DecodedCars2023 Mazda CX-50
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Cx50 4dr SUV, Cx50 Turbo 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 187–227 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,693–3,918 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,693 lb (Cx50 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), 8% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Huntsville, Alabama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 CX-50 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cx50 4dr SUV | 185.8 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,693 lb | 58/42 |
| Cx50 Turbo 4dr SUV | 185.8 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,918 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 335 |
| CX-50 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 356 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mazda CX-50 (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Apr 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V275000 · 2,410 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
- Risk
- Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Trailer Hitches · Mar 1, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V135000 · 560 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2023 CX-50 vehicles equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch. The trailer hitch harness may detach and become damaged, which can result in inoperative trailer lights and/or brakes.
- Risk
- Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5723B.
Not every 2023 Mazda CX-50 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Mazda CX-50 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 9 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-50 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 CX-50 | 38 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 14 |
| 2025 CX-50 | 38 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 48 |
| 2024 CX-50 | 27 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 35 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →