A Week With: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo

Mazda has been identified for many years as a driver’s model. Extra just lately the corporate has been working to shed its economic system automobile picture whereas nonetheless being reasonably priced. They name this concept “Mazda Premium” and it’s an actual factor. 

But Mazda stays a distinct segment model in comparison with behemoths like Toyota and Honda. Right here’s my problem to you — simply take a look at drive the Mazda and see for your self the way it drives and feels earlier than you go purchase your fourth RAV4 or CR-V in a row. That’s all I’m asking. 

Overview

The Mazda CX-50 is a compact two-row crossover SUV launched for the 2023 mannequin 12 months. It’s kind of a substitute for the ageing however widespread CX-5, but it surely’s constructed on the identical scalable platform because the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback automobile, and the smaller CX-30 crossover. 

All CX-50 fashions function all-wheel-drive, however you will have your selection of naturally aspirated or turbocharged fuel engines. There’s as but no hybrid or plug-in from Mazda on this measurement. You’ll want to bump as much as the bigger CX-90 for a plug-in. 

Exterior

The wonderful thing about Mazda SUVs is that all of them look just about the identical. Mazda has a really particular and enticing design language, and also you’re principally simply shopping for the SUV within the measurement you need. The Mazda SUV look is characterised by a protracted hood, swept-back windscreen, and really good physique shaping that catches the sunshine, particularly in case you put money into one in all Mazda’s wonderful premium colours like Soul Purple Crystal Metallic for $595. 

The CX-50 is the unhealthy boy of the lineup, with somewhat extra elevate within the suspension and protecting physique cladding. You actually can take the CX-50 on mild off-road journeys, whereas the smaller CX-30 is extra city and the larger CX-90 extra suburban. 

Inside

Contained in the cabin, you’ll actually discover the Mazda Premium ethos. Mazda seats are among the most comfy within the trade, and the corporate actually does begin each design with the motive force in a snug pose, after which they construct the automobile round that. 

Then your contact surfaces are all rigorously ready on the stage you’d anticipate from a premium European model, or one of many premium Japanese manufacturers. Evaluate the Mazda inside to the RAV4 or CR-V and you may be impressed. 

Powertrain

You will get the CX-50 with a primary 187-horsepower engine, and that’s high-quality, however the SUV actually comes alive with the 256-horsepower turbo 2.5-liter engine we examined. The Mazda SkyActiv-G engine is fascinating — if you wish to avoid wasting cash and run on common fuel, that’s high-quality. You’ll get 227 horsepower out of the turbo engine.

For those who pony up for Premium, you’ll get all 256 ponies. Smilarly, you’re going to get 310 or 320 lb-ft of torque relying in your gasoline selection. For those who inform the Mazda vendor you’ll be towing, you may get a turbo mannequin rated as much as 3,500 kilos of trailer, or 2,000 kilos with the bottom engine. The CX-50 comes with a six-speed automated transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. 

Security and Expertise

The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security charges the CX-50 as a “High Security Decide” amongst all 2023 crossover SUVs. The CX-50 comes with all the security intervention and driver help options you anticipate in a contemporary automobile, plus blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise management, and road-keeping help as customary tools on all trim ranges. 

All trims embrace a ten.25-inch full shade infotainment show, and an 8-speaker sound system, however the high turbo trims bump that as much as a 12-speaker Bose audio system. All trims help wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and the Turbo fashions embrace a wi-fi cell gadget charging pad and satellite tv for pc radio functionality. 

Driving Impressions

Driving the CX-50 is the place this SUV turns into markedly completely different from the competitors. The CX-50 has the soul of a sports activities automobile and the journey of a luxurious SUV. Truthfully, it’s straightforward to seek out your self dashing as a result of the CX-50 is so easy and composed on the street. We had to make use of the cruise management or we’d discover ourselves creeping up the speedometer. 

Whenever you get to the curves, the CX-50 is exact and once more, composed is one of the best phrase for it. The SUV simply soaks up bumps and offers you confidence. Even the again seat passengers will discover the journey high quality and stability. The street is the place the CX-50 will simply outpace the bigger-selling SUVs from the competitors. 

2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Specs

Wrap Up

There are eight trim ranges of the CX-50, 4 with the bottom engine and 4 with the Turbo. Pricing ranges from about $30,000 to about $45,000 as soon as all of the charges are utilized. So you possibly can just about decide the CX-50 you need and hopefully that can be the CX-50 you possibly can afford. 

There’s little or no draw back to the bottom engine, it’s a pleasant unit and greater than sufficient for most individuals. However if you need somewhat extra zip, then the Turbo mannequin begins at about $40,000. At that time you may as effectively go the additional $5,000 and get the highest 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, and get all of the goodies. 

2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo — Ceaselessly Requested Questions

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