The 2023 CX-50 Takes Mazda Adventuring

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Off-roading and adventuring are as popular as ever and automakers have noticed. Extra cladding, more space and special off-road modes are becoming staples of compact and midsize crossovers. Naturally, Mazda isn’t going to ignore this popular trend, so it drummed up the CX-50. While the CX-50 shares the same bones as the CX-5, the CX-50 is larger, has extra cladding and now features a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Powering this CX-50 is a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder that mates to a six-speed automatic. In base trim, this engine makes 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not good enough, Mazda also offers its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 89 octane gasoline.

On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of Mazda’s latest crossover, puts it through its paces, and takes you on a guided tour of the CX-50 to highlight its style, features, and interior. After the tour, Wren takes you along for a live-recorded drive review. Expanding on his thoughts, Wren is joined by Patrick Carone, and the pair talk about the differences between this Mazda and its crossover stablemate the CX-5, off-roading crossovers, and more. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the 2023 Mazda CX-50 special.

Tune in below, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are played.