For the latest CX-50 pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/Mazda/CX-50/

Think of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 as a somewhat roomier, slightly pricier, more off-road focused alternative to the CX-5. FYI, CX-50 is not built on the CX-5 platform but it’s actually a stretched version of the CX-30.

While driving, the Mazda CX-50 doesn't try to hide the road. You feel all the imperfections, but the suspension does an excellent job removing the harshness. At speed, the interior is reasonably quiet. As for visibility, quarter windows help provide a mostly clear view all around.

Another interesting aspect of the CX-50 is how it steers. By ratio, the steering actually feels a bit slow. That might hamper fun at slow speeds but it does impart a stable feel at higher speeds. Instead of dart eagerness to turn Mazda favors predictability via their G-Vectoring Control, which imperceptibly reduces torque when turning to put weight on the front tires, creating consisting initial steering behavior.

On higher trims, you can choose a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine whose power bump increases both speed and the tow rating. On that note, the turbo engine gets an additional Tow Mode that does an admirable job creating a consistent drive feel when hauling a trailer around. Meanwhile, the base engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder. Both engines employ a 6-speed automatic transmission.

On-road, the CX-50 delivers consistent, predictable, confident behavior. Off the pavement, the CX-50 isn’t the gnarliest of off-roaders but pick you trail and line wisely and this guy can take you places.

The interior is a stylish affair with simple elegant lines and elevated material quality. One complaint, the shiny trim around the transmission selector can shine into the driver’s eyes at certain sun angles.

As for standard features, choose the cheapest 2.5 S trim and you’ll still get blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, full-speed dynamic cruise control, multiple drive modes, and standard all-wheel drive. In fact, Mazda has decided to make all-wheel drive standard on all its SUVs. You’ll also get an 8.8” screen with both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Explore higher trims for fancy features like leather upholstery, a power liftgate, ventilated front seats, a 360 camera, and, in a first for Mazda, a panoramic moonroof. Choose the top Turbo Premium Plus trim and you’re looking at an MSRP of $41,550.

As for competition, there’s the Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape, plus a zillion others.

00:00 2022 Mazda CX-50
0:48 Driving Impressions
3:34 Off-Road Driving
9:03 Interior
10:11 Infotainment
11:59 Competitors