The Mazda lineup is well known for its driving pleasure. This year, the compact SUV segment has been enriched with a new model designed for off-road driving: The 2023 Mazda CX-50.

Learn more about the new Mazda Canada vehicle, including its size, engines, driving pleasure and interior comfort.

2023 Mazda CX-50: A Stronger Build and Body

Although the CX-50’s size is similar to that of the CX-5, its adventurous vocation is obvious at first glance. It shares some of the same features as other Mazda vehicles, namely the Kodo design. However, it swaps the more flexible shapes for more square lines.

Its fenders, grille and headlights are more sharply cut, and it has large black outlines on the lower body. The vehicle body is, overall, more robust.

Designed for travel, it naturally incorporates roof rails that allow you to carry your outdoor gear. The body also allows for increased towing capacity: With the GT version, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs of cargo!

Mazda: Reliability with Well-Known Engines

When a new vehicle arrives, it is natural to wonder about its reliability. However, the manufacturer has been able to offer high-quality models recently. Is Mazda reliable as Honda? Actually, the question is stated wrong way up! Don’t forget that Mazda has reached top of the reliability charts in recent years.

According to Consumer Reports annual review, Mazda is classed second place in 2021; it ranked first in 2020. Honda, meanwhile, was rated sixth in the latest report. It is categorized as one of the reliable brands, but Mazda has surpassed it by far.

The new Mazda CX-50 Canada is expected to be a solid performer, with already tested and approved engines. In fact, it offers the same engine choices as the current CX-5: The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G and its turbocharged version.

The Mazda CX-50 is also based on a familiar platform, the same as the CX-30 and Mazda3.

Driving Pleasure with Mi-Drive

First, let’s go over the engines and their performance. The standard 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine develops 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged version is only available in the performance version of the GT, which develops 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque! The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

To adjust the driving parameters, the SUV uses an intelligent driving mode selector system called Mazda Intelligent Drive Select or Mi-Drive. It offers three standard driving modes and a fourth optional mode with the turbo engine:

• Normal
• Sport
• Off-Road
• Towing (available for delivery)

When it comes to driving pleasure, Sylvain Raymond, automotive journalist for RPM, was particularly convinced by the turbo engine:

“This is one of the most dynamic compact SUVs I’ve tested. It has proven to be equal to luxury models with powerful engines.”

Technologies like i-Activ predictive all-wheel drive and torque vectoring control contribute to its exemplary handling. Not to mention that the Mazda CX-50 can venture off the beaten track!

Mazda CX-50 Interior: Comfort on the Menu

Travelers can spend long hours in their vehicle, so it must offer exemplary comfort. The Mazda CX-50 interior offers a spacious cabin in the front and back. Standard features include:

• Heated front seats
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Panoramic sunroof

Rear seat heating and front seat ventilation are added to the GT version, which also features leather upholstery. A wide range of advanced technologies also awaits you on board!

Here are the specifications and Mazda CX-50 prices:

The Mazda CX-50 release date occurred in May: Order yours at your Mazda dealership in Chicoutimi in the heart of the Saguenay!