SIX SPEED BLOG: POLAR OPPOSITES, DRIVEWAY BATTLE: 2025 MAZDA CX-50 2.5T vs 2024 FIAT 500e

The Fiat 500e has gone all electric for 2024 and with a range of 140-miles, the closest working level 2 charging station is 20 miles away from home and I’m not always guaranteed a charging spot when I get to work thanks to the Tesla hogs; as if they don’t have their own networks they can use. So, while the Fiat 500e takes it time to charge, I ordered up a contingency plan, a Mazda CX-50, which has gone completely unchanged for 2025. But as with every driveway battle, which one will I enjoy the most?

The Contestants…

This comparison may not seem entirely fair, as each vehicle serves a distinct purpose. One is designed with youth in mind, while the other focuses on chauffeuring them. And with a name that begins with “Inspired by,” one emphasizes fashion, while the other focuses on functionality.

The Fiat 500e starts at just over $34,000 and is available in four variations: Inspi(red), Inspired by Beauty, Inspired by Music, and Inspired by Los Angeles. In contrast, the Mazda comes with a $10,000 premium over the 500e, largely because Mazda consistently provides us with their most expensive, top-trim, and highest-performing models. The CX-50 they sent us is the Turbo Premium Plus, with an as-tested price of $45,315.

Merits on Styling

In their own way, both vehicles are extremely attractive in styling. The Mazda boasts a masculine, muscular physique with a sculptured long nose, large wheels, and a squat stature, exuding strength and elegance. On the other hand, the Fiat is more cutesy and flamboyant, especially in the Inspired by Beauty option in Rose Gold. This model embraces a design scheme that elevates its classic look into a retro-modern fit, appealing to those with a taste for vintage charm.

Interior Bliss

The Fiat 500e instantly strikes you as a fashion statement with its interior design. It features a crisp white setting with vegan-approved leather and stylish embroidery on the seats. The materials on the dash resemble fabric, adding to the interior’s character. Despite its compact size, the interior is functionally designed, allowing easy access to the 10.3-inch infotainment display. The retro styling is preserved with a vintage classical look, highlighted by a round instrument gauge housing a customizable digital screen.

In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 focuses on passenger and cargo space. While an adult can fit in the back seat of the Fiat, it’s not ideal for long periods. Like the Fiat, the Mazda also boasts an attractive interior with contrasting Terracotta leather seats and stitching. It includes modern comforts such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a large digital center screen, a digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display.

Both the Fiat and the Mazda offer pleasant comfort. The 500e has grown slightly in all dimensions, providing a comfortable atmosphere even for taller occupants. A key difference, apart from size, is that the Mazda offers power-adjustable seats, whereas the Fiat’s are manual. However, both have issues with cupholders. The Fiat has only one functional cupholder, awkwardly positioned beneath the center storage console. In the Mazda, although there are more, they are awkwardly placed and slanted, causing drinks to flop around.

Spirting Performance

While one vehicle is electric and the other turbocharged, both offer spirited driving in their own unique ways. The Mazda CX-50 enhances its entry-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger to produce an impressive 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite a hint of turbo lag, the CX-50 can reach 60 mph in just over 6.5 seconds.

Fiat 500e Likes: Same fun-to-drive characteristics as before, electrifying performance, functional charging times from a 110-home outlet.

Mazda CX-50 Likes: Wants to be driven quickly, great handling, heavily equipped

The Fiat 500e, though not as powerful, offers a different experience. It utilizes a single electric motor mounted on the front wheels, providing 117 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Unlike many modern electric cars known for their rapid, neck snapping acceleration, the 500e maintains a more civilized, down-to-earth pace, reaching 60 mph in just under 8 seconds.

Both vehicles offer various drive modes to enhance their capabilities. The Mazda CX-50 features five modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with the Turbo model capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs. In contrast, the Fiat 500e provides eco-focused modes like Range and Sherpa. Sherpa is the most restrictive, limiting speeds to 50 mph to maximize range, while Range mode functions like a single-pedal system, adjusting throttle response. During our testing, we primarily used the least efficient mode, Normal, to experience the full performance of the Fiat.

On the open road, the Mazda is more comfortable at higher speeds, finding its sweet spot above 80 mph, while the Fiat starts to run out of breath as it reaches its peak at a top speed of 94 mph. The CX-50 excels in handling, with precise steering and a suspension that manages rough roads well. It truly comes alive on back highway roads with sweeping curves and open lanes. Conversely, the Fiat 500e thrives in the city, maneuvering through traffic with its small size and go-kart-like agility. Its steering is quick and nimble, and while the suspension can be jarring due to its short wheelbase, it doesn’t detract from overall comfort or experience.

Regardless the Juice, both are thirsty.

In the ongoing debate between electric and gas vehicles, gas often wins in terms of refueling speed. However, the Fiat 500e offers a relatively convenient recharging experience compared to other electric vehicles. Its small size means it has a smaller battery pack, with a peak range of around 150 miles. Dropping below 50% range requires about 14 hours to recharge from a Level 1 charging station. During daily commutes, using 30% of the range, a full recharge took 8 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging. Fiat claims the battery charges from empty to 100% in 6 hours on a Level 2 charger, or to 80% in 35 minutes on a Level 3.

Fiat 500e Dislikes: Only 1 inconveniently placed cupholder, unusable small sun visor

Mazda CX-50 Dislikes: Less than impressive fuel economy, clumsy cupholders, small fuel tank

On the other hand, the Mazda CX-50’s fuel economy and range fall short of current standards. We achieved close to the EPA rating with 22.5 mpg combined, indicating it was quite thirsty and depleted its relatively small fuel tank quickly. After driving 190 miles during our test, the fuel level was below a quarter tank, resulting in a range of less than 250 miles than the trip computer suggested.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-50 stands out as one of the more entertaining compact crossovers in its class, offering nearly class-leading options and safety features. It boasts an impressive adaptive cruise control system, a high-definition 360-degree view camera, a panoramic glass roof, and adaptive LED headlights. Despite these features, the Fiat 500e captured my heart with its charming demeanor and playful performance. Importantly, the Fiat’s personality remains intact despite its transition to electric. It retains the same charm and driving characteristics found in the previous Fiat 500 Abarth I tested. Even as an electric vehicle, it consistently brings a smile to our faces.