Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 2022 for the 2023 model year, for the North American and Chinese markets.[4] Based on the same transverse, front-wheel-drive platform as the fourth-generation Mazda3 and the CX-30, the vehicle is sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5 and is positioned below the larger, rear-wheel-drive based CX-70.[5]

Design

The CX-50 was officially revealed on November 15, 2021 in the US market. Compared to the smaller CX-5, the vehicle is designed with emphasis in "active and outdoor lifestyles", by introducing squarer styling and larger body cladding.[6] A more rugged off-road-styled variant named the Meridian Edition is also available.[7] Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive technology and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) are standard in the CX-50.[7]

Compared to the CX-5, Mazda designed a lower roof for the CX-50 to grant easier access to the roof racks, despite the increased ground clearance.[8] It is also the first Mazda ever to feature a panoramic sunroof as an option.[9]

Production and markets

The CX-50 began production at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant in Huntsville, Alabama, United States alongside the unrelated Toyota Corolla Cross on January 26, 2022, marking Mazda's return to production in the United States after 10 years when American assembly of the Mazda6 sedan ceased in 2012.[10]

In international markets, the CX-50 is also marketed in Colombia since December 2022 and Mexico since March 2023.[11][12] It is also produced and marketed in China by Changan Mazda, where production started since March 2023.[13][14] The Chinese model is slightly modified with a longer rear bumper, and a 55 mm larger rear legroom.[15]

Powertrain

The CX-50 is powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine offered in its standard naturally-aspirated (PY-VPS) form, which produces 187 hp and 186 lbft of torque, and a turbocharged (PY-VPTS) variant that outputs 227 hp (with 87 AKI octane fuel) or 256 hp (with 93 AKI octane fuel) and 320 lbft of torque.[7][16]

In November 2023, the CX-50 HEV went on sale in China. It is powered by a 2.5-litre A25D-FXS engine and the Toyota Hybrid System, paired with an eCVT gearbox.[17]

Trim levels

The CX-50 in the United States is available in Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. The turbocharged engine option is reserved for Base (Turbo), Premium, and Premium Plus trims. In addition, Mazda also offers a more rugged "Meridian Edition" trim for the turbocharged model, which adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, model-specific front hood graphics, and other outdoor-oriented accessories.[18]

The CX-50 was updated on July 9, 2024 for the 2025 model year in the United States. The hybrid powertrain option became available for the Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus trims, while the base Turbo trim is no longer offered. [19]

Safety

The 2023 CX-50 was awarded the "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received overall Good and Superior ratings on all categories except the non-turbo models, which received an Acceptable rating on headlights, as only the turbo models are offered with adaptive headlights.[20]

Awards

In 2024, the CX-50 was one of five compact SUVs listed on Car and Driver's Editors' Choice.[21]

Sales

External links

• (United States)