There’s plenty to love about the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50. It’s a brand new model entering the crowded compact SUV segment for 2023. Do we really need another compact SUV? It doesn’t seem so, but Mazda looks like it will continue crushing the competition with this excellent new entry. Not only is it safe and affordable, but it’s practical, rugged, and has a fantastic interior. What’s so great about the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 interior?

All-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 compact SUV: Passenger space and comfort

Inside the CX-50, you’ll find plenty of leg and headroom for passengers in any seat. Additionally, the seats are comfortable enough that rear passengers won’t have much to complain about, even on long road trips. According to KBB, the leg and headroom are plentiful thanks to a flat roofline. In addition, its low seating position makes it feel like you’re driving a sedan or wagon instead of an SUV. KBB noted buyers interested in the feeling of sitting up higher might enjoy the CX-5 SUV driving experience a lot more.

CX-50 features and technology

What’s a good interior without many fancy features and modern technology? Even in the base S trim, owners will find many standard features. Things like Sport and Off-Road drive modes, push-button ignition, air conditioning with a pollen filter, remote keyless entry, cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding back seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and more.

Next, the standard infotainment system is an 8.8-inch screen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a few front USB ports. Purchasing anything above the base model provides a 10.25-inch screen, HD radio, and rear USB ports. Choosing the Select trim or higher gains the CX-50 dual-zone automatic climate control, half leatherette seats, an overhead console with an LED room lamp, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Higher trims features and technology

Customers who choose to move up to the Preferred trim level gain even more excellent features. These include heated seats and mirrors, a power liftgate, and a power moonroof with the Preferred Plus model. However, KBB says the Premium trim is where the Mazda CX-50 truly reaches luxury. This model receives leather seats, a memory driver’s seat, a power front passenger seat, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, and more. Finally, Premium Plus owners get 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and power-folding mirrors.

Surprisingly, even in the Premium Plus trim, the Mazda CX-50 doesn’t exceed $40,000. According to Car and Driver, it’s $37,625 after destination fees. That’s surprisingly affordable for a luxurious and tech-filled compact SUV like Mazda’s offering.

CX-50 interior materials and design

KBB calls the interior design and material quality one of the 2023 Mazda CX-50‘s best attributes. It’s just another model added to Mazda’s list of luxury cars without the premium price. Inside the CX-50, owners will feel like they’re sitting in a much more expensive vehicle than they are. This goes double for the higher trims, like the Premium Plus model.

Cloth seats are standard for the base model, but higher trims switch to half leatherette, and even higher models use leather. There are almost zero cheap, hard plastics inside the cabin of the CX-50. Moreover, plastics like these that are hard to the touch often cheapen the feel of a vehicle’s interior. The design of the interior is elegant and straightforward. Control the infotainment system with a knob or use the touchscreen controls. Lastly, KBB says the controls and infotainment system are simple and easy to use.

How much cargo room does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have?

It’s a compact SUV, so you might not expect much in terms of storage space. However, it’s surprisingly roomy behind the second row of seats. Next, the load floor is low, making it easier to load and unload items into the trunk. In addition, the standard 60/40 split-folding back seats make customization of passenger and cargo space possible and easy. With the back seats in place, you’ll get 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the seats down provides owners with 56.3 cubic feet of space. That’s more than the Mazda CX-5 but isn’t the best in its class by any means.

When will the 2023 Mazda CX-50 be available?

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is expected to go on sale in mid to late 2022. As the newest model in the compact SUV segment, there’s a lot of competition it has to beat. However, Mazda’s latest offering looks like one of the best options already. One of the highlights of this model is the interior, which looks and feels far more expensive than it is. That’s what’s so great about the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 interior.