Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is Mazda's outdoor-themed compact crossover SUV — slotting between the smaller CX-30 and the more traditional CX-5 in Mazda's North American lineup. Launched 2023 model year. Single generation. Built at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama — Mazda's first US-built vehicle, jointly operated with Toyota (the same plant builds the Toyota Corolla Cross). The CX-50 sits on a different platform from the CX-5 — it's positioned as Mazda's adventure-leaning crossover with longer/wider/lower proportions, more aggressive styling, and roof rails standard. 2.5L SkyActiv-G I4 NA (187 hp / 186 lb-ft) base, 2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbocharged I4 (256 hp on premium / 227 hp on regular, 320 lb-ft torque) on CX-50 Turbo trims. 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic. i-Activ AWD standard across all CX-50s — no FWD option. CX-50 Hybrid added 2024 model year — uses a Toyota-sourced hybrid system (2.5L Atkinson + electric motors + battery, 219 hp combined, eCVT) — leveraging the Mazda-Toyota MTM joint venture, this is essentially the RAV4 Hybrid drivetrain in Mazda's CX-50 body. 38 mpg combined EPA on Hybrid. 3,500 lb towing standard (ICE), 1,500 lb on Hybrid. Trims (current ICE): 2.5 S, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo Premium, Turbo Premium Plus, Meridian (off-road styling package with all-terrain tires, blacked-out trim). Hybrid trims: Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus. Standard equipment: leatherette throughout, 10.25-inch infotainment with Mazda Connect (knob-controlled), Apple CarPlay / Android Auto wireless. Optional Bose 12-speaker audio, panoramic sunroof. Off-road-ish features: 8.6-inch ground clearance, Off-Road drive mode (standard), tow hitch standard. The CX-50 has been Mazda's strong-selling debut into the US-built crossover market, with positioning between RAV4 (less premium) and Lexus NX (more premium) on the same MTM-built platform pair.