Mazda continues to evolve, bringing new models to market to meet the demands of the modern driver. For the longest time, Mazda has been known as a carmaker that makes cars for the driving enthusiast. While that hasn’t changed, new models including electric vehicles and compact crossovers are introducing Mazda to a whole new segment of the driving public.

The brand-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is one of these new models! Taking the crossover platform found in the CX-30 and Mazda 3 compact, combining it with a body that is larger than the CX-5, and adding rugged details, the CX-50 fills a unique slot in the Mazda line-up. So what do you have to look forward to?

A Little Bigger, A Little Bolder

Stepping into the Mazda line-up alongside the Mazda CX-5, a constant face on industry “Best of…” lists, the CX-50 shifts over to the crossover platform found in the CX-30. This unibody chassis will provide a familiar feel, while also offering a little more ground clearance than the CX-56 currently has. This chassis allows the CX-50 to be a little longer than the current CX-5, meaning it gets a rear seat that can offer more legroom for taller individuals.

Under the hood of the new CX-50 is a decidedly not-new engine – the tried-and-true 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that has driven the CX-5 for well over a decade. Why wouldn’t you use one of the most effective engines in the segment? Two takes are available, the base naturally-aspirated 187-horsepower version, and the turbocharged 250-horsepower version. Either way, you’re getting an efficient yet responsive driver-friendly vehicle.

All CX-50 models will come with Mazda’s six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda is in no hurry to move to CVTs or nine- and ten-speed automatics – the tuning of the six-speed continues to provide some of the smartest shifts on the market. A new drive mode selector, the Mi-Drive, is in the current CX-5 and will allow the driver to select Normal, Sport, and Off-road Modes for tailored performance in the CX-50. All of this is wrapped up with Mazda’s trademark crisp handling and responsive steering, as they continue to focus on creating vehicles for drivers who want a little fun in their everyday driver.

Rugged Yet Refined

The exterior of the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 marks a shift in Mazda design language. While the KODO design language has driven Mazda vehicles through the last decade, the CX-50 features a rugged look that will stand out from the rest of the Mazda line-up. Up front, a wider and narrower grille is framed by modern-looking headlights, with the entire fascia framed by a black cladding border. Larger wheel flares are highlighted by black plastic cladding as well, giving a squared-off shoulder look.

While the outside shows off the rugged side, the interior remains as refined as ever. Mazda has become renowned for upscale passenger cabins that outpace their Toyota and Honda counterparts, and you’ll see more of that in the CX-50. The dash-mounted touch screen will sit up high on the dash, and will start with the 9-inch touchscreen. No word if there will be an upgraded screen or not. Your smartphone integration is important, which is why the CX-50 will feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration standard.

A Hybrid Future

Mazda isn’t just stopping with putting the new model around an established powertrain. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be getting a hybrid engine in the latter part of the first-year production run. Mazda is playing it coy for now, but with the recent partnership with Toyota it is expected this engine will be similar to the one in the RAV4. This hybrid will be the first one in the Mazda line-up since the demise of the Mazda Tribute in 2009! Mazda will be releasing full specifications for the hybrid version after the traditionally-powered CX-50s are on the lot.

Made in America

One of the best things about the new Mazda CX-50 is that it is being built right here in America! The new joint Toyota and Mazda plant in Alabama is the production center for all CX-50 vehicles being sold in the U.S., and has already rolled their inaugural CX-50 off the line.