Introducing the Ultimate Crossover SUV: 2023 Mazda CX-50

Mazda Motor Corporation is preparing an exciting new addition to its offering of compact crossover SUVs with the introduction of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 — the first SUV of the brand with off-road capabilities.

Able to navigate through a variety of terrain and driving conditions, the new Mazda CX-50 can take drivers anywhere — from a commute to the office to an off-road adventure.

Consumers with an adventurous spirit and a passion for the outdoors will marvel at the capabilities of this all-new crossover SUV.

Production of the CX-50 in the United States is scheduled to begin in January 2022, with vehicles on the market by the spring.

The estimated price for this adventure vehicle currently lands between $29,000 and $37,000.

It’s safe to say that the 2023 CX-50 is not only revolutionary for its class, but also competitive in value.

From the engineering to the design, consumers can anticipate an exuberant experience from the expertly crafted off-roadster.

Designed for Exploration & Off-Roading

The concept behind the off-road compact SUV is what Senior Director of Design at Mazda North American Operations Yasutake Tsuchida describes as “The Searcher’s Partner.”

This is an extension of Jinba Ittai — the brand’s principle ideology of striving to achieve a “oneness” or perfect harmony between the model and driver.

Ensuring the driver and vehicle are in-sync is necessary to producing an engaging, comfortable driving experience — one that every Mazda enthusiast has come to expect.

The idea behind the CX-50 takes Jinba Ittai a step further so that the vehicle can perform with ease in the city and beyond — whether that be winding mountainside paths, snow-covered hills, or other challenging landscapes.

A carefully crafted interior, a sleek exterior, and variety of drive modes are meant to inspire consumers to embrace new frontiers — whether it’s in-city or off-road territories, this vehicle is designed for exploration.

Mazda Intelligent Drive Select: A New, Versatile Drive Mode System

The researchers and engineers at Mazda found that a combination of different forms of land and driving conditions is what most explorative drivers tend to face when off-roading.

In response, the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) — the drive mode system in the CX-50, was created to perform consistently on all forms of terrain and face obstacles intuitively.

As a result, the Mazda CX-50 is a multipurposed vehicle — excelling in all four of its drive modes:

• Off-Road Mode: When set to off-road mode, the compact crossover can overcome even the most challenging of landscapes.
• Towing Mode: In this mode, the vehicle is able to pull a heavy load like a trailer with ease. The specific towing capacity for the off-roadster has not been disclosed by Mazda, but it is expected to be more than the 2,000 pound (lb.) towing capacity of the 2021 CX-5.
• Sport Mode: Beneficial on curvy roads, this mode allows the CX-50 to handle tight turns and corners with ease.
• Normal Mode: With the normal driving mode engaged, the new CX-50 is expected to perform much like the rest of the model lineup — meaning a safe, comfortable drive consumers expect.

Designed with the user in mind, drivers can simply flip a switch at the center of the console to the desired driving mode. The current selection is displayed in clear view by way of the dashboard screen.

With Mi-Drive, drivers who choose the 2023 CX-50 can safely take the roads less traveled.

Off-Road Mode

Many of the off-road vehicles currently on the market sacrifice on-road precision for off-road performance and include a confusing amount of drive modes for each type of terrain.

Although the bevy of drive modes may seem attractive, having a specific setting for a certain surface is impractical in real-world scenarios where drivers are confronted with a complex mixture of topography.

Not only does this make the drive mode system of most off-road vehicles difficult to use, but it also causes the vehicle to perform inconsistently — making driving harder and the journey less comfortable to passengers.

When off-road mode is engaged, the Mazda CX-50 is engineered to respond accordingly to the variable conditions.

For instance, when driving on surfaces that offer little friction or stability, such as gravel, ice, or a combination of dirt and rock, the off-road compact crossover SUV reacts by transmitting equal amounts of torque — or power, to each wheel.

The front and rear wheels can then react to the terrain accordingly, increasing the bite or grip of the wheel and resisting oversteer.

When faced with unlevel terrain, most off-road vehicles risk losing traction and getting a wheel stuck in a pothole, rut, or other indentation.

But rather than tilt further into the divot, the off-road mode will automatically apply the brake to the affected wheel and the one diagonal to it.

This keeps the vehicle balanced while the transmission distributes torque to the other wheels in order to get the compact crossover SUV through the obstacle.

To conquer steep inclines, the driver can engage the Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (4W-ABS), which delays the torque converter from locking the wheels and allows the vehicle to effortlessly accelerate up hillsides and roll over obstructions.

The 4W-ABS also holds the brake down for the driver which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or slipping on snowy roads.

Thanks to the innovative off-road capabilities of the new CX-50, uncharted territory becomes navigational.

Towing Mode

In towing mode, the off-road Mazda model has little trouble handling the extra weight of a camper or other heavy load.

Drivers can anticipate being able take a load weighing up to 2,000 lbs. with them on any journey without worrying about the challenges of maneuvering the trailing cargo because the compact crossover reconfigures its dynamics to cater to extra loads.

Once a trailing load is hitched to the back of the CX-50 and the vehicle is set to towing mode, the shift schedule on the transmission changes to match the additional weight of the load.

The transmission system also raises the G-Vectoring Control Plus — a Mazda Skyactiv® component that tailors the speed and braking force of the vehicle, to complement the shifts made by the transmission.

Both systems work together to stabilize the newest model from Mazda, so the steering response feels normal even when towing cargo.

Sport Mode

Sport mode is best used in dynamic driving situations such as cornering or accelerating on twisting roadways where added precision is required to help keep the model in control.

When set to sport mode, the throttle of the Mazda CX-50 heightens its responsiveness, so it is very direct.

In sport mode, instead of transitioning to cruise when released, the throttle will continue to hold onto the gear at play so the vehicle can take tighter, smoother turns.

This allows the driver to feel confident in their command of the vehicle even in complex driving situations.

New Exterior & Interior Features

Starting from the outside and working inward, the new Mazda CX-50 is a work of art that features signature Mazda elements but with new touches that are completely unique to the off-road SUV.

An Exterior Inspired by Nature

Mazda designers wanted the exterior of the CX-50 to communicate its potential as an explorative crossover SUV by offering it in Zircon Sand — a glittering shade of tan that is exclusive to the off-road model.

Applied using the Takuminuri three-layer finishing technique that gives each Mazda model a superior metallic sheen, the CX-50 in Zircon Sand is aesthetically appealing in all settings.

In addition to this specially designed exterior color option, the 2023 CX-50 will also be available in other signature Mazda hues, including Polymetal Gray.

And while the vehicle features the sleek lines of a traditional Kodo design, it also boasts a wider-set frame and a longer profile.

With its expanded body, the CX-50 can easily store equipment for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and other recreational activities.

Additionally, each of the doors and liftgate swing further out than those of a standard compact crossover SUV so that consumers can pack the cargo area with ease.

Combined with the roof rail and spacious interior, the storage potential of the Mazda CX-50 is anticipated to be better than the CX-5, which possesses a cargo volume of up to 60 cubic feet (cu ft) with all of the rear seats folded down.

Leading an active lifestyle or gearing up for an outdoor getaway is made simple with the ample storage provided by the Mazda CX-50.

An Interior That Connects to the Outside World

Much like the rest of the Mazda lineup, the cockpit has been designed with the driver in mind.

Key elements such as the infotainment display, Multifunction Command Control dial, and the Mi-Drive switch are within reach, making controlling the CX-50 that much easier.

The strategic placement of the interior utilities makes driving more intuitive and enjoyable for consumers but also speaks to how well the vehicle can blend in with or adjust to its environment.

Created to be the ideal automotive vehicle for adventure, the interior design of the Mazda CX-50 is meant to reflect the organic beauty of nature.

Details like terracotta-colored seats and a panoramic moonroof allow the driver to feel as though they are in perfect harmony with their natural surroundings.

Signature Mazda Elements with New Additions

In addition to its off-road capabilities, the 2023 CX-50 will include Mazda mainstays such as a fuel-efficient powertrain and a Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Liter engine.

Being 15% more fuel-efficient than a conventional engine, the Skyactiv®-G reduces carbon dioxide emissions and converts more of the fuel it burns into usable energy — ensuring the driver can concentrate on the journey rather than finding the next gas station.

And like many of the latest Mazda models, the CX-50 is projected to have a turbocharged trim, although full details regarding trim levels have yet to be released. But we’re on the edge of our seats waiting for further details.

What the engineers at Mazda have confirmed is the explorative off-roadster will be followed by a hybrid model featuring an electrified powertrain soon after the launch of the new model.

Adding an electric version of the vehicle falls in-line with the brand’s vision of producing a series of affordable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable automobiles.

Explore What Mazda Has to Offer at DePaula Mazda

When it comes to innovation, luxury, and versatility, few can compare to what Mazda has to offer.

With updated features and new models released annually, consumers can only imagine the advancements the Japanese automotive manufacturer has in store.

For those who are curious to explore the latest and greatest models available, DePaula Mazda has the selection and financing options to suit the needs of any lifestyle.

Whether you’re in the market for an off-road crossover like the new CX-50 or a sleek sedan, our team is ready to put you in the vehicle of your dreams.

Contact us to learn more about our competitive prices, inventory, and other offerings.