CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria - Does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Come Standard with i-Activ AWD® in Peoria, AZ?
If you’re shopping for a capable crossover in the West Valley, odds are you’re asking the same big question we hear daily on our showroom floor: does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 come standard with all-wheel drive? At CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria, we know Peoria, AZ drivers balance weekday commutes on Loop 101 with weekend escapes to Lake Pleasant, Sedona, or the Bradshaw Mountains, so confident traction matters. Here’s the short answer up front — and why it makes a meaningful difference across the Valley’s varied terrain and weather.
Yes, every 2025 Mazda CX-50 is equipped with i-Activ AWD®. This advanced, always-on system continuously monitors vehicle dynamics to help anticipate changes in wheel load and surface conditions, then routes torque where it’s needed for natural, predictable handling. Unlike basic AWD that primarily reacts after slip occurs, i-Activ AWD® works proactively and in harmony with G-Vectoring Control Plus for precise steering feel and added confidence on everything from rain-slicked city streets to graded forest roads.
That confidence scales with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), which lets you tailor the CX-50 to your scenario. Choose Normal Mode for everyday balance, Sport Mode for a more responsive drive on open stretches, and Off-Road Mode for consistent traction when pavement ends. On 2.5 Turbo models, available Towing Mode adds stability when your weekend plans include a trailer. The result is a seamless, driver-focused experience that keeps the CX-50 composed and engaging — exactly what shoppers in Peoria expect from a Mazda.
To make it easier to see how this technology supports real life in the Valley, here’s where i-Activ AWD® earns trust day after day.
- Daily commuting on Loop 101: i-Activ AWD® helps deliver composed lane changes and smooth power delivery when traffic ebbs and flows.
- Weekend trailheads and desert washes: Off-Road Mode optimizes traction so the CX-50 feels surefooted on rutted access roads to hiking, biking, or camping spots.
- Summer monsoon downpours: The system proactively adjusts torque distribution as conditions shift, supporting confident braking and steering inputs.
- Getaways to Flagstaff or Prescott: Elevation changes and cooler temps are no problem — i-Activ AWD® and G-Vectoring Control Plus keep handling precise and predictable.
- Towing your gear: With the proper Mazda Tow Hitch, 2.5 Turbo models can tow up to 3,500 lbs, and Towing Mode helps the CX-50 remain stable under load.
Because i-Activ AWD® is standard, your trim choice becomes a question of features and performance rather than drivetrain. CX-50 2.5 S models pair i-Activ AWD® with a refined SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 engine, while 2.5 Turbo models add a Twin-scroll Turbocharger for robust, responsive power — ideal if you plan to tow or frequently head north for adventure. Inside, you’ll find a driver-centric cabin with thoughtful controls, available Bose® audio, and an available Panoramic Moonroof that makes Arizona skies feel even bigger. And with thoughtful utility touches — from a long, flat cargo area to available roof accessories — it’s easy to load up and head out.
Ready to experience how all of this feels on Peoria roads? Here’s a simple plan to make the most of your visit with our team.
- Book a tailored test drive: We’ll route you across city streets and nearby stretches that highlight Mi-Drive’s different modes.
- Compare 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo: Feel the difference in responsiveness, and explore how Towing Mode enhances stability.
- Explore accessories and capability: Ask about a genuine Mazda Tow Hitch, roof carriers, and cargo solutions that fit your lifestyle.
- See the tech in action: We’ll walk you through available features like the 360 View Monitor and Alexa Built-in for everyday convenience.
- Plan for ownership: Learn about Mazda Connected Services, the MyMazda App, and our Digital Service experience for effortless maintenance.
Our goal is simple — help you pinpoint the right CX-50 configuration and leave confident in how i-Activ AWD® supports your life across Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, and beyond. From the first on-ramp to your first off-pavement trailhead, the CX-50’s traction, balance, and refinement come together in a way that stands out immediately from the driver’s seat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 come standard with i-Activ AWD®?
Yes. All 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models include i-Activ AWD® as standard equipment. If you are considering the upcoming Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, it features a new, electronic on-demand e-AWD system.
Which drive modes are included with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive)?
Mi-Drive offers Normal, Sport, and Off-Road on all CX-50 models. On 2.5 Turbo models, available Towing Mode helps keep the CX-50 stable when hauling a trailer.
What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
When properly equipped with a genuine Mazda Tow Hitch, CX-50 2.5 S models can tow up to 2,000 lbs. CX-50 2.5 Turbo models can tow up to 3,500 lbs when Towing Mode is engaged.
How is i-Activ AWD® different from traditional AWD?
i-Activ AWD® is always engaged and proactively monitors vehicle dynamics data to help anticipate changes in traction, then automatically adjusts torque distribution. It works with G-Vectoring Control Plus for predictable, natural-feeling handling on varied surfaces.
If all-wheel-drive confidence is at the top of your list, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 checks the box across every trim — and then adds the composure, connectivity, and design that make every mile more rewarding. Visit CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria to test drive a CX-50, explore Mi-Drive on nearby routes, and see how i-Activ AWD® elevates your daily drive and weekend adventures alike. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect fit and get you on the road with confidence.