2023 Mazda CX-50: A New Offensive

Strong points
  • Great looks
  • Superb material selection, fit and finish
  • Enhanced performance and capability
  • Top-notch handling
Weak points
  • Six-speed transmission only
  • Touchscreen capability with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only
  • No hybrid variant for now
Full report

SUVs are big business, not only here in North America but also in other markets overseas, which is why Mazda is investing big bucks to bolster its lineup. The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is just the start as it will be followed shortly by the CX-70 and CX-90. Similar to all of the brand’s products, styling and driving dynamics are put above everything else.

Before going any further, you should know that production takes place in Huntsville, Alabama at a new joint venture assembly plant shared with Toyota. The CX-50 is designed as a more adventurous SUV, whereas the current CX-5 is a traditional urban crossover. It will be interesting to see how these two coexist going forward.

One thing’s for sure, Mazda designers nailed the looks of the CX-50, which manages to appear both rugged and refined at the same time. Next to a Subaru Forester Wilderness or Toyota RAV4 Trail, which sport questionable body cladding and add-ons, the CX-50 makes a fairly clear statement without becoming a caricature of itself.

Photo: Gabriel Gélinas

Premium Interior

The premium looks on the outside are mirrored by the quality materials and superb fit and finish on the inside. While most Mazda vehicles can be described as upscale, the new CX-50 raises the bar especially when dressed in magnificent terracotta leather.

Also typical of Mazda is the ability to quickly find an ideal driving position. Ergonomics are nearly flawless, but it’s a shame that the centre display’s touchscreen capability only works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seriously, what’s up with that?

Photo: Gabriel Gélinas

Strong Turbo Engine

Two engines are available with the 2023 Mazda CX-50. The naturally aspirated unit comes standard, while the turbocharged one is optional. Both can run on regular gas, though you’ll get more power and torque if you fill the tank with premium gas.

While driving a CX-50 GT Turbo around town and out in the country, we found that torque is abundant and that the six-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job in any situation. Still, Mazda could have joined a number of competitors by using an eight-speed mixer instead, which would have helped improve fuel economy.  

Photo: Gabriel Gélinas

Towing capacity with the turbo engine is up to 3,500 pounds, and the various drive modes make it possible to quickly adjust driving dynamics depending on the conditions. In Normal mode, the transmission will upshift sooner, while in Sport mode, it will hold gears so you have more torque at your disposal, like when you want a quick exit out of a corner.

With Tow mode activated, the G-Vectoring Control system increases torque distribution so that steering remains precise and trailer sway is reduced. The final mode is Offroad and, as the name implies, it optimizes grip on loose terrain including gravel roads and muddy trails. Once you return to pavement, the CX-50 displays outstanding agility and proves more fun to drive than any rival.

Our Verdict

Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an excellent product that would be even better with an eight-speed transmission and full-time touchscreen capability. A hybrid variant would be nice, too. Look for it to arrive next year, likely as a 2024 model.

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

Comparative Tests2022 Subaru Outback vs. 2023 Mazda CX-50: The Numbers
The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is arriving at Canadian dealerships in May and a lot of people are buzzing about this latest addition to Mazda’s crossover lineup. It’s a bit larger and more adventure-ready than the popular Mazda CX-5 , making it a direct threat to the Subaru Outback .
First Drives2023 Mazda CX-50: Mazda's Answer to the Outback
Mazda has been very successful in Canada for a long time, but the same cannot be said for the U.S. Long considered marginal, the brand's vehicles have not always pleased the average American buyer. In order to fix that, and also to improve its product offer in the compact SUV …
News2023 Mazda CX-50 Available in May, Priced Above CX-5
The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a more rugged-looking SUV that a lot of people are eagerly waiting for. Built in Alabama at a new Toyota-Mazda joint assembly plant, it will be available at Mazda dealers across Canada in May. How much does it cost? We now have the answer.
NewsFirst 2023 Mazda CX-50 Rolls Off the Line, Ready to Rock
The all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an SUV that is generating a lot of interest among consumers and The Car Guide readers. Unveiled last November, it has now entered production at the new Mazda - Toyota joint assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama. This site will produce 300,000 vehicles annually. Up …
NewsMazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is Here and Wants to Take You Farther
Just like it promised at the premiere of the all-new 2023 CX-50 last fall, Mazda is now adding a Meridian Edition that aims to further the outdoor experience. Based on the GT Turbo model, this adventure-ready CX-50 features extra equipment and accessories that make the compact SUV a bit more …
News2024 Mazda CX-90 to Debut in January, Here’s What We Know
Just over a year ago, Mazda announced five future SUVs and crossovers including three for North America. The compact CX-50 is already on the road and will be followed next year by a pair of midsize models: the two-row CX-70 and three-row CX-90. The latter will come first and replace …
NewsMazda to Offer Nine Electrified Models in Canada by 2025
Mazda ’s electrification plan is getting clearer. We now have more details specific to the Canadian market following the announcement made in June of 2021 . For starters, the MX-30 electric crossover, which is currently sold in Quebec and B.C. only, will be available to customers across the country next …
NewsNext-Gen Mazda CX-5 is Coming, But Prepare to Wait
Many people have predicted the death of the Mazda CX-5 since the new CX-50 hit the market. And up until recently, even the company itself fueled doubts about its survival. However, according to a report from Drive , senior management at Mazda has confirmed a third generation of the CX-5 …