Finally, after months of waiting, we know more about the new Mazda CX-50. Forget the Mazda CX-5 if you want to live a more rugged lifestyle. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an affordable option that will get you farther down the trail. 

How much does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 cost? 

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 starts at $28,025. This is the base model’s price, and each price includes the $1,225 destination fee. You can buy a CX-50 model in the spring, and production has already started. 

Each model comes standard with forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring. 

With the entry-level trim, known as the Mazda CX-50 2.5 S, you get an 8.8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. According to Cars.com, you also get two USB ports in the front, 17-inch gray wheels, body-color side mirrors, a rear roof spoiler, and LED headlights. 

There are 10 different trim levels, and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is currently the most expensive trim level at $42,775. A 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition will be introduced later. 

Moving up in trims adds things like wireless phone charging, a panoramic moonroof, hands-free liftgate, head-up display, leather upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, ventilated seats, and more. 

How much power does the 2023 CX-50 have? 

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. 

However, you will need to use 93-octane gas to achieve those numbers. With 87-octane gas, you’ll get 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Meridian Edition will have a hybrid powertrain that’s sourced from Toyota. 

Both powertrain options are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive comes standard. 

Sport and Off-roading modes are standard across the board, but upgrading to the turbocharged models provides an additional towing mode. When properly equipped, the CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 lbs. 

Can the CX-50 go off-roading? 

Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 can go off-roading. It should handle light off-roading trails just fine, but we wouldn’t push it on a Rubicon trail. It comes with the i-Activ AWD system and the Mi-Drive system. 

The system naturally responds to driver input and the environment to provide a smooth performance with plenty of control. It also adjusts the torque to prevent slippage while climbing obstacles and steep hills. 

Unfortunately, Mazda hasn’t released the CX-50’s ground clearance. But it’s probably taller than the CX-5’s 7.5-inch ground clearance. It also has a wider track and plenty of off-road cladding. It may have a silver skid plate in the front. 

We’re still waiting to learn more about the 2023 Mazda CX-50, but it seems to be a comfortable and capable option. It’s here to fight the Subaru Outback and Ford Bronco Sport. We’ll keep you updated as Mazda releases more information.