2023 Mazda CX-50

Overview

A new nameplate has joined Mazda’s lineup in the form of the 2023 CX-50 SUV, which is well-equipped to take on compact crossover rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. The CX-50 is available with either a naturally aspirated 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged version of that engine making 256 horsepower. All models come with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A hybrid model is also in the works that will use a powertrain from Toyota. The CX-50 shares a platform with the subcompact CX-30 crossover and the Mazda 3 compact car so it offers athletic handling similar to those two winners. Although it's barely larger than the company’s CX-5 SUV, the CX-50 wears more rugged styling, which is a departure from the more refined, upscale designs found elsewhere in the Mazda lineup.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#2 in Best Compact SUVs for 2023

1

Honda CR-V

STARTING AT: $29,760

SHOP CR-V

2

Mazda CX-50

STARTING AT: $28,925

SHOP CX-50

3

Volkswagen Tiguan

STARTING AT: $28,245

SHOP Tiguan

4

Mazda CX-5

STARTING AT: $28,075

SHOP CX-5

5

Ford Bronco Sport

STARTING AT: $30,810

SHOP Bronco Sport

6

Kia Sportage

STARTING AT: $27,615

SHOP Sportage

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What's New for 2023?

The CX-50 is an all-new model for the brand and Mazda says that it will be sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5, which is on an older platform. How long the two will be in dealers together is unknown.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

The CX-50 is available in a plethora of trim levels ranging from fairly basic to downright luxurious, but we'd recommend going with the Turbo model. It adds the more powerful 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and increases towing capacity to 3500 pounds. It also comes standard with a host of desirable features, including a panoramic sunroof, a 10.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and leather upholstery with heated front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All models will come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder but the one to get is the more powerful turbocharged variant offering 256 horsepower; the base non-turbo offering makes just 187 hp. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive, and Mazda has baked-in crisp handling to the CX-50 so that it carries on the company's tradition of offering fun-to-drive vehicles. In fact, during our initial test drive, we praised the CX-50 for providing a joyful driving experience and accurate steering while preserving a comfortable ride. A hybrid model will join the lineup later on with a powertrain sourced from Toyota. We expect it to be the one found in the RAV4 Hybrid, which is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors good for a combined 219 horsepower. So far, we've only had a chance to test the turbocharged model, but it managed a 6.6-second rip to 60 mph at our track.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most efficient CX-50 is the one with the base four-cylinder. That model is rated for 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, but going with the optional turbo only drops those number by 1 mpg respectively while adding a lot of performance. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the turbocharged CX-50 managed 28 mpg. For more information about the CX-50's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the CX-5 and CX-30 crossovers, the CX-50 offers space for five passengers in two rows of seats. Inside, large square dashboard vents give the 50 a slightly more truckish look than the smaller CX-30, but the overall vibe is tastefully upscale, especially on the loaded Premium Plus trim. The front seats are comfortable and supportive; rear seat space is generous as well, but it should be noted that the CX-5 offers more headroom. All models come with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, push-button start, and a partially-digital gauge display.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

While the base CX-50 comes with a smaller 8.8-inch infotainment display, all other trims get a larger 10.3-inch screen; both versions run the latest version of the Mazda Connect interface and are controlled via a click wheel mounted on the center console. All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity. An eight-speaker stereo is standard but Premium and Premium Plus models come with a 12-speaker Bose stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio. A wireless phone charger is available, but only on the top Turbo Premium Plus.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The CX-50 comes standard with a full suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Other features, such as automatic high-beam headlamps and a 360-degree exterior camera system are optional. For more information about the CX-50's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia and Hyundai both offer better warranty coverage than Mazda, and some other automakers that play in this segment offer complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2023 Mazda CX-50
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $37,625/$43,170
Options: Premium Plus package (ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Bose audio, Sirius XM radio, wireless phone charger, navigation, head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree view, blind-spot detection, traffic-jam assist), $5150; Zircon Sand Metallic paint, $395

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled Miller-capable inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 152 in³, 2488 cm³
Power: 256 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/trailing arm
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring
245/45R-20 99V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.8 in
Length: 185.8 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 63.9 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft³
Cargo Volume: 31 ft³
Curb Weight: 3866 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec @ 91 mph
100 mph: 18.8 sec
120 mph: 35.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 142 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 440 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/23/29 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs