Mazda CX-50

Model Years Produced: 2023 to Current

Summary

The CX-50 is Mazda’s newest vehicle in their lineup. But wait…they already have a vehicle in this segment, the CX-5. Aren’t they competing with themselves?

Ultimately, yes, they are, but Mazda says the CX-5 and the CX-50 serve two different purposes. The CX-5 is a global car – that is, it was designed to be sold to the entire world – and Mazda is marketing it in the US as the more “sophisticated” of the two, with a more complicated suspension configuration and more delicate looks. The CX-50 is only sold in the United States, and it is marketed as more “rugged” and “adventurous” with a more boxy and masculine appearance.

From a technical perspective, the CX-50 is essentially Mazda’s subcompact CX-30 crossover but streeeetched out longer, with some additional transmission cooling to give it an extra 1000 lbs of towing capacity. Although it trades the complex multilink rear suspension of the CX-5 for the CX-30’s bizarre torsion beam setup, it still drives quite nicely, and 99% of drivers won’t notice the absence. Size-wise, it’s larger than the CX-5, more comparable to a Subaru Outback (which is arguably its direct competitor) – though it’s still a fair bit smaller than the CX-9.

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Verdict

Pros

• Fun to drive compared to competition (though the CX-5 is slightly more fun still)
• Nice interior, especially on the upper trim levels
• Excellent standard safety features
• Looks cool
• Mazda finally offers an optional panoramic sunroof

Cons

• Warranty benefits could be better
• Infotainment takes some getting used to

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Reviews

Consumer Reports

• URL: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-50/2023/overview/
• Overall score: N/A
• Road test: N/A
• Predicted reliability: 4/5
• Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

SavageGeese

Other Outlets

• Car & Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-50
• Motor Trend: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda/cx-50/

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Specifications

All figures are as of 2023 model year.

• Transmission: Mazda 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD standard
  • 2-speed transfer case not available
  • Electronically locking center differential not available
  • Electronically locking rear differential not available
• Base curb weight: 3706 lbs
• Max cargo capacity: 56.3 cu ft
• Seating: 2 rows
• Rear leg room: 39.8 in
• Towing capacity: 3500 lbs

Engines