Meridian Edition aimed at those wanting more dirt with their zoom
Accessory roof tent offered to let you camp with your CX-50
Mazda has a new off-road edition of its rugged CX-50 crossover, along with a pair of other new trims to enhance the model. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian adds all-terrain tires on special wheels along with new trim and adds the option of a rooftop platform for cargo or tents.
When Mazda launched the CX-50, it aimed to add a little more rough-road capability to the company’s lineup without sacrificing the fun-to-drive reputation that was its bread and butter. The CX-50 did that with a bit more ground clearance and some chunky fenders, but the Meridian Edition takes that a bit further.
Falken all-terrain tries on 18-inch wheels let the CX-50 take on terrain that’s a bit tougher than the standard rubber. Both with more traction and with more resistance to damage from trail debris.
Matte black graphics on the hood are supposed to reduce glare on the trail and are the new off-road trim hot feature. New side skirts add some exterior protection, and there is new Meridian-specific headlight garnish.
Meridian is offered with Polymetal Gray and Zircon Sand paint colours, with Terracotta leather inside. The 2.5L turbo-four is the only engine option, making 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Top-spec towing is 3,500 lbs.
Also offered on Meridian Edition is a new Apex Package upgrade. It includes roof rack crossbars and a platform that can secure outdoor gear as well as an available accessory roof tent. The package also includes mudflaps front and rear.
If you don’t want the Meridian Edition, a new Meridian Choice Package is offered as a dealer accessory. It includes the roof platform, splash guards, and side rocker garnish as well as a matte black hood sticker. That hood sticker isn’t the same as the full Meridian Edition’s.
