Mi-Drive and i-Activ AWD® on the 2025 Mazda CX-50: Confident Handling for Pueblo, CO Roads and Trails

Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers - Mi-Drive and i-Activ AWD® on the 2025 Mazda CX-50: Confident Handling for Pueblo, CO Roads and Trails

Two systems define the 2025 Mazda CX-50 when weather turns or pavement ends: standard i-Activ AWD® and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). Working together, they make the CX-50 feel calm, connected, and agile across Pueblo’s varied driving—city streets, wind-swept stretches near the reservoir, and gravel roads that lead to trailheads. i-Activ AWD® is proactive, continuously monitoring inputs and helping distribute torque to the wheels that can use it best, while Mi-Drive lets you tailor the response to your environment with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes. The result is a crossover that keeps your steering natural and your throttle predictable, even when the surface under your tires changes by the mile.

What stands out in day-to-day use is how seamlessly the systems fade into the background. In Normal mode, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 feels poised and quiet, with power routed for balance and stability. Tap Sport, and the throttle wakes up for on-ramps and two-lane passes, without making the ride busy. Head toward Lake Pueblo State Park and select Off-Road, and you’ll notice sure-footed traction on dirt access roads, with the system managing wheel slip while letting you maintain steady inputs. If you’re towing a small camper or a pair of dirt bikes on Turbo models, the available Towing mode adjusts shifting and throttle mapping to support confident control. Add in the tuning of the SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 or SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 Twin-scroll Turbo engines, and the CX-50 delivers engaging performance that still feels refined after a long day behind the wheel.

• Normal mode: Balanced power delivery and relaxed steering feel for everyday Pueblo commutes.
• Sport mode: Sharper throttle and shift behavior for responsive highway merges and canyon routes.
• Off-Road mode: Optimized traction management to help maintain momentum and composure on uneven surfaces.
• Available Towing mode: Tailored powertrain mapping that supports stability when hauling on Turbo models.

Confidence is also about awareness. Available i-Activsense® features like the 360-degree View Monitor with See-through View, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go add helpful visibility and stress reduction across long I-25 drives or in tight trailhead parking lots. The MyMazda App and Mazda Connected Services bring remote conveniences to your phone, while Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ keep your focus on the road. The available 12-speaker Bose® system turns the cabin into a rolling playlist for sunrise starts and dusk drives home.

Considering how you’ll use your vehicle helps you pick the right CX-50 configuration. If towing is essential, look at Turbo models and genuine Mazda accessories like the Tow Hitch and wiring harness. If your weekends lean toward hiking and paddleboarding, roof crossbars, carriers, and a cargo box make organizing gear a breeze. And if your commute includes pre-dawn highway miles, options like heated seats, the heated steering wheel, and an Active Driving Display can make winter mornings more comfortable while leaving your eyes up and forward.

Curious how Mi-Drive and i-Activ AWD® feel in your daily routine? Our team can set a route that includes highway, city, and rougher side roads so you can test the transitions among drive modes. We’ll also walk you through accessory setups for a clean fit and quiet ride, whether you’re packing bikes or planning a camping weekend. It’s the combination of technical capability and thoughtful calibration that makes the CX-50 such a solid match for Southern Colorado’s mix of weather and terrain.

When you’re ready to explore options and compare trims, schedule time with Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers. Our specialists will help you weigh features, accessories, and ownership choices, all while serving Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo with the support and insight you need to buy confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does i-Activ AWD® differ from traditional AWD?

It’s predictive rather than purely reactive, monitoring inputs and adjusting torque distribution to help maintain stability before slip becomes noticeable.

Do I need to manually switch AWD settings?

No. i-Activ AWD® works automatically; you use Mi-Drive to select the drive mode that best matches your road or towing needs.

Is Towing mode available on every CX-50?

Towing mode is available on Turbo models and supports confident hauling when the vehicle is properly equipped.

Will Off-Road mode change the ride quality?

It optimizes traction and power delivery; the CX-50 remains composed, with steering and throttle tuned for control on uneven surfaces.

What tech pairs well with Mi-Drive for daily use?

Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ for seamless infotainment and i-Activsense® driver assists for added confidence in traffic or low-visibility conditions.

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