The CX-50 is barely more expensive than a CX-5.
Few mainstream crossovers make us swoon like the Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 is a perfect combination of attractive design, a premium interior, and thrilling driving dynamics at an affordable price. Now, Mazda has introduced a more rugged version that looks to challenge the Subaru Forester. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 began production at a new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) facility in Alabama last month. Today, the CX-50 gets a price tag.
The base CX-50 2.5 S starts at $26,800 (plus a $1,225 destination fee), making it only $900 more expensive than the CX-5. Like the base CX-5, the CX-50 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Power still goes out through a six-speed automatic transmission to a standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive system. The CX-50 also includes a new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select system (Mi-Drive) with Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes on select packages.
As standard, the CX-50 comes well-equipped with an 8.8-inch display, eight-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, remote keyless entry with push-button start, a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster display, and more. Standard safety equipment includes city braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Stepping up to the 2.5 S Select for $28,200 adds dual-zone automatic climate control with rear passenger vents, leather-wrapped shifter/steering wheel, LED interior lighting, 40/60 split-folding rear seat, 10.25-inch color center display, HD radio, and black wheels. The 2.5 S Preferred gets a few more features for $29,500, including heated mirrors, heated seats with an eight-way driver's seat, font/rear center armrest with storage, and power rear liftgate. If you want Mazda's first-ever panoramic roof, you have to get the 2.5 S Preferred Plus Package for $31,940. That's basically the only upgrade in this trim level.
The 2.5 S Premium Package and 2.5 S Premium Plus are the most luxurious versions of the base engine car for $34,400 and $36,400, respectively. The Premium Package adds a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, and leather seating surfaces in black or an all-new terracotta color. The Premium Plus Package takes the luxury even further with 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic power-folding mirrors, and ventilated front seats.
If you want more power, the CX-50 2.5 Turbo starts at $36,400, while the Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus trims cost $39,550 and $41,550, respectively. This engine produces 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium 93 octane gas or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87 octane, and increases the towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.
Mazda didn't mention any standard color options in the press release (of which there are likely a few) but lists five premium paint choices available for a small fee. Polymetal Gray Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl (a Toyota color), and Zircon Sand Metallic are listed for $395 while Machine Gray Metallic and Soul Red Crystal Mica are $595. Later this year, Mazda will introduce the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition (pictured below), a more off-road-focused trim with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, hood graphics, and “a host of outdoor-specific accessories.” The Meridian Edition does not have a price yet.
Keyword: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Priced Like An Affordable Luxury Car