2023 Mazda CX-50 Review

Name: 2023 Mazda CX-50
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $22,990 - $33,998

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is comfortable, spacious and well appointed, with an interior that looks and feels a cut above anything else in this class. It's quick and fun to drive, too, though somewhat heavy steering and a firmer ride than some rivals are the price you pay for the engaging handling. The CX-50 commands a bit of a premium, too, but if you're looking for a small utility vehicle, it doesn't get much better than this.

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Average price: $33,102

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Appraise My 2023 Mazda CX-50

Pros

Quick acceleration from optional turbocharged engine
Sharp handling
Upscale interior design
Decent off-road capability for a small crossover SUV

Cons

Ride quality is a bit stiff
Slightly more expensive than rivals
Middling cargo capacity

What's new

Kicks off the first CX-50 generation

2023 Mazda CX-50 Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

7/25/2022

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an all-new small SUV that is sold alongside the existing CX-5. It's an odd situation having two similar SUVs competing in the same class, but there are enough differences to justify each. You'll notice it on the outside, as the CX-50 has a slightly more rugged look by way of its more pronounced fenders and slimmer grille. Pleasingly, it's not all for show — the CX-50 offers improved off-road and towing capabilities compared to the CX-5 and many other rival SUVs as well.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

950 listings

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2023 Mazda CX-50
2.5 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV
$23,990
good price
$593 below market
- 92,332 miles
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- 95 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (23 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
7MMVABDYXPN108265
Stock:
2004990594
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
07-01-2026
Price Drop
2023 Mazda CX-50
2.5 S Preferred Plus 4dr SUV
$27,800
good price
$1,126 below market
- 9,281 miles
- 5 Seats, 24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- 51 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Annapolis, MD
Discover the perfect blend of style and capability in this 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus Package. With its sleek Beige exterior and well-appoi...
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
7MMVABCM4PN118658
Stock:
X4660
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-01-2026

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Much of the CX-50's adventure abilities can be attributed to the off-road drive mode that cleverly combines the steering and traction control systems to keep the vehicle on its intended path with ease. Depending on the trim level, the CX-50 also has either 8.3 or 8.6 inches of ground clearance; the latter figure is comparable to the outdoorsy Subaru Forester's (8.7 inches). There's also the CX-50 Meridian Edition that adds all-terrain tires.

The 2023 CX-50 will be Mazda's first vehicle to come out of the new Huntsville, Alabama, plant that is a joint venture with Toyota. You can choose between the base 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine and the more muscular turbo version that cranks out a healthy 256 hp when using 93 octane gas. Yes, these are the same engines offered with the CX-5. But the CX-50 is rated to tow more — up to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine, which is quite good for a small SUV and enough to easily pull a small trailer or boat.

Key rivals to the CX-50, besides its CX-5 sibling, include the redesigned Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. Among these choices, the CX-50 is an excellent alternative for those seeking a fun and engaging drive. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a complete evaluation of the CX-50's performance, utility and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Reese Counts

Great

8.1

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Mazda CX-50 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the CX-50 drive? Mazda has made a concerted effort over the years to inject a bit of driving joy into all of its products, and for the most part it works. Mazda's vehicles tend to be among the best-driving models in their classes, and the CX-50 is no different.

The upgraded turbocharged engine, which is what our test CX-50 had, is powerful and helps make the CX-50 one of the quickest vehicles in its class. You're never short on power, and the transmission is good at finding the right gear at the right time. Zero-to-60 mph acceleration in our testing took 7.2 seconds. That's slower than a turbo CX-5 we tested but still decently quick for a small SUV.

It handles well, too. It's no sports car, but body roll is mild and kept in check better than on most other small crossovers. You're not going to lose your lunch if your drive is particularly curvy. The quick, responsive steering helps the buttoned-down feeling, though we found it requires a bit more muscle than we'd expect for comfortable low-speed maneuvering. Driving through a winding neighborhood shouldn't be work.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the CX-50? The same suspension that gives the CX-50 its engaging handling gives it a firmer ride than some of the competition. That's not to say it's teeth-rattling; you just feel more of the road than you do in others. Bumps are still muted, and the comfortable seats help you settle in even further. The front seats offer decent padding and side bolstering, but we found the rear bench to be a bit flat. Heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are available. Passengers won't have much to complain about in terms of road noise. While it's a bit loud at full throttle, it settles down nicely, with only a mild amount of wind and road noise on the highway.

The climate control system is simple in the best sort of way. It uses real buttons and knobs rather than locking everything to the touchscreen or unresponsive capacitive touch controls. It's all easy to see and reach, and rear passengers will really appreciate the air vents.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? There's plenty of space for passengers in both rows. Mazda nailed the driving position too. The seats are upright but still low enough that it's easy to get in and out. There's ample adjustment for both the seat and steering wheel, and outside of a hard-to-reach touchscreen, nothing is too much of a stretch.

We found it odd that the main screen interface only has active touch functions when you're using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Otherwise, using any of Mazda's native infotainment functions requires using the console-mounted dial. The system is easy to operate, however, and the dial is well placed, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. The CX-50 is easy to see out of, and the available surround-view camera helps out even more.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Mazda includes a decent array of standard in-car tech and driver aids with the CX-50. Apple CarPlay with wireless connectivity and Android Auto are included on all trims, and there are multiple USB-A ports for charging. A wireless charging pad is available, though we rarely got it to function with an iPhone. Mazda's built-in navigation system is clear and easy to use, and you can use voice commands to input addresses or change radio stations. The available Bose audio system is among the better ones you'll find in this class.

The CX-50 includes a decent array of standard driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. They work well and we didn't notice any false readings during our testing. The adaptive cruise holds good gaps and will bring you down to a full stop in traffic.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The CX-50's cargo area doesn't quite match what its longer-than-average proportions might suggest. With 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet of space with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down, overall cargo space is near the bottom of the small crossover class. Cargo space in the rest of the cabin is much better thanks to a sizable and well-designed center console and spacious door pockets. If you need it, the CX-50 is capable of towing 2,000 pounds with its base engine and 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine. The latter is near top-of-the-class.

Got kids? The rear seat has Isofix anchors mounted under covers, so they're easy to find and access. There's decent space to maneuver, and even larger seats shouldn't have any issues fitting.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The base-engine CX-50 gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined. With the upgraded turbo engine, that estimate drops to 25 mpg combined. Neither figure is particularly great for a small SUV. At least our turbocharged test vehicle met its combined rating in our hands, achieving 25.7 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route. Unlike some rivals, you can select the top CX-50 trim separate from the top engine, so you can get features without the turbo engine if you like.

Value

7.5/10

Is the CX-50 a good value? There's no getting around the fact that the CX-50 is one of the most expensive vehicles in its class. The flip side is that Mazda includes all-wheel drive as standard and a pleasing collection of features. Like many Mazdas of late, the interior is a step up from what you'll find elsewhere too. Fit and finish is excellent, and the overall design and choice of materials make it feel worth the premium you'll pay. There's soft padding on the dash, and all of the buttons and knobs have a nice feel to them. Details like that matter.

Mazda's standard three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are average, as is three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The CX-50 doesn't look dramatically different from Mazda's current lineup, but that's not a bad thing in our eyes. The design is handsome, and the wide fenders make it look squat and a bit rugged. The interior is handsome, too, and the whole thing comes together in a way that makes the CX-50 feel a bit more charming than most modern people-movers.

It's less boring too. It's not going to tear up racetracks, but the CX-50 won't erode your soul in the same way some other spiritless crossovers tend to.

2023 Mazda CX-50 trim level differences

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a small SUV with seating for five. It's offered in 10 trim levels: S, Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, Premium Plus, Turbo, Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-50 Turbo models have a turbocharged engine that's good for 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Using lower octane fuels is permitted but will reduce power slightly. All-wheel-drive is standard on all CX-50 models. Other feature highlights for the CX-50 include: Compare the 2023 Mazda CX-50 trim levels in-depth.

Which CX-50 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Strong overall performance is one of the Mazda CX-50's greatest attributes and it's best enjoyed with the potent turbocharged engine. The Turbo trim is the least expensive model with that engine and strikes a good balance between price and features. More conservative drivers likely won't need that power, so we'd recommend the Preferred trim for them.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$184/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V275000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 5823D
Number of vehicles affected:: 2410
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
Defect Consequence:: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.

Recall Number:: 23V135000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 5723B
Number of vehicles affected:: 560
Defect Description:: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2023 CX-50 vehicles equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch. The trailer hitch harness may detach and become damaged, which can result in inoperative trailer lights and/or brakes.
Defect Consequence:: Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5723B.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Mazda CX-50 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

53 reviews

5(47%)

4(19%)

3(22%)

2(5%)

1(7%)

See all 53 reviews of the Mazda CX-50

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Nice, but with a few caveats

ScottyD, 08/10/2022

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I’ve had my 2023 CX-50 preferred plus in polymetal gray for about 3 weeks now, and have about 1k miles on it. Here are my thoughts. The good: - Comfortable, even on long drives. - Excellent handling. Classic Mazda. - Build quality is solid. Much nicer than the alternatives at this price point. - Very surefooted. Haven’t done any significant off-roading yet, but zero problems so far …

2 weeks in

Eric , 04/29/2023

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Recently purchased the CX50 PFP non-turbo. Great value for the money. My 2nd Mazda, I had a CX5 a few years ago and mistakenly sold it. The CX50 to me looks better, rides as nice, good handling and adequate power and is returning 26.5 mpg combined. My two requirements were to reduce fuel costs and overall vehicle ownership cost. No issues at this point, although it’s only been 2 weeks. …

Love the look but not the glitches!

ldh, 01/29/2024

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I owned a 2023 CX-50 for 10 months. Premium plus model. Loved the way it looked....a real head turner! But I traded it in after 10 months due to all the issues. It had a sensor issue....I would get the engine malfunction message every few weeks. It would generally go off the next day, but it was annoying. Also, the sunroof and sunshade would not open or close. Lastly, about a …

Fast and Sporty

JohnL, 04/12/2023

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

My wife bought a 2023 Mazda CX50 Turbo Premium. We have had it for 9 months. We live in a major city and it does mostly city driving. We do not drive off the pavement, but we wanted some ground clearance, because some streets flood here. My wife likes cars that have good acceleration and the CX50 Turbo is probably one of the fastest in this class. With the Turbo engine it does become … more expensive than it's competition which are: Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Subaru Forrester and the Ford Bronco Sport.The Bronco Sport was the only other choice that had similar HP as the CX50, but the Ford is more utalitarian and off road while the Mazda feels more luxurious and performance oriented. Here are my likes and dislikes. Likes... 1. We love how it looks from the outside 2. We love the interior design 3. Interior materials like Nappa leather while having cooled and heated seats 4. Acceleration and handling(very torquee engine) 5. My wife likes the wireless android auto 6. Panoramic Sunroof Dislikes... 1. Steering too heavy and I have owned sports cars 2. Lack of cubbies and smaller cargo than the competition 3. Glovebox not useful as it is a slot style so when you open it the things just fall out 4. The ride is on the harder side, but it absorbs impacts much better than other cars 5. My car came with an annoying rattle while new from the passenger seatbelt pillar that the dealer has no idea how to get rid off. (This is just specific to my car) 6. The most annoying to me is that the seats bottom lack cushioning. After driving for an hour, my bottom will feel discomfort, so we will never take this car for long trips. Keep in mind that your experience might differ on this. Summary... We really like how this car drives, acceleration, handling and we can live with a stiffer ride. We love how it looks inside out too. I can accept that it is not as roomy as other cars too. But the seat bottom being too hard and that annoying rattle is not good for me. My wife drives this car and she notices the seat being hard but it is more acceptable for her. She would not have any problems buying another Mazda in the future, but their seats are not for me. I think Mazda are a little niche, so make sure that they are suitable for what you want as there are compromises to be made for the extra performance that they offer. Update: It has 22 months and everything holds still holds true. We finally were able to fix that rattle after multiple trips to the dealer and switching dealers. The dealer near me tried to fix it and after 3 tries they said that it is "COMMON OCURRANCE" for that car so they said they were NOT going to do anything about it. They said that it is not a Manufacturer's defect, but it happens a lot on that car. So I called MAZDA and they said that it should NOT rattle and then I called a different dealer 50 miles away and spoke to their Service Manager. Took it there and they FIXED it after 1 day. Excellent Service from them! Except that everything still holds true about the car. It's still an awesome car to drive, but not for long distance due to the harder seats.

2023 Mazda CX-50 videos

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs. 2023 Mazda CX-50 | Compact SUV Comparison Test

The Honda CR-V is all-new for 2023, and while it’s always been a solid contender in the compact SUV segment, the competition is tougher than ever. So we decided to put it up against two of our favorites in this class: the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Each of these SUVs offers a different take on what makes a small SUV great, but only one can be the…

2023 CX-50 Features & Specs

Trim:

2.5 S

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$27,550
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CX-50 models:

Lane Keep Assist: Makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
Rear Smart Brake Support: Applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle.
Blind Spot Prevention: Steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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