At its Nov. 15 world premiere event, Mazda debuted an all-new outdoor crossover SUV. An evolution in the brand’s crossover fleet, the AWD CX-50 is ‘purpose-built for outdoor enthusiasts and customers with a more active lifestyle.’
The Mazda CX-50 is a midsize sport-utility crossover that is — reportedly — prepared for almost any terrain. During the unveiling, the head of Mazda’s North American operations, Jeff Guyton, made note of a recent uptick in CX-5 sales (the on-road crossover was the automaker’s bestseller in 2021).
If one thing is clear about the new CX-50, it’s that Mazda is edging in on the adventure vehicle market big time. “Because we believe there is value in helping people explore the outdoors to feel uplifted and energized,” said Guyton.
![Mazda-CX-50_19_Interior-Front-Seats The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Outdoor Crossover SUV interior front row](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/Mazda-CX-50_19_Interior-Front-Seats.jpg)
With the CX-50, Mazda claims to bring its grade-A safety-rated driving dynamics to an expanded set of terrains. This, Guyton hopes, will give customers an off-road option that’s engaging, safe, and more “human-centric” than other adventure SUVs available.
OK, we’re listening.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Outdoor Crossover
![Mazda-CX-50_21_Interior-Panoramic-Moonroof The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Outdoor Crossover SUV interior panoramic moonroof](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/Mazda-CX-50_21_Interior-Panoramic-Moonroof.jpg)
Mazda CX-50 Features
![Mazda-CX-50_16_Zircon-Sand 2023 Mazda CX-50 Outdoor Crossover SUV in Zircon Sand finish.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/Mazda-CX-50_16_Zircon-Sand.jpg)
- i-Activ AWD technology
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Intelligent off-road and sport driving enhancement
- Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine
- Panoramic moonroof
- Roof rails for rooftop tents, sports equipment, and cargo units
- Elongated cargo floor
- Reinforced b-pillars and door jambs
- Liftgate hatch
- Wide-stance wheelbase for balance and stability
- Towing capability (turbo model only)