The engine options in the CX 50 play a significant role in its fuel economy. As we've seen, the base four-cylinder engine provides a decent balance. In combined city and highway driving, it can achieve around 28 miles per gallon. This is comparable to many of its competitors in the same class. The turbocharged variants, while more powerful, consume more fuel. But, it's not just about the engine. The vehicle's aerodynamic design also contributes. The sleek lines and sculpted body help reduce drag, which in turn improves fuel efficiency. For example, when driving at highway speeds, the CX 50 cuts through the air more smoothly than a boxier SUV, using less fuel to maintain speed. However, factors like driving style can have a big impact. Aggressive acceleration and constant speeding up and slowing down will lower your mileage. So, driving smoothly and maintaining a steady speed can help you get the most out of your tank.

Another factor is the weight of the vehicle. The CX 50, with its rugged build and off-road capabilities, is not the lightest in its class. The additional weight of the all-wheel-drive system, larger tires, and robust chassis can slightly affect fuel economy. But, Mazda has made efforts to offset this. The use of lightweight materials in the engine and some body components helps keep the overall weight in check. Additionally, the intelligent engine management system constantly adjusts fuel injection and other parameters to optimize efficiency. In real-world driving, you might notice a difference in fuel consumption depending on whether you're driving in the city, on the highway, or off-road. Off-roading, for instance, is more demanding and will use more fuel. But, for most daily driving and even some weekend adventures, the CX 50's fuel economy should be satisfactory if you drive smartly.

The transmission also matters. The CX 50 is typically equipped with a well-tuned automatic transmission that shifts gears smoothly. This helps in maintaining a good balance between power and efficiency. It can quickly find the right gear for the driving conditions, whether you're accelerating, cruising, or climbing a hill. Some models might even offer a manual shift mode, allowing more experienced drivers to have more control over the gears. But, overall, the transmission works in harmony with the engine to provide a fuel-efficient driving experience. In conclusion, while the Mazda CX 50 might not be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it offers a reasonable compromise between performance and economy, making it a practical choice for many drivers.

In conclusion, the Mazda CX 50's fuel economy is influenced by multiple factors. By understanding these and driving smartly, you can enjoy its capabilities while keeping your fuel costs in check. It's a vehicle that tries to give you the best of both worlds in terms of power and efficiency.