What kind of car is the 2023 Mazda CX-50? What does it compare to?
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV that can accommodate 5 passengers. CX-50 is longer, wider, and lower than CX-5. Combining its off-road wagon with the adventurous lifestyle craze, it spreads in this market segment, such as Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Toyota RAV4 Adventure, etc. Wait.
Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 a good SUV?
Sharing a platform with the Mazda CX-30, but built with Toyota Corolla Cross, the larger CX-50 adds a puzzling part to Mazda's small but powerful lineup. We are curious about its fit, but will not make a judgment until we drive it next spring. (Read more about how we evaluate cars.)
What are the new changes in Mazda CX-50 in 2023?
The new model brings many familiar parts, and seems to follow a similar strategy as when Mazda launched the CX-30 last year, which eventually replaced the smaller CX-3. Mazda says otherwise about its bestseller; the smaller, high-end CX-5 will not be replaced by the CX-50. However, we have to add.
CX-50 abandons Mazda’s traditional round wheel arches and long nose style with short front overhangs. The design is inspired by the outdoors. To Mazda, it looks like Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Crosstrek in our eyes. The square black cladding and protruding fenders on the wheels are parallel to these vehicles, but the front and rear retain more of the Mazda appearance. The wing grille extends its tip under the headlights, and below them, the vertical air intake adds a wide element. The bumper looks taller, with a fake anti-skid plate attached to the end.
The interior looks like many other Mazda crossovers, except that the spirit of black lettering on a black background can be trimmed with tan accent stitching. The display is located on the lower instrument panel and can be navigated using the console-based dial and buttons. Mazda did not disclose any size specifications, but it seems to be the same as the 8.8-inch display in the CX-30. The new feature inside is the panoramic sunroof, which Mazda claims is the first.
The 2.5-liter engine under the hood is definitely not the first time. The basic engine will be a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, adjusted to 186 horsepower on the CX-30, or a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4, which can reach 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet (93 octane rating) vehicles on this lighter. Both engines are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which keeps gears longer than other new cars; it can stay in the power range more frequently, but cabin noise comes with it.
As with all other Mazda crossovers, all-wheel drive is standard, and the CX-50 uses the same front strut and rear torsion beam suspension as most Mazda SUVs. The difference of CX-50 is its more advanced traction control system, which can better deal with off-road challenges.
The drive mode switch in the console provides four modes, including sports, traction and off-road. When the speed increases, the torque vector is used to transfer the torque from the rear axle when it is stopped to the front wheels. Mazda said the connection between the two axles helps prevent oversteer or sliding on gravel or dirt roads, so that the balance is more consistent with the driver's experience on the sidewalk. When a wheel starts to slip, the braking system will grab that wheel and the diagonally opposite wheel, so that the torque will be directed to the wheel with the most grip. There is no gradient down control, but when climbing a hill, the braking system will grab the wheels to prevent backlash, and the engine idling speed will increase, so once the driver steps on the accelerator, there is more torque available to climb the hill.
Compared with CX-5 or CX-30, CX-50 has a wider sitting position and higher ground clearance. All-season tires are standard, but the factory will provide all-terrain and many other off-road accessories. Mazda said that the lower roof height and wider rear doors open, just like the Toyota Corolla Cross, which simplifies the strapping device for the roof rack that can be used. The back leg room should be roughly the same as the CX-5's 39.6 inches, but it will be slightly wider to get more hip and shoulder room. Mazda said that the cargo hold has been optimized to support outdoor activities, but it remains to be seen how it compares with the 30.9 cubic feet of the CX-5.
Mazda remains silent on standard functions, but hopes that it will be equipped with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind spot monitors and other standard driver assistance functions, so that vehicles of this brand will be the best safety choice of IIHS throughout the year and help them get five Item-NHTSA's star rating.
What is the price of Mazda CX-50 in 2023?
Pricing and feature availability will be announced in the spring.
Where will the Mazda CX-50 be manufactured in 2023?
In Mazda and Toyota's shared factory in Huntsville, Alabama, and Toyota Corolla Cross.