The Japanese manufacturer has shown huge ambitions with the new platform that features rear-wheel drive, inline-six engines and similar things. The switch to the new platform will certainly make Mazda models more expensive but the company thinks of loyal customers as well. Therefore, they launched the 2023 Mazda CX-50, which uses the older and proven technology and keeps the price at a very reasonable level. The new model shares a lot of parts with the CX-5 but it is bigger, more rugged and more practical, which should attract a wider range of buyers to the Mazda’s badge.
The new model has so many great things to offer. Although essentially a compact SUV, it features one of the longest wheelbases in the class, which brings many benefits on the inside. We also like the new styling, as well as the interior design. Things under the hood are pretty familiar, as Mazda decided to use proven SkyActiveG engines.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Design
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a brand-new model but it brings some pretty familiar design solutions. It is based on Mazda’s current platform, which features a front-wheel-drive basis, with transversally mounted engines. However, this particular model comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The most interesting thing about this SUV is its size. It comes with a notably bigger dimension compared to the CX-5 and brings what Mazda desperately needed in this segment – an SUV that has a spacious and comfortable second row of seats. The new model measures nearly 111 inches in wheelbase and 186 inches in total length.
Another thing you can notice is a new design language. Compared to older SUVs in the lineup, it features a little bit bolder look, though there is still a fine portion of sleek and curvy lines. All in all, it looks more rugged and more SUV-ish, but it doesn’t sacrifice the brand’s famous elegance.
Interior
The same thing could be said for interior design. The company’s famous simplistic and elegant design approach is there, but there are a few details that make this cabin look more SUV-ish. This particularly refers to the massive air vents and a few more details on the dashboard, which is generally clean and simple. Typically for Mazda, the materials are super-fine, while the build quality is excellent. Furthermore, sound insulation is also pretty good, which wasn’t always the case with Mazda models.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes with a generous amount of passenger space. Both rows accommodate adults with ease, in such a nice fashion. Also, the front seats are massive and supportive, while the driving position is excellent.
On the other hand, the cargo area isn’t all that generous. It offers around 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is low for the segment.
Features
Another thing to like about this SUV is a long list of standard and available equipment. All models come standard with goodies like remote keyless entry, push-button start, an 8.8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, an eight-speaker stereo and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Additionally, you can get things like a 10.25-inch display, navigation, wireless device charging, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker stereo and two additional USB ports, as well as proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic moonroof.
When it comes to safety and driver-assistance features, you may count on a long list of standard features. Some of the highlights are goodies like a rearview camera, driver-attention alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams etc. Additionally, you can get front and rear parking sensors, surround-view camera, head-up display, road sign recognition, adaptive headlights, reverse automatic emergency braking etc.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Engines
Things under the hood are pretty familiar. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 relies on a couple of proven units. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four, which puts out around 187 horsepower and comes coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Driving dynamics are good, while we also like pretty good fuel economy that goes around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
For those who look for something peppier, there is the well-known 2.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Driving dynamics are significantly better, while the fuel economy drops by 1 mpg.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Pricing
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 starts at around 28.000 dollars, while the models with a turbocharged engine are available at $37.000.