What Is the Mazda CX-50? Here's What You Need to Know

There are a couple of different groups out there right now when it comes to the car-shopping market. There are those who have no idea what the Mazda CX-50 is and are curious what all the buzz is about. There are those who don't know what it is but are unsure if it's the right vehicle to purchase. And then there are those who have been smitten with the love bug for the new Mazda CX-50 and already wondering, "is there a Mazda dealer near me that carries a CX-50?"

Well, LA Mazda is here to answer your questions about the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 and give you a rundown of what this new crossover is all about, what sort of features it has, and why it might be right for you. You might be surprised at what you learn about the Mazda CX-50 since this new model seems like it has been perfectly designed for drivers in the Edmonton area. With two engine options, all-weather performance, and even off-road capability, the CX-50 is the new star of the Mazda lineup.

What Is the Mazda CX-50?

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV made available in Canada in 2022. It was designed based on the new Mazda CX-30 platform, so it shares a lot of similarities with both the Mazda CX-30 and the latest Mazda3. However, it is larger than both, considering that the Mazda3 is a compact sedan and the CX-30 is a subcompact SUV. You can think of it as the bigger crossover sibling to both the Mazda3 and CX-30.

The CX-50 seats up to five people across two rows, with two captain chairs up front and a split-folding bench seat in the rear. The CX-50 is available with two different powertrains, starting with a naturally aspirated 2.5L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder that outputs 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The optional powertrain is a turbocharged 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine that outputs up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on high octane fuel. The CX-50 has a 6-speed automatic transmission regardless of the engine and comes standard with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive and Mi-Drive Sport and Off-Road drive modes.

The two engine options of the 2023 CX-50 allow it to accommodate not only different budgets but also different driving styles. The standard 2.5L engine can get up to 8.9 L/100 km, making it a great choice for the Leduc resident commuting into Edmonton every day. Meanwhile, the turbocharged engine provides the required power for light towing and off-roading. This gives the CX-50 a lot of leeway in the kinds of drivers it appeals to based on driving habits and location.

Mazda CX-50 vs Mazda CX-5

It might be easy to get these Mazda SUVs confused, but the new Mazda CX-50 is a completely different vehicle from the popular Mazda CX-5. Despite the similar names, they are two completely separate nameplates on two different platforms, just like the Mazda CX-30 and CX-3. However, they are similar in size, so if you are looking to purchase a CX-5 from a Mazda dealer or have previously owned a CX-5, you might consider upgrading to the new CX-50.

These models are both compact crossovers. However, despite being classified in the same segment, they're actually quite different from one another for several reasons. In fact, the CX-50 is actually larger than the CX-5. How much larger? Well, it actually has a longer wheelbase, giving it 17 cm of additional length over the CX-5. The CX-50 is also wider than the CX-5 by about 75 mm.

The Mazda CX-50's top-performing configuration is also slightly more powerful than its smaller counterpart, with the turbocharged 4-cylinder capable of producing up to 256 hp compared to the CX-5's 250 hp. The difference in powertrain capabilities means you get just a few more notches of power out of the CX-50 compared to the CX-5. That's not to mention that there are very clear differences between the two vehicles in terms of looks, both with the interior and exterior. Add the two-tone exterior and roof rails on the Mazda CX-50, and these are two very different vehicles.

Can the Mazda CX-50 Go Off-Road?

Yes! The Mazda CX-50 can go off-road. In fact, one of the big marketing points of the CX-50 during the initial reveal was how it would help bring drivers closer to nature. While the CX-5 is a great vehicle on the road, the CX-50 was designed to extend that capability to off-roading. It's part of Mazda's signature Jinba Ittai ethos, which is based on how a horse and rider travel in harmony together. In this case, they designed the CX-50 so that you feel naturally connected to the vehicle as you drive it, whether it be on the pavement or off-road on a dirt trail.

A lot of this boils down to how the CX-50 handles and how the driver is situated in the vehicle. For instance, the CX-50 has a rearranged front console where the placement of the shifter, infotainment access, and even the cupholders were all engineered for improved harmony between the vehicle and the driver. The idea is that it removes the need to fidget, fumble, and try to figure things out while driving. Instead, everything is designed to feel as natural as possible, as part of the theme of the CX-50 being one with the driver.

In fact, the CX-50 even has a trim designed specifically for off-road driving, arriving at Mazda dealers later this year. Known as the Meridian Edition, it features larger all-terrain tires for off-road traversal. With additional body protection, outdoor-themed accessories, and a maximum ground clearance of nearly 22 cm, you have a very able and sleek off-road vehicle in the CX-50.

What Can the Mazda CX-50 Tow?

You can tow up to 1,588 kg with the 2023 Mazda CX-50 when equipped with the optional turbocharged engine and tow mode. That's a very impressive figure for a compact crossover SUV. Even with the standard 2.5L engine, the CX-50 is capable of towing up to 907 kg. You get a lot of extra heft out of the CX-50 when it comes to towing capacity, which is excellent for cross-country trips, camping in the Alberta wilderness, hauling a boat to the North Saskatchewan River, or hitching a few snowmobiles for when you plan to trek through a snowy hillside.

Should You Buy the Mazda CX-50?

If you were thinking about which Mazda SUV you should get, there is certainly a strong case for the new 2023 Mazda CX-50. Its ability to tow sizable loads, maintain great fuel economy, travel off-road, and provide drivers with a lot of performance makes it an amazing all-around compact crossover compared to a lot of other competitors. It's certainly a vehicle worth keeping an eye on if you are in the market for something sporty, efficient, stylish, roomy, and most importantly, very affordable. If you are ready to check out the CX-50 in person, it is time to pay a visit to LA Mazda and let us set you up for a test drive! Contact us today to set up an appointment.