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The Bottom Line: What is a CX-50? A CX-50 is Mazda’s second compact SUV and is a larger CX-5. It gives buyers another fun to drive option in the compact SUV class. The main differences between the 2 models include styling and purpose. The CX-5 is an SUV that’s meant to stay on the road, while the CX-50, with its more rugged design, taller ground clearance, and more advanced AWD system, is meant to handle light off-roading.

Is the CX-50 bigger than CX-5? In general the CX-50 is larger than the CX-5, except for its height, which is actually a bit shorter. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is so wide that it can’t be built at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant in Japan. Instead, it will be built at the American assembly plant that Mazda shares with Toyota, in Huntsville, Alabama.

The all new 2023 Mazda CX-50 offers a luxury type interior, lots of standard features, agile handling, and lively engine performance. The 2.5L liter Turbo engine has more power and gets 23 MPG city driving, 29 MPG highway, with a nice 25 MPG overall rating in combined driving. Think more room, looks great, and gets good gas mileage.

This week Mazda sent me a 2023 CX-50 Turbo AWD Premium Plus SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this model is $41,550. The options on the test SUV are: just the metallic paint for $395. The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,225 destination charge, is: $43,170.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total purchase price to drive off the dealers lot and into your garage came to: $48,566.

If your SUV buying budget is capped at $50 Grand, then this is the SUV you have been looking for. An all new 2023 SUV with turbo power, sporty looks, and a great price.

Mazda is known for its superior driving dynamics and for vehicles that look and feel truly alive. This CX-50 is powered by a 2.5L liter twin scroll turbocharged gas engine with 227 HP horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Then it’s bolted to a 6 speed automatic transmission, routed into an AWD all wheel drive control traction system with sport, off road and towing select, and has a nice 3500 pound towing capacity.

Interior comfort starts with front heated and ventilated power leather trimmed bucket seats, a leather wrapped and heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, keyless entry, push  button start, power rear liftgate, and black metal door trim inserts. Safety & security features an anti theft immobilizer, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

The premium plus package is the top of the line trim for the CX-50 and adds heated rear seats, 360 degree view monitors, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear smart braking support, blind spot prevention, an auto dimming driver side mirror, Mazda upgraded navigation system, active driving display, traffic sign recognition, an automatic dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink, and a wireless cell phone charging pad.

The CX-50 has all the things you want in a fun to drive compact crossover AWD SUV, and is backed by Mazda’s 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, with an all inclusive  3 year / 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Mazda has you covered from front to back and side to side, for 3 years for your total driving pleasure, and for 5 years on the entire drivetrain. Coverage like this makes it easier to sleep at night knowing that your car is covered with a great warranty, backed by Mazda 24/7.

Discovery should always be within reach. The Mazda CX-50 was thoughtfully designed to create seamless experiences in nature, by enabling better access to your favorite passions. From the roof, to the doors, to the floor space in the cargo area, the dimensions of the CX-50 have been designed for you to easily reach your equipment and gear. Great access comes from great design, with function over utility, and that makes the CX-50 a 2023 Best Buy SUV.

So, when you’re ready to buy a new compact SUV the 2023 Mazda CX-50 should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s the newest SUV in the compact class. Call, click or visit your local Mazda dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the all new 2023 CX-50. And remember that the base price for a new CX-50 starts at only $26,800. Mazda – Feel Alive.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense © editorial  provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

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