Written by Marco Carvajal
2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian EditionThe new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a strong rugged stylish and capable compact crossover SUV for 5 passengers designed to complement the active lifestyles of its drivers.
I am test-driving the CX-50 Meridian Edition one of the models near the top of the line of this car that offer more features to enjoy the outdoors and adventure but keeping the stylish design typical of Mazda.
Mazda cars offer great value for your money, you can buy a beautiful stylish CX-50 SUV for a very low price with a range from $27K to $42K.
Even though Mazda is a Japanese car manufacturer, the new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is produced in the USA, at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama, designed for the active life of customers in the United States.
The new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is similar to the existing and previous Mazda model CX-5, two similar SUVs from the same auto-maker competing in the same class, but the CX-50 is bigger and with more features. We expect that in the future the CX-50 will replace the CX-5 but for now, two models of the Mazda brand keep competing in the same segment of compact crossover SUVs.
The exterior of the CX-50 is large for its segment, it has a modern but rugged look with pronounced fenders and a slimmer grille that make it look strong and sporty. The interior provides comfort for all passengers and the cargo space is thoughtfully designed to help support and allow for outdoor activities. Vehicle height and length are ideal for easy loading and securing common outdoor gear.
The CX-50 offers better off-roading and towing capabilities compared to the CX-5 and many other rival SUVs with 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
The CX-50 is very stylish, I love the exterior look, and it looks bigger than other compact SUVs, I enjoy the design and the large exterior and interior compared to other cars in the segment.
CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition Ready for the Outdoors
One of the most appealing trim models of the Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo is the Meridian Edition which expands the vehicle’s capabilities by providing outdoor-focused black metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain Falken Tires designed to take on challenging terrain, and most of the features from the CX-50 lineup. While it is an efficient and useful car, it’s also
The new Mazda CX-50 can be purchased in up to 10 different colors and 10 different trims including the Meridian. There are plenty of formats and colors to build your CX-50 including a green-ish and tan-ish color, like their new ” zircon sand metallic” option going well with the outdoors and camouflage theme, or a shiny red color, like their new “soul red crystal metallic” option among many color options.
The CX-50 Meridian Edition is designed to stand out and provide practical outdoor utility including features like the all-new headlight garnish, unique Meridian Edition-branded matte black hood graphic, black wheel locks and lug nuts, and side rocker panels that help protect the CX-50 from outside elements while maintaining the vehicle’s rugged appeal. Meridian Edition is exclusively offered in Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand exterior paint, while the interior of the CX-50 Meridian is only available in the new Terracotta leather with black interior accents.
If you want more features and utility, the optional Meridian Choice Package is very attractive and includes roof-mounted black crossbars, roof platform, front and rear splash guards, side rocker garnish, headlight garnish, and black wheel locks and lug nuts. This Choice Package also includes a matte black hood graphic with a different design from the one equipped on the CX-50 Meridian Edition.
Performance
The CX-50 is offered with two engines, the base engine of the CX-50 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Then the upgraded turbo engine is powerful and helps make the CX-50 one of the fastest vehicles in its class.
It is fun to drive around corners thanks to snappy handling and good steering. Ride quality is quiet and compliant for a smooth ride over the imperfect pavement with the Turbo engine.
The CX-50 Turbo model has a strong turbocharged engine that generates 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
All Mazda Meridian Edition vehicles are advanced and equipped with Mazda’s standard i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) system, Skyactiv-G 2.5L Turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium 93 octane fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87 octane fuel, and a responsive Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
All-wheel drive is standard on all CX-50 models which is a good feature compared to other cars in the segment that offer AWD optional.
The Meridian Edition model that I am driving also comes equipped with Mazda’s Mi-Drive, which includes Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing driving modes. When selecting Towing Mode, when equipped with a Genuine Mazda Tow Hitch, the CX-50 becomes very powerful and it is capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs.
Trims and Prices
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is available with as many as 10 different trim levels, including a few attractive colors, different standard options, and pricing according to each trim model.
The base model CX-50 starts at a low price of $27K and as you go up into higher trim levels like the top-of-the-line 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, starting at $42K.
The complete price range of the new 2023 Mazda CX-50 makes it very affordable, especially compared to other SUVs or sedans in the market. As automotive pricing keeps going up, it is difficult to find a nice car like this Mazda SUV for less than $30K or to buy the supercharged top-of-the-line for only $42K.
The CX-50 definitely represents nice style and SUV practicality at a very low and value pricing.
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S, starting at $27,550
- engine 2.5L
- horsepower 187
- torque 186
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select, starting at $28,950
- engine 2.5L
- horsepower 187
- torque 186
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred, starting at $30,250
- engine 2.5L
- horsepower 187
- torque 186
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus, starting at $32,690
- engine 2.5L
- horsepower 187
- torque 186
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium, starting at $35,150
- engine 2.5L
- horsepower 187
- torque 186
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 2.5 S Premium Plus, starting at $37,150
- engine 2.5L
- horsepower 187
- torque 186
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 2.5 Turbo, starting at $37,150
- engine 2.5T
- horsepower 256
- torque 320
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, starting at $39,950
- engine 2.5T
- horsepower 256
- torque 320
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 2.5 Turbo Premium, starting at $40,300
- engine 2.5T
- horsepower 256
- torque 320
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, starting at $42,300
- engine 2.5T
- horsepower 256
- torque 320
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition I am driving is close to the top of the line but is more oriented towards outdoor adventure, with a starting price of around $40K.
CX-50 Technology
Mazda includes a decent array of standard tech in this SUV, including Apple CarPlay with wireless connectivity and Android Auto with multiple USB-A ports for charging. The main screen interface is touch-enabled only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, otherwise use of any of Mazda’s native infotainment features requires the use of the console-mounted dial. There is a wireless charging pad.
Mazda’s built-in navigation system is clear and easy to use, and you can use voice commands to enter directions or change radio stations.
The available Bose audio system is among the best found in this class what can be a nice upgrade to your CX-50.
CX-50 Stylish Interior
The overall design of the CX-50 is very attractive, it is easy on the eye, and all the controls are carefully placed.
When entering the cabin of the CX-50 you will immediately notice the CX-50’s unique interior as it exceeds expectations for the class. On the inside every surface has a solid, quality feel, the gaps are even and tight, and the paintwork looks fantastic. Its front seats offer ample support and comfort for long-distance road trips.
There is plenty of room for passengers in both rows of this SUV. The front seats of the CX-50 offer decent padding and lateral bolsters. The front seats are heated and ventilated and heated rear seats are available. The seats are upright but low enough to make it easy to get in and out.
Cargo
Cargo space is very good for the segment, with 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet of space with the 60/40 split rear seats folded, total cargo space is larger than other SUVs in the same compact segment. In general not only cargo space is bigger, the CX-50 is bigger in size that most compact SUVs.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition highlights
- Engine 2.5 T
- Horsepower 256
- Torque 320
- 5 passengers capacity
- Leather-trimmed seats
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- Power-heated side mirrors
- 3,500 lbs towing capacity
- 4 USB inputs
- Starting price of $39,950
- Skyactiv-drive 6SPD
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 87 octane fuel
- Automatic transmission
- Equipped with Mi-Drive, which includes different driving modes.
The new 2023 CX-50 offers superior driving dynamics and beautiful design, allowing drivers to venture further into the great outdoors and across almost any terrain.
The Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition SUV is a rugged and capable crossover SUV Ready for the Outdoors and Adventure.
