Starting Price: $27,550 | Price Yours
KBB Rating: 4.5 out of 5
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is something new for Mazda – a compact SUV designed with a focus on off-road skills. It’s every bit as much fun on the road as Mazda vehicles traditionally are. But added ground clearance, a firmer suspension, and an off-road driving mode make it capable on the trail, too.
Mazda builds it with a choice of two engines. The base engine is more than enough for most drivers, but an available turbocharged powerplant changes the SUV’s character.
Both engines send power through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and all CX-50 models come with `all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Popular Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder
187 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 24/30/27 mpg
Price of entry: $27,550
Most compact SUVs use a 4-cylinder engine putting out around 180 to 190 horsepower and giving them fuel economy figures in the high 20s to low 30s. Mazda’s standard engine fits comfortably in that territory. The standard engine does everything most drivers need it to do and will be a comfortable pick for most buyers.
The More Powerful Engine
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm (256 with premium fuel)
310 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm (320 with premium fuel)
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 23/29/25 mpg
Price of entry: $37,150
Most automakers build only one engine for their compact SUVs. Mazda, however, offers buyers the option of a more powerful turbocharged powerplant. It’s a unique one in that it adjusts its power based on the fuel you put into it. It makes 227 horsepower with regular gasoline and 256 with 93-octane premium fuel.
Most buyers don’t need the added power, but some may want it. The added power can be more fun and could prove useful if you do a lot of highway driving. Turbocharged engines also perform better at high altitudes, so they’re popular in mountain communities even among people who don’t consider themselves car enthusiasts.
The engine upgrade is probably never necessary. But, if you don’t mind the added cost, it makes the CX-50 more fun to drive.
More 2023 Mazda CX-50
Now that you have a better idea of which engine is right for you, build and price your own 2023 Mazda CX-50 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-50 models for sale near you.
