The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that mixes fun drive with daily use. It came out in 2022 as a new model. Mazda made it for people who like the sporty feel in an SUV. This car has sharp turns and nice looks. It fits small families or young pros. In 2025, it still holds up well. Many pick it over bland rides. It has AWD and room for gear. Tests show it beats some in fun. But the ride can be firm. This guide looks at specs, pros, and cons. You can see if it fits you.Mazda built the CX-50 in Alabama with Toyota. This makes it strong for US roads. It shares parts with CX-5 but adds more ground clearance. That helps on light trails. Engine choices give power or save gas. Base one has 187 hp. Turbo boosts to 256 hp. Both use six speed auto. AWD comes standard. This sets it apart in class. Fuel use is 23 city and 29 highway for turbo. Base does one mpg better. Tow up to 3500 pounds with turbo. Good for small boats or bikes.Looks wise, it has a wide stance and black trim. This gives a tough vibe. Inside feels premium with soft seats. Space for five with 31 cubic feet cargo. Fold seats for more. Tech has a 10 inch screen and Apple play. Safety adds blind spot and lane keep. Tests give high scores for crash safety. In 2025, used ones cost less. New start at 28k. Top trim near 43k. This makes it value pick.People like its drive joy. Steering feels quick. Turns hold tight. Ride smooth on the highway. But bumps jar more than soft SUVs. Noise from the road can bug. Still, it wins for fun in class.
Key Features of the 2023 Mazda CX-50
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 shines in drive feel. It has sky active tech for smooth power. The base engine is a 2.5 liter four. It gives 187 hp and 186 torque. Turbo same size but 256 hp and 320 torque on good gas. Use regular for 227 hp. Six speed shifts crisp. No lag in sport mode. AWD sends power smartly. This helps on wet or dirt roads.Ground clear is 8.6 inches. More than CX-5. Tires grip well. Brakes stop quickly at 117 feet from 60. Zero to 60 in seven seconds. Quarter mile 15 seconds. These numbers beat some rivals. Fuel tank 15.8 gallons. Range near 400 miles. Good for trips.Inside, seats hold well. The front has heat and a vent. The rear has room for legs. Dash looks clean with knob controls. Screen tilts to driver. Voice works ok. Cargo has a low floor for easy load. Side spots hold small things. Doors open wide for kids.Outside, paint choices like sand add style. Roof rails for gear. Wheels up to 20 inches. But big ones make the ride hard. Pick 18 for soft.Safety has auto brake and lane aid. Blind spot warns loud. Cam shows 360 views. This helps park. Scores high in tests.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Trims start with S. It has a base engine and cloth seats. Price near 28k. Preferred adds heat seats and a big screen. Select has fake leather. Premium gets Bose sound and moon roof. Turbo starts at mid 30k. It adds power. Premium plus has leather and vent seats. Top near 43k.Each trim builds on last. All have AWD. No front wheel choice. This keeps it simple. In 2025, deals make it cheap. Used under 25k. Check miles and care.Compared to RAV4. Mazda is more fun but less space. CR-V softer ride. CX-50 wins style. Two more than CX-5.
Performance and Handling
Drive the CX-50 for joy. Steering points sharp. The body leans little in turns. Grip at 0.84 g. This feels like a car not a truck. Turbo pulls strong from low revs. Pass easily on the road. Sport mode wakes it up. Off road mode for light dirt. Not for rocks but good for snow.Ride firm on big wheels. Bumps shake more. Small wheels soft it up. Noise from tires is loud on rough roads. Quiet on smooth. Engine note fun when pushed.Tests show it fun in class. Not fast as some but balanced. Good for daily and curves1.
Interior Comfort and Tech
The cabin feels nice for the price. Materials soft and stitch detail. Seats hug in turns. Heat fast in the cold. Vent cool in the heat. Rear seats fold flat. Cargo 56 cubic feet max. Good for shopping or camping.Tech easy with knobs. No full touch mess. Apple and Android plug in. Nav clear. The voice is heard well. Cam helps back up. Dash mixes analog and screen. No full digital but clear.Space ok for four. Five tight. The head room is good. Legs stretch in back.
Reliability and Maintenance
CX-50 scores high in reliability2. Few issues in tests. One dash fix but quick. No big recalls. Mazda warranty is three years basic. Five for the power train. Road help for three years.Maintain easy. Oil change is cheap. Tires last long. Fuel regularly ok. Saves cash. Over 19k miles, cost low. Just 176 bucks for service.In 2025, many still run strong. Check history for buy.
Comparison with Rivals
Vs CX-5, CX-50 more ground and tow. But ride the same firm. CX-5 cheaper. RAV4 has more space and the hybrid saves gas. But bland drive. CR-V soft and roomy. Less fun. Outback more off road but noisy. CX-50 is the best balance for driving joy.Pick if you like turns and style. Not for max space.
Tips for Buyers in 2025
Test drive first. Feel the ride. Pick turbo for power. Non turbo for save. Check trims for needs. Look used for deals. Add a roof rack for gear. Use premium gas for max hp.Link to casio g-shock vs edifice which tough watch wins for everyday wear for tough gear match.See compare coffee brewing methods like pour-over and french press which one is easier to make for easy choice tips.
FAQs
Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 worth buying in 2025?
Yes, it holds value. Fun drive and style last. Used prices drop. Good for daily use. Tests show reliability. Pick if you like sporty.
What engine is the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Base 187 hp four. Turbo 256 hp same size. Both are smooth. Turbo pulls strong. Good for pass.
How fuel for 2023 Mazda CX-50?
23 city 29 highway. Combined 25. Real world near 22. Range 400 miles. Regular gas ok.
What trim is best for the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Premium plus for luxury. Turbo for power. Base for cheap. Fit your needs.
Can 2023 Mazda CX-50 go off road?
Light trails yes. More clear than a car. Not hard rocks. Good for snow or dirt3.
Conclusion
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 stays good in 2025. It gives a fun drive, nice looks, and use for daily use. Specs like turbo power and AWD help. Pros beat cons for many. Pick for style and joy. What do you think of it?
References
- MotorTrend Yearlong Review Verdict on 2023 Mazda CX-50 – Long test over miles. Suit small families seek versatile rides. ↩︎
- Car and Driver Drive Review of 2023 Mazda CX-50 – Deep test on handle and comfort. Good for people who like premium goods. ↩︎
- TFLcar Quick Look on 2023 Mazda CX-50 – Fast view on drive fun. Fits drivers who want sporty in SUV. ↩︎
