“Watch out for the sound system, it is nearly impossible to navigate. I'm still struggling with it almost 4 months after buying it. I'd probably love the car otherwise. But I don't.”
2023 Mazda CX-50: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an all-new model and the first year for this two-row crossover. Its headline feature is standard all-wheel drive across the lineup.
About the 2023 Mazda CX-50
1st generation, first year (all-new for 2023)
Mazda positions the CX-50 as a North America-focused compact crossover for buyers who want a more engaging drive and a more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals, while still getting light-adventure usefulness. Its core appeal is standard AWD, a tough-looking body, flexible cargo space, and a more connected driving feel than many CR-V, RAV4, Forester, and Tucson shoppers expect in this class.
Mazda positioned the CX-50 as a wider, more rugged alternative to the CX-5 while keeping a driver-focused feel. The range spans straightforward non-turbo trims, upscale versions with leather and Bose audio, stronger Turbo models, and the outdoor-themed Turbo Meridian Edition. The Turbo Premium Plus tops the lineup with a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, navigation, and heated rear seats.
What changed, by category
Structural
The CX-50 debuts as a new North America-focused, two-row crossover assembled in Alabama.
Styling
The new body has a wider, more rugged look than the CX-5. The Turbo Meridian Edition uses exclusive hood graphics, side trim, and black-finish 18-inch wheels for a more outdoor-focused appearance.
Powertrain
Every 2023 CX-50 has all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, and selectable Sport and Off-Road driving modes. The lineup uses either a non-turbo or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; Turbo trims also have a Towing mode.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go operation, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Turbo Premium Plus adds a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, blind-spot intervention, and rear automatic braking.
Tech
The base trim has an 8.8-inch infotainment display, while higher trims use a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included throughout the lineup, and upper trims add features such as Bose audio, a head-up display, navigation, and wireless phone charging.
2023 Mazda CX-50 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 227 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 227 hp | 187 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2023 the first model year for the Mazda CX-50?
Yes. The 2023 CX-50 is the model’s first year and introduces Mazda’s new U.S.-built two-row crossover with a wider, more rugged design than the CX-5.
Does every 2023 Mazda CX-50 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2023 CX-50 has standard all-wheel drive and selectable Sport and Off-Road driving modes.
What engines does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 use?
The 2023 CX-50 uses either a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a stronger turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
What is special about the 2023 CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition?
The 2023 Turbo Meridian Edition is the outdoor-themed CX-50. It combines the turbo engine with exclusive hood graphics, side trim, black-finish 18-inch wheels, terracotta-accented leather seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
Which 2023 Mazda CX-50 trim has the most equipment?
The Turbo Premium Plus is the most fully equipped 2023 CX-50. It combines the turbo engine with a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, and a head-up display.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Mazda CX-50.
4.1
2023 Mazda CX-50
(338 reviews)
“I love this vehicle. It meets all of my expectations; it's sleek and sophisticated!”
“The cx50 is a great vehicle. Just make sure you have options to tow larger loads and larger phones will not fit into the wireless charger spot.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2021 11 15 Mazda Reveals All New CX 50
- news.mazdausa.com — 2022 02 22 Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging for 2023 CX 50
- news.mazdausa.com — 2022 08 02 2023 Mazda CX 50 Meridian Edition Furthers the Outdoor Experience
- news.mazdausa.com — 2023 07 18 2024 CX 50 Pricing and Packaging