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Mazda's new midsize SUV offers far more than just sharp styling and an affordable price tag. Here's what we love about it.
In recent years, Mazda has become known for offering a range of great SUVs. From its most compact offering the CX-30 to the vast three-row CX-9, there is something for everyone. The all-new CX-50 occupies a middle ground, and perhaps confusingly is not a replacement for the established CX-5, not yet anyway. Mazda is going to produce both models for the time being, but sales of the new model could end up killing off the CX-5 in time.
The CX-50 range begins at what can only be considered a very reasonable $26,800. For the money, the car has a great deal to offer. Here are 10 of our favorite features of this 2022 SUV.
Related: 2022 Mazda CX-5: Costs, Facts, And Figures
One of the biggest selling points of the all-new Mazda CX-50 is its sumptuous interior. It is so good in fact, you would be forgiven for thinking the car was significantly more expensive than it is.
All models other than the base have a steering wheel and gear selector clad in leather, while the seats are covered with high-quality synthetic leather or indeed regular leather. Most specifications receive a large 10.25-inch infotainment system, which provides HD radio, Android Auto, and even wireless Apple CarPlay.
Safety is one of the most important considerations buyers look at when buying a new car. This is particularly true in the compact SUV market, where many buyers are looking for a family vehicle.
Fortunately, the CX-50 performs well in this regard, as many of the features buyers expect to find in a modern car come fitted as standard. From lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous automatic emergency braking, this is one well-equipped crossover.
Related: A Look At All The New Safety Tech On The 2023 Subaru Outback
Under the car's hood, lies a 187 hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard fitment. Buyers also have the option to upgrade to a much more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter unit instead, which generates 250 hp.
In order to help it cope better with towing, the car's engine cooling has been uprated when compared to its relative the CX-5. Consequently, the CX-50 can haul 3500 pounds when selected with the turbocharged engine, in comparison, the CX-5 can only manage a vastly inferior 2000 pounds, as is also the case with the non-turbocharged variant of the CX-50.
As standard, the CX-50 comes kitted out with an eight-speaker audio system. Audiophiles will be pleased to learn the car can also come fitted with an awesome 12-speaker "Bose" audio system.
Standard on the "S Premium" trim and above, the system has been specifically engineered to suit the acoustic properties of the car. It is a truly bespoke setup, and for those who spend a lot of time in their vehicles, or simply love music, it is certainly a worthy upgrade.
To improve everyday usability, the CX-50 is available with a range of connected services. Accessed via an app on your smartphone, drivers can summon essential recourses such as a recovery service, as well as dialing the emergency services automatically.
Other options are concerned with convenience, and to this end, the engine can be started remotely to enable pre-heating or cooling. A health report can even be accessed, providing reassurance that everything is functioning optimally prior to a long road trip.
All models come equipped with Mazda's Mi-Drive selector. This feature enables drivers to toggle between a range of preset driving modes.
From Off-Road to Sport modes, the car can transform itself to deal with whatever is demanded of it. Those who like to tow, are similarly well catered for, as a Towing mode can be chosen to help make the task of hauling a trailer that bit easier.
Named the "Moonroof", the Mazda CX-50 is actually the first model produced by Mazda to offer this striking feature. Essentially a power sliding sunroof, the feature allows in a wealth of light and makes the rear of the cabin feel more spacious.
On a road trip, the children can get a great view out the top, allowing them to take in the potentially breathtaking scenery you might be driving through.
Related: Why We Love The 2022 Mazda CX-30
The CX-50 hasn't just been styled to look capable off the beaten track, it can actually perform too. The car includes all-wheel drive as standard fitment, so all models should perform equally well.
The CX-50 has a specific off-road mode, which can be selected via the drive select system. The car has a good level of ground clearance, which exceeds that of the CX-5, helping ensure the car can conquer whatever it is faced with.
Mazda's designers have worked hard to successfully develop the CX-50's styling. The design strikes a great balance between being rugged and purposeful, while still managing to look smart and refined. The car would look equally at home on a forest track as it would during a commute in the city.
The skid plate styling on the bumpers does a lot to add to the tough exterior design. Those buyers who desire a more utilitarian look can option a range of accessories including decals, graphics, and all-terrain tires.
A lot of thought has been put into the car's design, to enable it to be as practical as possible. The CX-50 has a lowered roofline, this makes it far easier for users to install and access roof-mounted gear carriers. Mazda themselves offers a great range of accessories, making it easier than ever to carry bikes, kayaks, and skis.
The car can even carry a roof-mounted pop-up tent, allowing occupants to simply park up and camp. Supporting all of this, are high-strength roof rails, so overloading should be of little concern. Another cool feature is the customizable "rear power liftgate". Users are able to adjust how high it lifts, making sure it is always easy to reach and doesn't hit any roof-mounted accessories.
Benjamin has always had an interest in all things automotive. He is a keen follower of Formula One, and is particularly enjoying watching the rise of George Russell and Lando Norris. He is most knowledgeable about modern cars, but is learning more and more about classics. Currently based just North of London.