Mazda is on a quest to increase its sales and market share. Despite being recognized as a builder of unique and special sports cars in the past, the road to more volume will oonly come with more SUVs. The new Mazda CX-50 is the first of a new series of utility vehicles from the Japanese automaker
What’s New About The 2023 Mazda CX-50?
The CX-50 is an evolutionary vehicle in the sense that it mixes Mazda’s current crop of SUV attributes with a bolder more robust design approach. Current trends dictate that while most SUVs will never leave paved surfaces, they must look as though they could should the driver want to do so.
The first indicators are the CX-50’s broader shoulders, flared out fenders, and accompanying wide track. The SUV’s proportions scream “capable” and powerful. The bumpers feature large openings while the black plastic cladding is synonymous with ruggedness and off-roading.
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Photo: Mazda
The cabin is very Mazda with a sparse yet upscale dashboard. The company’s jinba ittai driving philosophy is evident in how every control is driver-focused. For the first time for a Mazda, the CX-50 will be fitted with a panoramic sunroof.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will share much of its mechanicals and powertrain components with its stablemate, the CX-5. This means it will be powered by either a naturally-aspirated or a turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. Mazda has announced that a hybrid powertrain will be offered in the not too distant future.
When Does The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Arrive On The Market?
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Photo: Mazda
The new CX-50 will be available for sale as early as next spring. It will be sold alongside the CX-5 as a more adventurous alternative to the compact SUV.
How Much Does The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Cost?
Pricing is not yet known. Even so, we can assume that it will be slightly more expensive than the CX-5. We also think that, unlike the CX-5, a FWD version will not be available in Canada. Given this, we project pricing for the CX-50 will start at around $33,000.
What Does The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Compete With?
The new CX-50 will enter the busiest and most crowded segment of all. Given Mazda promoting it as an “outdoor-capable” vehicle, it will be aimed squarely at the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 Trail, Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Cherokee, and other like-minded utility vehicles.
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Photo: Mazda
Other competitors will include the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, and many others.
What Do We Think of The 2023 Mazda CX-50?
It is truly attractive SUV. The CX-50’s stance and design deliver the kind of road presence SUV buyers crave. The CX-5 is visually more civil but that might play against it for most North American buyers who love tough-looking vehicles.
The new Mazda CX-50 will be a hit, there’s no doubt about that. In time, we can see it taking over from the CX-5 as the brand’s best-seller. The CX-50 will also be privy to a series of accessories, assumingly like the roof rack present in all images and videos on the news SUV, which may broaden its appeal further.
The coming of electrified powertrains will also aid in promoting the SUV as a viable rough & tough and efficient alternative.
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Photo: Mazda
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Photo: Mazda
