2023 Mazda CX-50 AWD

Saying Zoom-Zoom with an Alabama (Southern) accent, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 AWD sport utility vehicle is an improvement on the existing CX-5 SUV. In fact, the new CX-50 is larger, wider and with a grander cargo capacity than its CX-5 sibling. Napleton News had a chance to give the CX-50 a go, a few weeks ago. As we are the current owner of a CX-5 found us impressed with this newcomer. Here’s our report.

What is the Mazda CX-50 AWD and why should we care?

First, this: Mazda says the CX-50 is not a replacement for the CX-5. To which, we ask why not? The Mazda CX-50 AWD is larger, wider and roomier than the CX-5. Both use either the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque or the turbocharged 2.5-liter that pumps out 227 horsepower (or 256 hp if you use 93 octane gas). Torque for the Turbo-4 clicks in at 310 lb-ft or 320 if you fill the tank with premium.

The 2.5-liter engine’s power is transmitted through a six-speed automatic transmission. This sends torque to the all-wheel drive system that is now included as standard on every Mazda SUV.

Expect a Mazda CX-50 Hybrid within a few years. The powertrain will likely use Hybrid expertise from Toyota, who it shares factory space with in Alabama.

How does the Mazda CX-50 AWD look?

A new, longer look helps emphasize the upscale appearance on this new SUV. And in case you haven’t noticed, that’s exactly where Mazda is trying to take their brand. There is plenty of cladding on this new model. But truthfully, we’d like to see less of it.

We do like the extra wide door openings that offer easier access to all seating. As we found out while loading in some rear seat passengers, it was much easier to do so. The rear door sills also make it easier to load and unload items that are on the roof rack. It’s just one of the Mazda’s value-added features.

Our Meridian Edition makes the CX-50 appear more rugged than the other trim levels. The Meridian includes custom-designed 18-inch alloy wheels, beefy off-road tires and a matte black hood graphic.

When it comes to trim levels, the CX-50 is now available in ten of them. These include:

• 2.5 S
• 2.5 S Select
• 2.5 S Preferred
• 2.5 S Preferred Plus
• 2.5 S Premium
• 2.5 S Premium Plus
• 2.5 Turbo
• 2.5 Turbo Premium
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
• 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition

A look inside the CX-50.

The upscale look continues inside with the CX-50. A five-seater, it features a rust or even terracotta-looking upholstery. At the center of the driver-centric interior is an 8.8-inch display screen in the CX-50 2.5 S. All others include the new, larger 10.25-inch display.

The CX-50 measures in at 185.6 inches, which is 5.5 inches longer than the CX-5. It’s also wider, and with a longer wheelbase, too. All of this adds up to more legroom, more cargo space and more comfort overall.

While bigger is almost always better, it took some time and a great bit of frustration getting the CX’s Apple CarPlay to engage. Other vehicles seem to have fine-tuned their infotainment systems to work the first time you turn the car on. Mazda vehicles have a mind of their own. We think it’s time they enlist some new code writers who are more adept at writing infotainment software.

Behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-50.

The Mazda CX-50 is at once familiar and freshly new. It is a new vehicle and one that moves forward many of the features that have made the brand a favorite of auto enthusiasts and buyers. In other words, those looking for reliable, safe and engaging transportation.

This was our first experience with a turbocharged Mazda. Our current CX-5 features the base 187 horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4 engine. It offers sufficient power for most loads, but when we got into the new CX-50, we weren’t expecting the sudden surge of power from the turbocharged version of the same engine.

Wow!

In short, the turbocharged engine packs a wallop that accelerates the ’50 from 0-to-60 in no time flat. Nah, we’re kidding, but it does feel quick! Handling is up to Zoom-zoom snuff, too, enabling us to quickly negotiate a turn on our secret South Florida test loop.

As far as the new CX50 is concerned, it ticks the looks, performance and handling boxes, all at the same time.

Specifications