Mazda CX-50 2023 review

The company’s best-selling CX-5 and the all-new Mazda CX-50, which debuted in 2023, are about the same size and use the same engines. However, the CX-50 is built on a new platform that the CX-30 and the updated Mazda 3 utilize. Compared to the ageing 5, which is excellent on pavement but not much of an off-roader, the new 50 has a higher ground clearance and an aggressive appearance to appeal to purchasers who enjoy the great outdoors. Additional options include splash guards, rocker panel protection, roof platforms for other tents, and all-terrain tires.

The Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, and Outback now have even more focused off-road Wilderness variants, and the CX-5, the brother vehicle, are competitors of the five-seater CX-50. An adventure-themed variant of Toyota’s RAV4 is also available. While all of them may be a little tight in the back seats, the CX-50 has slightly less headroom than others but maintains a competitive advantage in legroom. But in capacity, it lags below others at 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

There are six trim levels to choose from: S, S Select, S Preferred, S Preferred Plus, S Premium, and S Premium Plus. The first engine option is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower. Available in Turbo, T Meridian, T Premium, and T Premium Plus versions, the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 227 horsepower. An automated six-speed gearbox is used with both machines. The turbocharged engine in the Mazda boasts 256 horsepower on 93 octane gasoline, but most drivers will continue to use ordinary fuel.

On the CX-50, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. However, the system mainly powers the front wheels and may transmit power to the rear wheels when necessary for traction. Despite lacking the Bronco Sport’s locking rear differential for more difficult off-roading, this vehicle’s 8.3 to 8.6 inches of ground clearance is slightly less than the Bronco Sport’s, so it will still comfortably transport outdoor lovers to campsites or hiking trails. As is typical of Mazdas, it rides smoothly and comfortably while having excellent handling and enjoyable driving.

Although the inside design of the cabin is simple, the materials, fit, and finish are superb. All other S trim levels have a 10.25-inch center screen, while the basic model’s is 8.8 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a complimentary trial of linked services are all included. The car can be found in a parking lot, remotely locked or unlocked, service notifications may be sent, and more with a phone app. Unfortunately, the centre screen is usually only accessible via a cumbersome console-mounted controller that often requires many steps to perform a feature.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, emergency front braking, and a driver attention alert are standard driver-assist technologies on all trims. Surround-view monitoring and additional features are available. While it has some of the same infotainment and cargo restrictions as the CX-5, the CX-50 performs all of the functions of the latter vehicle and does so much better.

Performance: Mazda CX-50

A 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque is the primary engine for the CX-50. An upgraded 2.5-litre engine with 227 horsepower and 310 lb-feet of torque is also available. Like the CX-5 Turbo, the turbocharged engine’s quoted power and torque figures of 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet are only valid when the engine is powered by 93 octane fuel.

Both engines provide strong highway passing power, are fast off the start, and are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It is enjoyable to drive, has tight turning circles and precise steering, and isn’t too sporty for daily use. With its additional ground clearance and AWD system, which mainly powers the front wheels but can also transfer power to the rear when necessary, outdoor enthusiasts will have no trouble reaching their trails or campsites.

The standard engine can weigh 2,000 pounds, while the turbocharged engine can weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Depending on the trim level, the Outback and Forester can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Bronco Sport can tow up to 2,200 pounds.

Fuel Efficiency: Mazda CX-50

The EPA rates the standard 2.5-litre engine at 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg when driven combined. The machine with a turbocharger is rated at 23, 29, and 25 mpg. While both run on ordinary fuel, the Turbo runs more powerfully on 93 octane.

With a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg for the standard engine and 26 mpg for the Bronco Sport, the regular engine outperforms most of its primary rivals; however, the non-turbo Outback has a more excellent combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. While the Bronco Sport gets 23 mpg, the turbo Outback equals the CX-50 turbo’s combined efficiency of 25 mpg.

Moreover, the smaller CX-5 has a somewhat worse combined gas economy than the CX-50, with 26 and 24 mpg for the non-turbo and turbo versions, respectively, compared to 27 and 25 for the CX-50.

Safety & Driver Assistance :

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t yet conducted crash tests on the CX-50. Still, only a few days before our evaluation, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ certification. After NHTSA testing is through, we believe this vehicle’s rating will increase since all of its sibling cars get five stars from the agency.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, emergency front braking, driver attention alert, front and rear side impact airbags, knee airbags, and the required rearview camera are just a few of the driver-assist technologies that come standard on all trim levels. Blind-spot collision avoidance, emergency rear braking, and a 360-degree camera are additional features of the top Turbo Premium Plus.

Coziness & Space:Mazda CX-50

The Bronco Sport obtains the highest headroom among its rivals, with 41.5 inches in the front and 41.7 inches in the back, while the CX-50 is lower and has less headroom overall—39.1 inches in the front and 38.6 inches in the back—despite being more extensive and longer than the CX-5. The Outback has the most front-seat legroom (42.8 inches), ahead of the CX-50 (41.7 inches). Only the Hyundai Tucson (41.3 inches) has more rear-seat legroom than it does (39.8 inches), but apart from the limo-like Hyundai, all of these small SUVs may feel a little tight for rear-seat occupants.

Except for the two lowest models, the CX-50 has supportive and cosy seats, heated front seats, and an eight-way power adjustment system for the driver. While higher trims have actual leather upholstery or fabric with simulated leather detailing, the basic S trim features cloth seats. The front seats of the S Premium Plus, T Premium, and T Premium Plus are ventilated.

Infotainment: Mazda CX-50

All other trims feature a 10.25-inch centre infotainment screen, although the lowest S trim has an 8.8-inch screen. Standard USB connections, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a mobile app with remote lock and unlock, vehicle discover, service notifications, and other features, as well as a trial period of linked services, are all included. Head-up display, wireless charging, navigation, and satellite radio are standard on higher trim levels.

The screen menus are easy to use and straightforward. However, they are primarily accessible through a controller installed on the console, and certain features need too many additional steps to reach. In our assessment, Mazda’s dependence on this controller detracts from almost all its vehicles, although you gradually get used to it.

Storage & Cargo Space:

The load capacity of the CX-50 is 31.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are up and 56.3 cubic feet when the 60/40 back seat is folded down. Those are less than its competitors: the Outback has 75.6 cubic feet when its rear seats are folded, while the Tucson has 38.7 cubic feet with the seats up. Additionally, it doesn’t have as much small-item storage up front as some of its rivals.

The centre console box has a two-piece lid, which most people need to open to fit their hands inside. This is a minor gripe, but there isn’t a single button that opens both at once, which makes opening each one more complex and distracting.

Design: Mazda CX-50

Similar to the CX-5 but with an even more aggressive appearance, the CX-50 is handsome. This comprises a more aggressive front-end style, taillights, and squared-off wheel arches. It also features lower-body cladding. While some vehicles try too hard to seem off-road ready, the CX-50’s external plastic looks like it’s integrated into the design rather than being plastered on. Depending on the specification, the wheels are either 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch.

Although the inside has a much simpler design overall—particularly the straightforward horizontal dash panel—the materials are high-quality and well-assembled. The subtle elegance of the dashboard and interior amenities, albeit not particularly showy, make it one of the class’s more appealing interiors, especially on higher trims with additional colour options, such as terracotta-coloured leather.

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Worth it?

Six trim levels are available for the non-turbo CX-50, with the basic S trim costing $28,825 and the S Premium Plus costing $37,150. A $1,275 delivery charge is included in the price. The turbocharged engine comes in four trim levels, ranging from the Turbo ($37,150) to the T Premium Plus ($42,300).

At $30,250, the non-turbo S Preferred model is a good option for a daily commuter car as it has features like a power liftgate, heated seats and mirrors, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and a wiper de-icer.

Pricing-wise, the CX-50 undercuts its rivals when it comes to AWD alone. Front-wheel drive Hyundai Tucson models start at $27,745; all-wheel drive variants range in price from $29,245 to $38,505 before taxes. Ford Bronco Sport ($30,410 to $38,185) and Subaru Outback ($29,620 to $43,520) are available with AWD only. The only less expensive model is the Forester; the Wilderness model costs $33,945.

How Much Does Mazda CX-50 Insurance Cost?

Though there isn’t much information on insurance pricing for the brand-new Mazda CX-50, it isn’t all that different from the CX-5. Based on our statistics, a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record could anticipate paying an average yearly premium of around $1,905 for the 2.5 Turbo instead of $1,831 for the CX-5. A Hyundai Tucson would cost $1,868; a Toyota RAV4 would cost $1,919. A comparable Subaru Forester would cost $1,727.

Mazda CX-50 Generations

First Generation
2023 to Present

According to Mazda, the CX-50 isn’t a replacement for the wildly successful CX-5, which shares a six-speed automatic gearbox and 2.5-litre engines, but rather, it’s around the same size and does most of the same functions better. The updated CX-50, which shares a base with the smaller Mazda3 and CX-30, has benefited from six years of design time regarding fuel efficiency, style, and technology integration; nonetheless, its function has somewhat changed.

Verdict

With a similar appearance to the CX-5 but a new platform, increased ground clearance for consumers who like outdoor activities, and standard all-wheel drive, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an entirely new vehicle. It has two 2.5-liter turbocharged or standard engines with the same power output as the CX-5 but higher fuel economy. It has a simple but elegant interior and an attractive exterior design. Although the back seat legroom is limited and the storage capacity is less significant than other rivals, the seats are pleasant. Even though it has several active safety measures and is well-equipped, specific controls may be difficult to use.