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The Japanese manufacturer is expanding its lineup and while we are all eagerly waiting for the new RWD platform, the company is bringing one of the last models that will ride on the current SkyActive platform that features an FF layout. The new model is coming as the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and it will represent this brand in the compact crossover segment. However, it won’t replace the CX-5. Both models will be on sale the next year.
The reason is that the new CX-50 will be a notably bigger vehicle. With 110 inches in wheelbase, it will represent a more spacious and more practical design approach. Furthermore, the new model looks way more rugged, which even promises some off-road capability to some point. Furthermore, this model will bring a lot in terms of electrification.
We expect it will go on sale this summer, as the latest addition to Mazda’s lineup.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Design
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be an all-new model. From what we can see in photos, it will feature a notably more rugged design compared to the company’s current models. everything looks bolder and more aggressive, while some photos even show parts of the vehicle’s underbody, which includes skid plates. This clearly shows Mazda’s off-road pretensions with this model. After all, the new model will feature standard all-wheel drive, while we may expect further off-road upgrades in higher trim levels.
Although a new model, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 will ride on a familiar platform. Just like the rest of the lineup, it will feature a transversally mounted engine, with a front-biased all-wheel-drive system. The new RWD platform with a longitudinally mounted engine will remain exclusive for bigger and more expensive models. Still, that doesn’t mean that the new CX-50 won’t look premium, especially on the inside.
Compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 will be notably bigger. It will feature 110.8 inches in wheelbase, while the total length will go around 185.8 inches, which puts it pretty close to the mid-size segment. However, we won’t be seeing the third row of seats.
Interior
Just like in any other Mazda, the interior will look amazing. From what we can see in photos, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 will also feature a quite simplistic dashboard design, characterized by clean design and a lack of kitschy details. Still, we can also see a couple of bold design elements, which is another proof of Mazda’s go-anywhere pretensions with this model. We can also notice the same 8.8-inch infotainment screen on the center stack, while the traditional gear shifter is still there.
As we already mentioned, the new 2023 Mazda CX-50 will feature nearly 111 inches in wheelbase, which means it will fix the CX-5’s main issues, which is the lack of space in the second row of seats and small cargo area. We still don’t know the exact numbers but we expect significant improvement in this aspect.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 won’t bring any surprises, at least when it comes to gasoline models. Base versions will feature a familiar 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out around 187 horsepower. Also, the turbo-four version of this engine will be on offer, with a max output of 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It is also a well-known fact that this engine features way more power if you pour premium fuel. In that case, the max output goes up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
The familiar gear shifter clearly indicates that the 2023 Mazda CX-50 will continue with the same six-speed automatic transmission. As we already mentioned, all-wheel drive will be standard.
Hybrid Powertrain
On the other hand, a big novelty will come in form of electrification. From what we know so far, there will be two hybrid powertrains on the offer and we suspect both of them will be borrowed from Toyota. One of them will be the same system that powers the RAV4, which combines a 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors, for a total output of 219 horsepower. The other one should be a plug-in hybrid, with the same system as RAV4 Prime, which puts out more than 300 horsepower.
Both models would come with a CVT gearbox and if they are coming from Toyota, we know for sure they will ensure excellent fuel economy.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Release Date and Price
From what we can hear, the new 2023 Mazda CX-50 will arrive sometime this summer, with a starting price of around 28.000 dollars. More precise details will come soon.
