The Mazda CX-50: What’s New for 2024?
The Mazda CX-50 is making a comeback for its second season, and Mazda claims to have made some improvements to enhance its all-terrain capabilities. While the driving characteristics of the previous model received positive reviews, there are some changes to the pricing and grade structure for the 2024 version.
Price Increase for 2024
Inflation and rising raw material costs have led to price increases across the automotive industry. As a result, almost every model in the CX-50 lineup now costs more than its 2023 counterpart. Mazda had already raised prices for the CX-50 in 2023, and now four models have received four-figure price increases for 2024.
For example, the top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model’s MSRP has increased from $42,300 to $43,300. Additionally, delivery charges of $1,375 need to be added to the final price. These price increases may disappoint prospective buyers who were hoping for a more affordable option.
Changes to Trim Levels
Mazda has also made changes to the trim levels for the CX-50 in 2024. The entry-level 2.5 S trim has been removed from the lineup, which previously had a starting price of $27,550. Instead, the new base model is the 2.5 S Select, which starts at $30,300 plus destination charges. This means that there is no longer a CX-50 available below $30,000.
Furthermore, the 2.5 S Preferred trim, which sits above the 2.5 S Select, has received a $1,400 price increase, bringing its total price to $31,650. These changes may disappoint budget-conscious buyers who were looking for a more affordable option.
Good News for Premium Models
Despite the price increases, there is some good news for those interested in the Premium and Premium Plus versions of the CX-50. These two high-spec models, equipped with the naturally-aspirated 2.5 engine producing 187 horsepower, have seen price adjustments.
The price of the Premium model has actually decreased by $1,150, bringing it down to $34,000. The Premium Plus model, on the other hand, has only experienced a modest $350 price increase. This means that these higher-end models now offer better value for money compared to the previous year.
Choosing Between Turbo and Naturally-Aspirated Engines
One notable change in the 2024 lineup is the price difference between the base Turbo version and the atmo (naturally-aspirated) Premium Plus model. The base Turbo version now costs $500 more than before, but it is not as well-equipped as the atmo Premium Plus model.
However, the Turbo version offers a significant increase in power with its 256 horsepower engine compared to the 187 horsepower engine in the atmo model. For those seeking more performance and acceleration, the Turbo version may be the preferred choice despite the higher price.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-50 returns for its second season with some improvements to its all-terrain capabilities. However, these enhancements come at a cost, as almost every model in the lineup has experienced price increases for 2024. The removal of the entry-level trim and the higher prices may disappoint some buyers looking for a more affordable option.
On the bright side, the Premium and Premium Plus models now offer better value for money with their adjusted prices. Additionally, the Turbo version provides a significant increase in power for those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience.
Overall, while the price increases may deter some potential buyers, the Mazda CX-50 still offers a compelling option for those in search of a stylish and capable SUV.