The 2023 Mazda CX-50 brings more ruggedness to Mazda’s crossover fleet, making it a good choice for those shopping the Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, and Toyota RAV4. Similar in size and price to the popular CX-5, the CX-50 offers a bit more interior room, a lower roofline, and a vaguely Volvo-like exterior. Buyers can opt for a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a turbocharged version of the same engine. All-wheel drive comes standard, and Mazda provides loads of accessories aimed at customers with “active lifestyles.”
More CX-50 variations include the rugged off-road Meridian Edition to compete with the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, as well as hybrid and electrified models.
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S (starting at $26,800)
The entry-level CX-50 2.5 S serves as the basis for all other CX-50 S trims. It features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine good for 187 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic and Mazda’s i-Active all-wheel-drive. Also included is Mi-Drive, a system that adds two drive modes to the transmission: Sport and Off-road. The CX-50 S is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds.
When it comes to the CX-50, Mazda places safety front and center. Standard driver assists include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic detection.
The CX-50 S includes all government-mandated safety equipment, including front, front side-impact, and side-curtain airbags, a rear backup camera, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Features not required but onboard nevertheless include electronic traction control and Hill Launch Assist that keeps the vehicle from rolling backward when stopped on an incline.
The CX-50 S rides on 17-inch gray metallic alloy wheels and features power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED headlights, a rear roof spoiler, and dual exhaust. Rain-sensing wipers, an intermittent rear wiper/washer, and automatic high-beam headlights are also standard.
Cabin amenities include cloth seats with manual front seat adjustment, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with push-button start, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with buttons for the audio and cruise control. Also standard is manual air conditioning, an electronic parking brake, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a 7-inch LCD driver information screen.
Unlike most competitors, Mazda doesn’t offer a touch-screen infotainment system. Instead, a console-mounted rotary controller and buttons guide the action on the 8.8-inch color screen. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight speakers, Mazda Connect services, and two USB ports.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S comes to $28,025. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $504. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select (starting at $28,200)
For the money, we think the S Select is the trim that makes the most sense. It comes with all the S trim’s standard equipment, but adds a few more features we think most people want in a small crossover.
The S Select adds dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents, a 40/60 split-folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, LED interior lighting, and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. HD radio comes standard, as do two additional USB ports for the rear-seat passengers.
The S Select’s exterior is upgraded with tinted rear privacy glass and 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select comes to $29,425. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $529. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select includes:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – grants access to your phone’s apps, navigation, messages, and music, negating the need for an expensive audio upgrade.
Dual-zone automatic climate control- allows drivers and passengers to choose their temperature settings.
Driver assistance – Mazda’s standard suite of driver-assists helps keep you safe and includes the ability to guide the CX-50 back into its lane or automatically slow or stop in the event of an unavoidable frontal collision.
Rear seat air vents– seem like a trivial thing but will always be appreciated by the rear seat occupants.
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred (starting at $29,500)
The S Preferred takes the CX-50 up another notch, adding roughly $1,500 to the S Select’s price in exchange for features considered must-haves by those living in cold-weather regions.
The S Preferred adds heated side mirrors and windshield wipers, heated front seats, a power rear liftgate with programmable height adjustment, and an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support. Mazda’s Advanced Key keyless entry is also part of the Preferred package, as is a front and rear center armrest with storage and rear cup holders.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred sells for $30,725. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $552. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred includes:
Heated side mirrors – help prevent frost and snow from building up on the exterior mirrors.
Heated front seats – keep driver and passenger comfortably warm without the need to superheat the cabin.
Heated windshield – keeps ice from building up on the wiper blades.
Power liftgate –automatically opens the rear liftgate, a handy feature to have when your arms are full.
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus (starting at $31,940)
To the S Preferred, the Plus adds a power-sliding panoramic moonroof.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus costs $33,165. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $596. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium (starting at $34,400)
The S Premium trim begins to move the CX-50 closer to the luxury segment, adding leather seat upholstery in black or terracotta, 2-position driver’s-seat memory, and a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Audio upgrades include a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium costs $35,625. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $640. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus (starting at $36,400)
The Premium Plus adds a few more features to the Premium trim, most notably heated and ventilated front seats, a color head-up display, power-folding heated side mirrors, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus costs $37,625. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $676. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus includes:
Color head-up display – projects information such as speed and navigation onto the windshield’s lower edge, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.
Ventilated front seats – pass cool air through the perforated leather, keeping occupants cool and dry on hot summer days.
Bose audio – this 12-speaker system includes the Bose Centerpoint and Audiopilot system, a must-have for audiophiles and fans of outstanding bass.
6-way power front passenger seat – allows the passenger more options for finding a comfortable perch.
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo (starting at $36,400)
The Turbo brings a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing an impressive 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. Power figures come down a bit when running on less-expensive regular gas, dropping to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The Turbo’s AWD Mi-Drive gains an additional Towing mode, increasing the CX-50’s towing capability to 3,500 pounds.
Equipment levels mimic the Preferred trim, adding features such as adaptive auto-leveling LED headlights, larger exhaust pipes, LED taillights, and Turbo badging.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo costs $37,625. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $676. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium (starting at $39,550)
The 2.5 Turbo Premium builds off the 2.5 S Premium Plus equipment list, including the Bose audio system, a color head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, plus a heated steering wheel.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium costs $40,775. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $733. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus (starting at $41,550)
The Premium Plus includes all the Turbo Premium features, plus a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated rear seats, navigation, a wireless charging pad, and an enhanced head-up display with traffic sign recognition.
With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $42,775. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $733. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus models for sale near you
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes:
Heated rear seats – allow the rear-seat passengers to keep warm even if the driver’s being stingy with the climate controls.
Heated steering wheel – a nice upgrade that makes it easy to hold the wheel after a night in frigid temperatures.
Wireless charging pad – allows wireless charging of compatible smartphones.
Traffic sign recognition – allows the navigation to recognize posted traffic signs and inform the driver.
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition (starting at $39,950)
This Meridian Edition emphasizes the more rugged side of the new CX-50 SUV. It’s available as a package on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo.
It adds useful gear for the trail, like 18-inch black wheels wrapped in Falken all-terrain tires for added grip on slippery surfaces. Matte hood graphics reduce glare to help drivers focus on the shifting trail. Meridian Edition CX-50s come with Terracotta leather upholstery with black accents.
An optional Apex Package ($1,235) adds a roof platform for securing more gear and splash guards for the wet stuff.
