Quick Take: 2023 Mazda CX-50
In this day and age, SUV shoppers have a greater variety of vehicles to choose from than ever before. Mazda has a new flavor in the segment for the 2023 model year with the new CX-50, a five-place SUV that is larger than the CX-5 (Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the lineup) and smaller than the seven-passenger CX-9 family SUV. The CX-50 is intended for customers who plan to go off the beaten path more often than a regular SUV owner but who might also want a docile experience on the highway. We got to spend a short while with the CX-50 at the Motor Press Guild Drive Day event and came away with admiration for its adaptability.
The CX-50 we sampled had the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 227 horsepower paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. On the winding roads of Malibu the CX-50 handled very well, similar to the driving experience of a CX-5 Turbo, which itself reminded us of the driving dynamics of the vaunted MX-5. Those who think they will be sacrificing performance for the go-anywhere abilities of the CX-50 are mistaken. Despite having a lively nature, ride quality was very good and we don’t think passengers will become irritable on long trips. We also liked the increased amount of cargo room which is convenient when carrying camping equipment.
All turbo-equipped CX-50s come with plenty of equipment, such as ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, 10.25-inch display for the infotainment system, LED headlights, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Furthermore, our test vehicle had the Premium Plus package, which added heated rear seats, a 360-degree view monitor, and navigation. All of these features contributed to the engaging nature of the CX-50 and they were very easy to learn and utilize.
Ultimately, we think the CX-50 is a practical choice for both individuals and families looking for an adaptable vehicle that can also deliver a fun experience behind the steering wheel. With such straightforward controls, we think most shoppers will have little trouble adjusting to the CX-50, and once they come across some twists in the road, the CX-50 will become the source of some organically-formed smiles.
