2023 Mazda CX-50

Pros: Moderate off-road capability without sacrificing on-road handling; upscale interior; attractive styling

Cons: Relatively low body proportions make for a cozier interior than most compact SUVs, especially in the back seat; aging powertrain lineup

CG Says: Mazda introduces a new compact SUV for 2023 that’s aimed at active-lifestyle customers with off-road-adventuring inclinations. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 slots just above the CX-5 in Mazda’s SUV lineup; it’s longer and wider than the CX-5, with a lower, more wagon-like roofline. It can tow up to 3500 pounds depending on configuration. Two different engines are available: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 187 horsepower, or a turbocharged 2.5-liter producing up to 256 horsepower on 93-octane premium gas. All CX-50s get a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The CX-50 is offered in several trim levels. The 2.5 S Package with the base engine includes 17-inch wheels, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and an 8-speaker audio system. Moving up to the 2.5 S Select adds features such as dual-zone climate control and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The 2.5 S Preferred Package gets a power liftgate, 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat and heated front seats. A panoramic moonroof comes with the 2.5 S Preferred Plus Package. The 2.5 Premium Package adds leather seating, 6-way power adjustable passenger seat and a 12-speaker audio system with satellite radio. Ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels and head-up display are found on the 2.5 Premium Plus. Opting for the turbocharged engine, the 2.5 Turbo features a unique interior and badging, LED head- and taillights and a selectable towing mode. Rounding out the selection are 2.5 Turbo Premium and Premium Plus Packages similar to the 2.5 S’s. A turbocharged Meridian Edition with all-terrain tires and roof-mounted cargo platform, among other accessories, arrives later in the model year.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. Mazda is targeting a new niche with the 2023 CX-50, offering a crossover SUV with off-road aspirations which retains Mazda’s signature sporty on-road handling and a level of refinement not found in most of the competitive set. For the most part, the CX-50 stacks up well against its class rivals, and offers a character that’s sufficiently distinct from the Mazda CX-5.