The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has been revealed, with a bluffer, boxier body than Mazda’s other SUVs to suit its more rugged positioning.
Slotting in above the CX-5 in the North American market, to which it’ll be exclusive, the CX-50 puts a new twist on Mazda’s SUV design language.
There are bulging fenders and more squared-off wheel arches, while there’s a wider look to the front and rear ends.
The cabin more closely resembles that of the CX-5 and other Mazdas, though the tall, vertically-oriented air vents are a unique touch.
The CX-50 will be produced at a Mazda-Toyota joint-venture plant in Alabama where the US-market Toyota Corolla Cross will also be built, though Car & Driver reports word from Mazda that the CX-50 doesn’t share its platform with the Toyota.
Production for the CX-50 is scheduled to start in January 2022 and the model expected to become available in the North American spring (March to June 2022).
“This new Mazda vehicle has been developed for North America, particularly to support the active and outdoor lifestyles of customers in this region,” said Mazda North American Operations president and CEO Jeff Guyton.
Powering the CX-50 at launch is a choice of 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated ‘Skyactiv-G’ four-cylinder or 2.5-litre turbocharged ‘Skyactiv-G’ four-cylinder engines.
Both of these engines are exclusively mated to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
Official power figures are yet to be released, but in the Australian-spec CX-5 the atmo 2.5-litre produces 140kW of power and 252Nm of torque, whereas the 2.5-litre turbo produces 170kW and 420Nm.
Mazda has indicated the CX-50 will receive electrified powertrains in the future, including a traditional hybrid model.
More details about these electrified powertrains will be shared at a later date.
Standard on every trim level of the CX-50 is Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) technology and selectable drive modes enhanced for either off-road or sporty driving.
There’s also a panoramic sunroof available in the CX-50, a first for the automaker.
Mazda has indicated there’s going to be a range of accessories made especially for the CX-50, which will be available later in 2022.
In the video and imagery, there’s a roof rail system with a platform that Mazda says can be used to carry kayaks, rooftop storage units and rooftop tents.
A new ‘Zircon Sand’ exterior paint colour will be debuting in the CX-50, with an available terracotta interior colour.
More details and pricing on the CX-50 will be released closer to launch.
