Mazda Jumps Into Outdoor Adventure Crossover Market With 2023 CX-50
At its Nov. 15 world premiere event, Mazda debuted an all-new outdoor crossover SUV. An evolution in the brand’s crossover fleet, the AWD CX-50 is ‘purpose-built for outdoor enthusiasts and customers with a more active lifestyle.’
The Mazda CX-50 is a midsize sport-utility crossover that is — reportedly — prepared for almost any terrain. During the unveiling, the head of Mazda’s North American operations, Jeff Guyton, made note of a recent uptick in CX-5 sales (the on-road crossover was the automaker’s bestseller in 2021).
If one thing is clear about the new CX-50, it’s that Mazda is edging in on the adventure vehicle market big time. “Because we believe there is value in helping people explore the outdoors to feel uplifted and energized,” said Guyton.
With the CX-50, Mazda claims to bring its grade-A safety-rated driving dynamics to an expanded set of terrains. This, Guyton hopes, will give customers an off-road option that’s engaging, safe, and more “human-centric” than other adventure SUVs available.
OK, we’re listening.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Outdoor Crossover
The AWD CX-50 shares many basic similarities with the more domesticated CX-5: overall size, passenger room, and unibody construction.
But Mazda expanded on the CX-5’s trim, powertrain, suspension, and intelligent driving features according to customer feedback. Broadly speaking, with the 2023 CX-50 outdoor crossover, drivers should expect a more durable interior, a more rugged wheelbase, wider tread, and increased cargo capacity.
At launch, the CX-50 comes in gas-powertrain options only, but Mazda plans to expand into hybrid and electrified segments in later models.
Mazda CX-50 Features
On a more detailed level, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes with the following:
- i-Activ AWD technology
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Intelligent off-road and sport driving enhancement
- Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine
- Panoramic moonroof
- Roof rails for rooftop tents, sports equipment, and cargo units
- Elongated cargo floor
- Reinforced b-pillars and door jambs
- Liftgate hatch
- Wide-stance wheelbase for balance and stability
- Towing capability (turbo model only)
Availability & Pricing
Mazda slates the 2023 Mazda CX-50 outdoor crossover for release in spring 2022, available in Polymetal Grey or Sand Zircon exterior finishes. The automaker has yet to release pricing information.
Sign up for announcements and updates on the CX-50’s release at MazdaUSA.com. Or follow Mazda on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and releases.
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