruggedness in compact SUVs isn’t a new phenomenon and Mazda has some inroads to make if it wants to make an impression. Does it bring enough to the table to make it competitive with the likes of Subaru and Jeep when it comes to offroading capabilities? And does it sacrifice any of that pure Mazda performance and sophistication in order to roughen up its edges? This Dad took it for a spin and found out just what family life could bring out of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo.

What This Dad Digs About the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo

Don’t Fret, It Still Drives like a Mazda – Performance and handling are the name of the game when it comes to Mazda vehicles and the CX-50 is no different. In fact, the 2.5L turbocharged engine that came in for our review punches up the highway fun, thanks to a relatively small, aerodynamic frame. This particular engine produces a strong 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque which made for some quick acceleration and pep when needed for passing.

The driving dynamics on the CX-50 are engaging and carry forward the Mazda philosophy of connecting the driver so that they feel in complete control of the horsepower. Though it looks built for off-roading, the CX-50 still retains sporty handling when on paved roads. Steering is on point and a well-balanced chassis makes weaving around corners, and traversing off paved roads, a treat. The CX-50 is the first vehicle in a while that feels at home both on and off the road; the transition from daily daycare drop-offs on city streets to adventurous excursions on trailed roads was seamless.

Glamping while Driving – My daughter is all about glamping, and I couldn’t help but think of that, while sitting inside the CX-50. If the exterior screams ruggedness, the interior encapsulates glamor. Premium materials make up the elements of the interior, with soft-touch surfaces everywhere you turn. The Turbo trim’s terracotta leather with premium stitching adorns the seats and was not only beautiful to look at but made for comfortable sitting. Stitched leather also stretches across the front console, adding luxury to Mazda’s minimalistic design language.

Soft Core, Off-Roading – The CX-50 strikes a perfect off-roading note for Dad Drivers like myself. It scratches that itch to want to do some light off-roading, with confidence so that even moderately skilled drivers can feel at home behind the wheel. As low as the CX-50 sits to the ground, and as light as it feels, I wouldn’t feel 100% confident doing some hardcore off-roading. Still, the CX-50 stays in its lane and offers a compelling off-road experience. I did some light off-roading through some wooded areas of a state park in the CX-50 and while the ride was a little stiff, it felt very capable. With the off-road drive mode selected, the handling felt more engaging and my daughters were thrilled at climbing over manageable rocks. Even better, all CX-50 models come with i-ACTIV AWD, making it more capable not only off-road, but also safer in bad weather.

Surprising Towing Capacity – While I didn’t have anything to tow during my week with the CX-50, it was surprising to learn that the Turbo trim model we reviewed can tow up to 3,500 lbs. That’s enough power to tow a small camper trailer, a 20 foot aluminum fishing boat, or two ATVs. Surprisingly versatility for a compact SUVs of this size.

Squared Up Exterior Design – The CX-50 certainly falls in line with the other vehicles in Mazda’s lineup but there is some nice details that sharpen the rugged edge to its exterior design. A longer, bulkier body keeps the CX-50 low to the ground and balanced. Slightly squared off wheel wells and the matte black graphic on the hood, are classic ‘off-road vehicle” features that really set this vehicle apart from its siblings.

What Gets This Dad’s Downvote

Noisy Mazda Roof Rack – As sexy and capable as the CX-50 looks with that bulky roof rack on its crown, it comes with a price: a noisy cabin ride. Mazdas typically have uber-quiet interiors but the aerodynamics of the wind rushing over the CX-50 and through the crossbars of the roof rack, cause the rack to rattle obscenely once you hit a decent speed on the highway. The CX-50 comes standard with roof rack rails so if you don’t opt for the Mazda crossbars, this might not be an issue. To be fair, the CX-50 we reviewed came with a beautifully large moonroof which may have contributed to the sound leak.

Compact as You Would Expect – The CX-50 is a compact SUV and Mazda’s line of vehicles has always struck me as slightly cramped but it’s never been as noticeable as it is here. The Turbo trim gives an inviting impression to take adventurous trips that would require long drives and cargo space. Before kids, this would have been the perfect weekend getaway ride for my wife and I. With kids, car seats, and all the accessories that come with family life, that cargo space can disappear quickly.

The CX-50 cabin offers a very decent 100.3 cubic feet of space, which includes 41.7 inches of legroom up front and 38.6 inches of headroom. The rear has a slightly less 39.8 inches for legroom and 38.6 inches for headroom. Cargo area behind the rear seats is 31.4 cubic ft which is generous but still falls behind competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester.

Premium Fuel Recommended – You can drive the CX-50 on regular gas but if you want to get the full power of the 256 horses and the 320 lb-ft of torque, you’ll need to feed it Premium fuel. In this economy, this could be a strain on the wallet. The upside: the CX-50 has better than expected fuel economy. Specifically, 23 mpg in the city and an impressive 29 mpg on the highway.

Right at Home at a Glamp Site

Even if my daughter hadn’t been on a kick lately to go glamping (thank you, internet) I would still consider the 2024 Mazda CX-50 to be the perfect vehicle to drive to a glamp site. It almost perfectly encapsulates the essence of glamping – roughing it but never really leaving the luxury of home behind. Similarly, the CX-50 Turbo version, complete with the roof rack, looks ready for adventure but it retains the classy aesthetics and robust driving experience that Mazda enthusiasts are already familiar with. And just like glamping, the CX-50 Turbo comes with a price – the top Turbo Premium Plus trim nears $44,000 with all options. While not the most expensive compact SUV on the market, it’s certainly expensive for its size.

Glamping, like luxury vehicles, is about appreciating a unique experience. The CX-50 does not disappoint in providing a unique and rugged experience like no other. Built for responsible adventure off the beaten path, it also looks appropriate in your kid’s school drop-off line, where all the other parents will be left wondering how far off the beaten path you like to traverse on your weekends.