If the market has taught us anything over the last few decades, there can never be too many SUVs and crossovers. Despite already having a few models in its lineup, including the small-sized CX-30, the electric MX-30, and the CX-5 (not to mention the mid-size CX-9), Mazda cranked out another tiny SUV named the CX-50, which it began building four years ago. While the new Mazda CX-50 is in the same market as the CX-5, Mazda’s best-selling car in North America right now, it has a little larger footprint, looks butchier, and promises to match those aesthetics with better off-road capability.
It also marks Mazda’s comeback to production in the United States. With the CX-50 ready to hit the market in North America, Mazda asked us to test drive the new SUV in every way that Mazda expects buyers, including on-road, off-road, and while towing.
Below are the top 10 facts you need to know about the 2023 Mazda CX-50.
1. The Mazda CX-50 features a unique riding quality
We’re no strangers to Mazda SUVs and appreciate how smooth the CX-30, CX-5, CX-9, and others ride. However, because the Mazda CX-50 is for off-roading, it lacks the smooth ride seen in other models in the family.
This is a reasonable trade-off given the increased possibilities. Climbing steep inclines, navigating dirt routes, and splashing across creeks are all no problem. In addition, the CX-50 boasts fast handling, a superb grip for corning, and a thrilling sports mode to make errands more enjoyable.
2. Incredibly fun to drive
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will make you happy on and off the road. Especially with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. It can reach 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.
Turning off traction control gives you better control on slippery roads and in bad weather. It provides extra assurance on dirt and gravel roads. Furthermore, the i-Activ AWD system offers the optimal settings for descending steep inclines.
3. The Mazda CX-50 steals the show
People haven’t seen a Mazda SUV with such a unique and appealing appearance in a long time. People will approach you and inquire about your driving, and further queries may follow. Someone questioned if I got a new Infiniti since the Mazda CX-50 2023 is fashionable and elegant.
We also got a lot of flak for the Mazda CX-50’s tires. They don’t appear to be the finest off-road vehicles, yet they performed admirably in the woods. People also abandoned their Subarus and Toyota Highlander models at trailheads to ogle at the CX-50.
4. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is practical
The Mazda CX-50 2023 has a small turning radius, making it extremely simple to handle around obstacles. Furthermore, the optional 360-degree camera shows you everything surrounding the car, and parking sensors show you how much room you have.
You can fold down the back seats at the push of a button, and the power lift tailgate makes loading and unloading stuff easier. A wireless phone charger, built-in navigation, and onboard wi-fi are options.
5. It has a Beautiful Exterior Design
The robust external design and aesthetic influences from the Mazda CX-5 complement each other effectively, making the SUV seem great from all sides. The standard blacked-out Mazda grille combines with a silver skid plate, LED DRLs, and automatic LED headlights to increase the road presence of this small SUV on the highway. The intense bumper with the air vents also appears to be functional.
The vehicle is longer and broader than the CX-5. The cladding surrounding the car emphasizes the rough appearance. The off-road-ready design has a stylish side profile, subtle character lines, and squared-off wheel arches.
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6. 2023 Mazda CX-50 has the same engine as the CX-5 Turbo
While the lesser trims share the same 2.5-liter normally aspirated inline-4 engine, the Turbo trims feature a punchier 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 engine paired to a 6-speed automated transmission and full-time AWD powertrain. It produces 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds.
This engine has a maximum towing capability of 3,500 lbs, which is more than many competitors. The new CX-50 Turbo, like the CX-5, is an all-arounder. The car boasts a lively bottom end with little turbo lag; mid-range shines because of enormous torque spread, but top-end performance isn’t awful. Gearshifts are smooth and appropriate in speed.
7. Mazda CX-50 offers Excellent fuel efficiency
The fuel economy remains unchanged from the CX-5. With a turbocharged inline-4 and a well-tuned transmission, the vehicle will not disappoint in terms of fuel efficiency. It could achieve 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for 25 MPG.
The 15.8-gallon gasoline tank is acceptable for the small SUV market, allowing it to travel 363 miles in the city and 458 miles on the highway. However, if the Mazda’s automatic gearbox had more gears like the Hyundai Tucson’s, it may have achieved even better MPG statistics.
8. 2023 Mazda CX-50 has Superior Towing Capacity
One of the main reasons to buy trims with turbocharged engines is that they have a higher towing and payload capability. This motor also contributes to a more comfortable driving experience, especially when combined with the trailer.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo is 3,500 lbs, which is far more than the pitiful 2,000 lbs of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson few competitors can match. Because the gears are adequately spaced, it does not scramble through the gearbox like its competitors. The AWD drivetrain also performs an excellent job of throwing down power.
9. It Includes Driver-Assistance Technology
Because this is a Mazda, there have been no concessions in the safety and driver-assistance sections. Lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision mitigation, and advanced smart brake support are among the standard driver-assistance features.
All models have standard safety equipment such as ESP, traction control, ABS with EBD, multiple airbags, side-impact beams, a backup camera, and parking sensors. While neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the CX-50 Turbo, we expect it, like other Mazda vehicles, to receive the highest rating.
10. Brakes in Mazda CX-50 are Sharp and Progressive
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo includes a 4-wheel disc brake layout with vented front rotors and all the other necessary braking technologies, such as ABS with EBD, automatic emergency braking, brake assist, and hill hold control.
The pedal provides good input to the driver, and a tiny tap on the brake pedal is all required to bring the car to a complete stop at city speeds. The brakes aren’t susceptible, and the braking development as you press harder on the pedal is spectacular. The 6-speed automatic transmission also aids in speed reduction by downshifting.
EndNote
We wished for a few items that other robust cars had throughout our week with the Mazda CX-50. For example, there is no standard 120-volt home outlet on the back. For electronics, you only have USB ports and auxiliary power outlets.
Our model had carpet throughout, which held up well to filth and grime. Other solutions, such as rubberized flooring and all-weather mats, are a little more reassuring when dealing with the elements.
Furthermore, storage space for little objects is inadequate. Because there isn’t even a pocket on the rear of the front seat, you may have to load your equipment in unconventional ways. Cup holders and storage boxes are relatively small.
But, at the end of the day, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an excellent car and will not disappoint you anyway.
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