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The Mazda CX50 introduces rugged refinement and an exciting driving experience to the compact SUV class.

Mazda introduced a refreshed design and enhanced dynamics for their popular Mazda CX-5 for the 2022 model year. Also, they announced three all-new crossover SUVs hitting the market by 2023. The first one is the similarly sized CX-50 which brings some welcome sibling rivalry. They will build the other two new additions, the three-row CX-90 and the two-row CX-70, built on an all-new, larger, more luxurious platform.

We have to wait until next year for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and CX70, but the CX50 is already here with us. People were quick to question the purpose of the CX50, considering its obvious similarities in size and nearly identical pricing to the highly popular CX-5. But there are differences between the two siblings, and the CX-50 introduces rugged refinement and an exciting driving experience to the compact SUV class. Here's why you should consider buying the Mazda CX-50.

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All CX-50 models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Base models feature a naturally aspirated version making just 187hp. If you want more output, you can opt for the torquey twin-scroll turbo engine delivering 256hp and 320lb-ft of torque on 93 Octane premium fuel. All models send power to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The base motor is the most efficient with returns of 24mpg city and 30mpg highway. But the torque turbocharged isn't badly off, dropping just 1mpg from these figures.

Mazda designed the CX-50 with the American market in mind. You can describe this new SUV as a Jack of all trades with a keen interest in adventure, as evident by its rugged utility. Mazda claims they designed the car to connect with nature while enabling comfortable and convenient outdoor access.

The car Is deeper than it is wide, with the cargo floor built to fit coolers, packs, and gear lengthwise. There is plenty of storage space inside, with the high-strength roof rails enabling you to carry anything from bikes to kayaks or tents. Also, the programmable Rear Power Liftgate gives you easy access to the rear storage.

Mazda gives the CX-50 an aggressive exterior styling to match its rugged capability. The car's aesthetics merge strength and dynamism to create a perfect blend of form and function. The wide stance with wide fenders gives the crossover SUV a squat and rugged feel. High ground clearance, low roofline, and the overall muscular composure with the bigger, deeper grilles point to the car's resilience wherever the roads take you.

The curved reflective surfaces reflect their surroundings to immerse you with the environment and help capture and amplify its beauty.

With the interior, Mazda went with a design worthy of the overall package's rugged nature, resulting in a luxurious cabin with hints of toughness. Both rows offer plenty of space for passengers. Mazda paid keen attention to the driving positioning, with seats shaped for a comfortable and relaxed posture and every control, button, and knob within reach.

You also get a heated steering wheel And climate-controlled leather seats on both rows. Also, the new Terracotta Leather material inspired by outdoor endeavors is quite friendly to dirt or mess.

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While the CX-50 gets an interior largely similar to the CX-5, it gets a power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof with the one-touch-open feature, which is a first in a Mazda vehicle. It is quite a nice touch that keeps with the connected-to-nature theme of this SUV.

It doesn't come standard on the base models, but you can have it from the 2.5 S Preferred Plus trim. But you will have to forgo the benefits of the high-strength roof rails to enjoy the cascading moonlight or the green forest ceiling.

Mazda blesses its newest addition with its latest generation driving tech to provide a sense of control regardless of the terrain. The notable feature is the Intelligent Drive Select Technology or Mi-Drive, which optimizes traction and responsiveness through various preset drive modes.

The non-turbo trims come with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, with the turbo trims adding a Towing Mode. The Towing mode compensates for additional weight for intuitive handling. The CX-50 tows up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the Genuine Mazda Accessories Trailer Hitch and Harness.

Mazda offers the CX-50 with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in-cabin Wi-Fi, and multiple USB-A charging ports across all trims. Also, there is an impressive lineup of advanced safety features, including an adaptive front lighting system, active driving display, 360 degrees view monitor.

The Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus models come with the optional i-ACTIVESENSE SAFETY package, which includes blind spot monitoring and assist, lane departure warning system, and available traffic jam assist.

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All-wheel-drive comes standard across the CX-50 trims. Mazda calls it I-ACTIV AWD, and they've engineered it for maximum performance in all road conditions. For $2800, you can opt for the rugged-looking Meridian Edition Off-Road Package offering all-terrain tires and some visual changes.

It should be sufficient for inclement weather and off-road driving, and tests show the CX-50 has decent off-road capabilities. While the vehicle shares a platform with the CX-30 and CX-5, it is more capable of off-road travel than its siblings, thanks to the higher ground clearance and superior handling even on bumpy terrain.

The Mazda CX-50 provides a joyful driving experience with sharp, accurate steering in a pleasant ride. It is far from a sports car, but it has mild body rolls compared to close competitors. You won't tear up racetracks with the CX-50, but it isn't a boring ride either. That is apparent from the onset as it departs from the reserved SUV nature of its siblings, thanks to the added aggression.

The stiff suspension that gives the CX-50 the athletic handling results in a firmer ride, making it less comfortable than some rivals. But it isn't the worst out there. You only feel more of the road, and the seats offer sufficient padding and side bolstering for comfort.

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The Mazda CX-50 is all about options, and there are up to ten trims to choose from. Six trims come with the base non-turbo motor, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Preferred Plus, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. These have an MSRP ranging from $27,550 to $37,150.

The 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus feature the grunty turbo motor, and the price ranges from $37,150 to $42,300. A fully loaded CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus in the premium Soul Red Crystal Metalic paint equipped with camping, and towing accessories can fetch up to $43,970.

Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.