Over the course of the summer, we’ve got a long-term test planned for the 2023 Mazda CX-50, which means you’ll be seeing a lot of this brand-new-to-the-North-American-market SUV.
Once we’ve taken it on a road trip, I’ll be able to give you the full Millennial-mom rundown on the CX-50’s family-friendly — or not-so-family-friendly — features. We’ll also be throwing it into a comparison with the Subaru Outback, because this SUV, much like the Outback, is targeted towards those who are outdoorsy and adventurous, as opposed to the CX-5’s “urban and sophisticated” feel. And speaking of the CX-5, I’ll swap into it mid-summer to compare the two Mazdas.
Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a night at the drive-in movie theatre, or just a simple grocery store run, I’ll be sure to note all the highs and lows of this new SUV and keep you posted on how many times my kids ask, “Are we there yet?”
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
If there’s anything you want to know about the 2023 Mazda CX-50, let us know in the comments!
First Impressions
It looks just about wide enough to fit all three of my kids’ car seats, which will include one forward-facing car seat, a high-back booster, and a normal booster. As is the case with most SUVs, it’ll probably be a tight fit, but it’ll get the job done. The CX-50 is slightly longer and wider than the CX-5, but its fastback roofline means the CX-50 has a little less headroom, which is totally fine if you’ve got younger children in the back.
The rear doors open 90 degrees, which is awesome if it’ll help get larger cargo inside. However, as a parent with young children, it’s pretty terrifying—picture those kids swinging the door open in a crowded parking lot. Why would you need to load big items into the back seats when you’ve got 889L of cargo space? I can’t wait to get a stroller and Costco haul in there at the same time. Small wins!
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
The driver’s seat is fairly comfy; not too big, not too small. However, the seat doesn’t seem that well-padded. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing — we’ll have to test that out on a longer drive. I really appreciate the normal gear shifter!
The infotainment system sent me on a bit of a roller-coaster of emotions. It isn’t a touchscreen, but instead is controlled by a not-horrible dial on the centre console; it does require a bit more attention than touching what you want, though. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay, too, but for some reason, when connected, suddenly the display turns into a touchscreen after all. But wait — once you start driving, you lose that touchscreen ability again and have to use the dial. Why? Oh, and if you’re in Apple CarPlay and want to get back to the vehicle’s settings while driving, you need to click home, then use the dial to scroll over to the Mazda icon. Again, why? I imagine this gets somewhat less frustrating after a couple weeks, but I’ll have to get back to you on that.
There’s a wireless charger hidden beneath the little storage area in the centre. I wish it opened up in a more normal way — instead, you need to open both sides fully to access anything in that small space, with the doors themselves being rather awkward.
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
Is the CX-50 a hybrid?
I noticed a trending Google question asking if the CX-50 is a hybrid. The answer is no. However, during a First Look event last November, Driving’s Jil McIntosh questioned the possibility. Mazda replied with a simple “no comment on future product” — do with that what you may.
Currently, depending on the trim, there are two engines available. The base and GT trim get a 2.5L inline-four that averages 9.7 L/100 km in the city; and 7.9 L/100 km on the highway. In the GT-Turbo, there’s a 2.5L turbocharged four that averages 10.4 L/100 km in the city; and 8.1 on the highway. All-wheel-drive is standard.
2023 Mazda CX-50 GT-Turbo Photo by Renita Naraine
How much is the CX-50?
Set to hit dealerships this month, the GS-L starts at $37,900; and the GT at $42,850, while this tested GT Turbo has a starting price of $45,350. Mazda says a fourth trim, the Turbo Meridian Edition, will be offered later this year; pricing has not yet been announced.
Keyword: Long-term test introduction: 2023 Mazda CX-50