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Mazda's philosophy with the CX-50 is to deliver a capable yet appealing adventure SUV aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.

At first, speculation suggested that the first-ever Mazda CX-50 would succeed the best-selling CX-5. As it turns out, Mazda made the perplexing decision to position these two contemporary models together, almost similarly sized and priced. The obvious concern would be the cannibalization of sales, but it could be Mazda's bold two-pronged approach to dominating the compact crossover class over the Subaru Outback, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota Rav4.

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Unlike the CX-5, Mazda's philosophy for the CX-50 is more of an appealing adventure vehicle aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. And despite sharing several characteristics with its stablemates, the CX-50 represents a distinct departure in styling and functionality from everything else in the well-pruned Mazda lineup. We took a closer look at this new nameplate, and here's a low-down on the ten reasons why the Mazda CX-50 is awesome.

The CX-50 may look like a CX-5 variant, but it rides on a newer platform that it shares with the subcompact CX-30 crossover and the latest Mazda 3 compact car. As a result, we can expect the CX-50 to exhibit the same athletic characteristics as its two chassis counterparts.

However, the CX-50's strong, dynamic exterior styling and meticulous detailing make it stand out from anything else in the current Mazda lineup. It inserts a distinct ruggedness into the equation, adding off-road chops and enhanced practicality to match the longer wheelbase. Further still, the low roofline, wide stance, and high ground clearance contribute to the CX-50's muscular stance.

The CX-50's interior exudes an adventure-seeking theme, with most of the interior material notably inspired by technical outdoor gear. The warm and inviting Terracotta leather trim draws inspiration from the rich hues of soil, ensuring the earthen tones offer occupants a connection to the natural world.

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Mazda designed the hard-wearing seat fabric to mimic the sturdy nylon typically used in climbing backpacks. In addition, the seat stitching pattern reflects the pattern of hiking boot laces, while the grip of a telephoto lens influenced the textures of the CX-50's center consoles.

The CX-50's climate-controlled leather seats are shaped for a comfortable and relaxed posture, with the driver seat balanced in symmetry with the pedals and steering wheel. Every interior control is placed within reach, and the intuitively-designed instrument panels are located around the driver's line of sight.

The most significant interior hallmark has to be the available panoramic moonroof, fitted for the first time on any Mazda. The panoramic moonroof adds character to the interior, converting it into a durable basecamp infused with a touch of nature, whether it's the green of the forest or the cascading moonlight.

The Mazda CX-50 comes with a vivid 8.8-inch or larger 10.25-inch center-mounted display; both operated using the multifunctional Commander control or available voice prompts. The Mazda Connect infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, not to mention services like automatic 911 dialing, roadside assistance, and MyMazda App with remote engine start, vehicle finder, and vehicle health and status notifications.

Other standard features include push-button start, remote keyless entry, air conditioning with pollen filter, in-cabin Wi-Fi, USB ports, and an eight-speaker stereo. Upper trims offer upgradable options such as a head-up display, wireless charging pad, 12-speaker Bose sound system, AudioPilot, and SiriusXM.

Mazda intentionally designed the CX-50 to ensure outdoor enthusiasts can easily transport gear and equipment. The lowered roofline can be fitted with high-strength roof rails, crossbars, cargo boxes, and roof luggage baskets with a net, not to mention roof carriers to accommodate equipment such as bikes, skis, kayaks, and even pop-up tents.

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The CX-50 can also be fitted with trailer hitches and harnesses, hitch bike carriers or hitch cargo boxes. A programmable rear power liftgate offers access to the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet of trunk space. The standard 60/40 split-remote-folding rear seat expands the space to 56.3 cubic feet for effortless storage.

The CX-50 is available with two variants of Mazda's 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder units. Naturally-aspirated models offer 187hp and 186lb-ft of torque, while the turbo variants add a twin-turbocharger, boosting output to 256hp and 320lb-ft of torque. The powertrain also features a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Active AWD system, standard on all CX-50 models.

The AWD system helps maximize performance in all road conditions, making it essential for inclement weather and off-road driving. On steep inclines, the AWD shifts torque around to where the weight has shifted towards, ensuring the grip remains consistent. Besides off-roading, the AWD also pays attention to the heavy load on the back when towing and lightens the load on the front wheels accordingly.

Mazda ensured that the CX-50's performance could be tweaked at the flick of a switch to compensate for different conditions through the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select. The Mi-Drive technology allows the driver to toggle between Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes. Normal is the default setting for balanced performance, while Sport improves response and programs the transmission to hold revs longer and higher into the powerband.

Although the CX-50 is not classified as a hardcore off-roading SUV, the Off-Road mode is designed to replicate the traction and feel of the pavement when driving on gravel or dirt trails. Should the CX-50 get equipped with a towing package and plugged into a compatible trailer, the Mi-Drive accommodates a Towing mode to boost stability and offset the rear weight shift. The powerful low-end torque affords the CX-50 up to 3,500lbs towing capacity.

G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC) technology is engineered to respond to steering inputs with subtle engine torque and braking adjustments. The GVC dips the engine torque and loads up the front wheels, which helps them grab the ground better for improved steering response and cornering grip.

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The GVC system works in tandem with the CX-50's i-Active AWD and Mi-Drive modes to enhance vehicle stability for a much smoother drive on pavements, when towing, or battling off-road terrain. The system feels fairly transparent in operation, meaning the torque dip is not felt, but the steering feedback and weight are notable.

Mazda equipped the CX-50 with an expansive trim-based lineup of i-Activsense safety features. The available driver-assist features include blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, lane departure system with audible and visual warnings, lane-keep assist, and traffic jam assist with low-speed steering assistance at speeds of up to 40mph.

The suite incorporates smart braking support consisting of front-drive detection to prevent a potential collision and reverse drive detection to keep track of obstacles when reversing at low speeds. Other safety features include an adaptive front-lighting system to see around corners at night, a 360-degree view monitor for greater awareness in every direction, and an active driving display that projects information on the windshield.

The CX-50 range comprises nine trim levels which Mazda prefers to call packages; six non-turbo and three turbo models. The non-turbo models include S ($26,800), S Select ($28,200), S Preferred ($29,500), S Preferred Plus ($31,940), S Premium ($34,400), and S Premium Plus ($36,400), while the turbo models include Turbo ($36,400), Turbo Premium ($39,550), and Turbo Premium Plus ($41,550).

In addition to these, Mazda plans to introduce a Turbo Meridian Edition later in 2022. The unreleased model will be outfitted with CX-50 Meridian hood graphics, 18-inch black metallic alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, headlamp garnishes, side rocker garnishes, and an optional Apex Package.

Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.