The CX-50 drives a Mazda-sized hole in the theory that weekend-adventure crossover SUVs must look like the chunky Subaru Outback. With the sleek 2023 Mazda CX-50, you can almost hear the automaker whispering, “To each, their own.” The CX-50 represents a more subtle approach to a segment led by the well-rounded Outback—a Subaru I drove for a year. Mazda’s first challenge is educating consumers on the difference between the CX-5, a long-time MotorTrend favorite, and the new CX-50. As we discovered on our First Drive, there’s so much more to the CX-50 than just a “0” on the end of a CX-5 badge. What will a year behind the wheel reveal?
Meeting Our CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Starting at $42,775, our 2023 CX-50 is the most expensive five-passenger Mazda you can buy today. Let’s break that down. Every CX-50 includes standard AWD, which is one reason the base model starts at a relatively high $28,025. Most CX-50s will get a 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine, the same powerplant we’ve seen in everything from the Mazda 3 to the CX-30, and CX-5. Like all of those Mazdas, the CX-50 offers an upgrade to a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four powerplant good for 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93. That’s the engine we picked.
Within the CX-50’s 2.5 Turbo trims, we went all-out with the Premium Plus model so we could test as many of the CX-50’s features as possible, from its new panoramic moonroof to a 360-degree camera system. Going turbo is also the only way to get an interior color other than black. With the available Terracotta medium-brown leather seats and stitching accents, the CX-50 feels more premium and interesting than your average compact or midsize SUV.
Like almost every CX-50, our top-of-the-line trim includes a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that can function as a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features that work wirelessly and are standard on every model. Once you’re stopped, you can use a rotating knob to control the native Mazda operating system. Blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency front braking, and adaptive cruise control are also standard on every CX-50. Our CX-50 rolls on 20-inch wheels with polished and shiny black finishes; most CX-50s have black 17-inch wheels with more off-road-friendly tires. Like other compact and midsize SUVs, you’ll have to upgrade a couple trims to get a power liftgate. Otherwise, the CX-50 offers a generous standard equipment package at the base and loaded trim levels.
So It’s Not A CX-5?
In person, the CX-50’s positioning against the CX-5 becomes clear. The longer, lower, and wider CX-50 wears dark cladding over the wheel wells and grille detailing that’s unique to this SUV. The CX-50 won’t strike as many buyers as classically beautiful like the CX-5. But that’s the point; the CX-50, which is actually based on the smaller CX-30, expresses a more outdoors-ready appeal.
What makes the CX-50 so interesting is how it attempts to mix the best of Mazda’s current ambitions with a target buyer that’s new to the brand. Over the course of a year, we’ll see how well the CX-50 can deliver the core Mazda trait of entertaining dynamics while matching the appeal of the Outback, a long-time leader for projecting an outdoorsy appeal. And with our CX-50 2.5 Turbo carrying an MSRP of over $43,000, we’ll determine how premium it truly feels at that price point. We can’t wait.
Specefication
| 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo AWD (Premium Plus) Specifications | |
| BASE PRICE | $42,775 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $43,170 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE | 2.5L Turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| POWER (SAE NET) | 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm* |
| TORQUE (SAE NET) | 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm* |
| TRANSMISSION | 6-speed automatic |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 3,905 lb (58/42%) |
| WHEELBASE | 110.8 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 185.8 x 75.6 x 63.5 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.0 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 15.4 sec @ 89.7 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 117 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.84 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 26.8 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 23/29/25 mpg |
| EPA RANGE, COMB | 395 miles |