The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is the newest addition to Mazda's range of mid-sized crossover SUVs. This new vehicle inherits much of its parts and technology from the smaller sister, the CX-5, however, underneath that stylish shell, is an extended chassis of the Mazda CX-30. The CX-50 is designed to be a capable off-roader built for customers who are in the market for a car that can comfortably squeeze in their whole family but occasionally want to enjoy the ride over some bumpy terrain.

Mazda has offered the CX-50 in several trims, and there are two powertrain options available as well. One thing that remains constant across all the packages is the six-speed automatic gearbox. Hop inside the CX-50, and everything feels premium and top quality as the car offers the best in a class interior that goes in line with the overall design philosophy of Mazda. There is crazy rivalry in this particular segment, however, Mazda has considered that aspect, and these are the features that set the CX-50 apart from its massive competition.

Related: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Review: Truly Rugged But Not Meant for Serious Off-Roading

10 An Extra Sporty Compact SUV Under $30,000

Mazda CX-50
Mazda 
2023 Mazda CX-50 Side-Action View in Dirt

There is no shortage of Compact SUVs in the market. But finding a vehicle with fine looks and features like the CX-50 is not an everyday phenomenon. Mazda has made things particularly interesting by offering the new CX-50 with a price tag that starts well below the $30,000 mark. The range kicks off from just above $27,000 for the base variant, and even the top-of-the-line Turbo Premium Plus model costs $42,300. Mazda is offering 10 packages that the customers can choose from, with each package fulfilling different needs. The top-spec models of the CX-50 cost more compared to its older sibling, the CX-5, but then the confidence in taking the car to dusty trails comes at a cost.

9 The CX-50 Comes With Two Variants Of A 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine

Mazda CX-50 2.5-liter
Mazda
Mazda CX-50 2.5-liter Inline-four Turbocharged Engine

The new CX-50 comes with the choice of two engines. One is a less powerful, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 186 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. There is another turbocharged version of the same engine that can produce up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both these engines are powerful and do not feel sluggish, but when that inline-four is provided with some boost, it becomes more responsive. To hit the 60 mph mark on the Speedo from a standstill, the turbo variant will take just about 6.6 seconds. These are quite some figures for an SUV of this size.

8 A More Stylish Exterior

Mazda CX-50
Mazda
Mazda CX-50 front look

The CX-50 is a more stylish, strong, and off-road capable counterpart of the smaller Mazda CX-5. To maintain the sleek design philosophy, the car’s height is reduced by 1.4 inches, it has gone 3 inches wider from wheel to wheel, and is 5 inches longer than the CX-5. The changes in the dimensions are very subtle, and unless you have a measuring tape with you, you can’t tell the difference. But the prominent bits on the CX-50's exterior are the black claddings over the squared wheel arches and the wider fenders at the back. These features add a distinct character to the vehicle, and the cladding also serves the purpose of protecting the paintwork in case some rocks from the rough terrain decide to attack the body of the car. Certain parts seem overdone, especially the fake vents in the rear, but they do add some element of sportiness and dominance to the car's design philosophy.

7 Take Your Trailer And Camping Gear Along With The CX-50

CX-50 showing towing capabilities
Mazda CX-50
CX-50 Towing Trailer Through Rough Terrains

The CX-50 comes with adequate towing capacity that will help you take along your trailer and other gear if you plan an outdoor excursion. The towing capacity of the CX-50 depends upon the engine choice, however. With the naturally aspirated engine under the hood, the car can tow up to 2000 pounds, but with the turbocharged engine, the towing capacity is increased to up to 3500 pounds. Considering that it’s just a compact SUV, the way it performs, even with the maximum weight attached to the car, is marvelous. The towing mode – which replaces the sports mode when a trailer is attached to the car - ensures the stability of the vehicle by managing the central differential and altering the steering response, so you can make it safely to your destination.

Related: Road Test: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

6 A Brilliant Interior With Terracotta Leather

Mazda Terracotta interior
Mazda
Mazda CX-50 Premium Terracotta Interior

The well-thought-out interior of the CX-50 offers nothing less of luxury and classiness. Options inside the cabin depend on the trim you decide to go for, but the interior on the higher-end packages is simply bespoke. From the temperature-controlled seats and heated steering wheel to the spacious cabin, everything is smartly designed. If you want a more luxe interior, you can go for the Premium Plus variants and above, where you get an interior lined with the deluxe Terracotta leather and contrasting stitching. On top of that, to keep things adventurous and make you feel more connected to nature, patterns on these premium leather seats are inspired by the laces of the hiking boots. Besides one of the oddly positioned air vents in the middle of the dashboard, there is no lack of attention to detail inside the car.

5 Hoping Inside The Tech World Of Mazda

CX-50 Heads-Up Display
Mazda CX-50 Heads-Up Display
Mazda CX-50 Heads-Up Display with Different Information

The CX-50 comes fitted with the latest technology equipment from its manufacturer. Starting from the front, Mazda has installed adaptive headlamps to the CX-50 that can adjust and illuminate the corners while you take the turn. When driving in a straight line, the headlamps will brighten up the farthest ends of the road to show the incoming bumps and potholes. The CX-50 also comes with a heads-up display as standard, which shows your current speed, and the speed limit, and will notify you if a stop sign is approaching. The tech also extends to the middle of the dashboard where the infotainment screen is placed. There's nothing out-of-the-world about the screen, but the technology is hidden in the way it’s operated. If you are using the standard connect system from Mazda, then the screen can be operated through the controls given in the central console, but the touch screen functionality can be unlocked if used with Android Auto or Apply Carplay.

Related: 10 Most Noteworthy Features of the Mazda CX-50

4 Top-Notch Safety

MAZDA CX-50
Mazda iACTIVESENSE Safety Feature
Illustration of Mazda's iACTIVESENSE Safety Feature

No amount of features is of any good if the vehicle doesn’t give confidence to its driver and passengers. Maintaining a streak of greatness, the CX-50 is among the safest SUVs currently on sale, as it has won the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick award If you wish to get an expansive safety pack for your CX-50, go for the Premium Plus and above models as they come equipped with the Mazda’s latest i-ACTIVESENSE pack. This pack includes blind-spot monitor/assist, lane-departure/lane keep warning and assist, traffic jam assist, and smart brake support features. The braking support extends to both forward and backward driving and can even track any obstacles while reversing at lower speeds. Additionally, there is a 360-degree camera that can help in maneuvering the vehicle through tight spots without hitting any curbs or edges.

3 A Panoramic Roof To Lighten Up The Mood

Mazda
Mazda CX-50 Panoramic Roof
Mazda CX-50 Panoramic Roof

Whether it is the natural view of a bright blue ceiling on a fine summer day or a dark starry night, the panoramic roof on the new CX-50 is there to lighten up the mood inside the cabin while you drive. It’s a feature that competitive vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester have been offering customers for quite a while, but Mazda has been late to join the panoramic roof bandwagon. Finally, it’s here, and customers can let the cascading moonlight in and enjoy the midnight rides with their family and friends.

2 CX-50 Meridian Edition And $2,800 Off-Road Package

Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition
Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition

Among all the packages offered by Mazda, there is one 2.5-liter turbo Meridian Edition that costs $39,950, and it includes all the options and add-ons such as the lovely Terracotta leather interior. This Meridian package is specially targeted toward customers who want to get a more rugged and intimidating look from their vehicle, including a bunch of off-road accessories and even some custom options are included in the package. By choosing the Meridian edition, the major upgrades that you can get over the base 2.5 Turbo variant are bigger 18-inch alloy wheels with Falken all-terrain tires, unique headlights surrounds, a rocker panel, and a distinct graphic on the hood. Considering the upgrades, spilling an extra $2,800 from your pocket doesn’t sound like a bad deal.

Related: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Review: The Brand's Most Rugged SUV In Over A Decade

1 Mazda's iACTIV AWD

Mazda
Mazda G-Vectoring Plus Control 
Illustrations of Mazda G-Vectoring Plus Control 

This is the area where the CX-50 is supposed to make a mark. The CX-5 might, arguably, have a better interior, but where it lacks in comparison to the CX-50 is the drive. The iACTIV AWD system is standard across all models, and when it is coupled with the G-Vectoring Control Plus system onboard, the driving experience is enhanced manifolds. Whether you are driving on a twisty road at high speeds or taking along the trailer, the G-Vectoring will alter the differential, manage steering response, and perform subtle changes in torque and braking, which make the driver feel in control and elevate the overall driving pleasure. These driving controls also play an essential role while you are off-roading. The torque vectoring function directs the power to the wheels that have the most grip and create a synergy between the driver’s actions and the vehicle’s response, making the ride more fun.