2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is prime for off-road-lite

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an outstanding addition to the increasingly crowded "rugged and outdoorsy without going full body-on-frame SUV" marketplace. With sharp looks and the superb driving dynamics we've come to expect from the company that brought you the Miata, it was a uniquely "Mazda" take on this type of vehicle. The 2023 CX-50 Meridian Edition builds upon this solid foundation to offer some options that will be even more appealing to those who wish to travel off-road.

Slotting in price-wise between the CX-50 Turbo and the Turbo Premium, the Meridian starts at $41,225. It comes only with the fun and responsive 2.5-liter turbo four, which makes an impressive 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular gas, or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. The package adds exclusive 18-inch black wheels in a chunkier spoke design wrapped in Falken 225/60-18 all-terrain tires that should make clawing through some light trails a bit more breezy.

Visually, the Meridian Edition receives wider headlight garnishes than other CX-50s. Black lug nuts and wheel locks evince a nice attention to detail. A large matte black hood decal proclaiming "CX-50 Meridian Edition" seems like a bit much, but perhaps this will kick off a rebirth of funky graphics on off-road rigs.

The Meridian Edition is also the only CX-50 on which you can order a safari rack, which Mazda calls a roof platform. The top-mounted cargo carrier sits on black crossbars and serves as the perfect spot to store your jerry cans and spare wheels, or even a rooftop tent from the Mazda accessories catalog, if you're planning to venture off-grid. It's all part of the $1,235 Apex Package that includes splash guards behind all four wheels and a rocker panel garnish to keep gravel from marring the paint.