The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is Mazda’s newest SUV and it’s a bigger and more rugged version of the Mazda CX-5. When Mazda first introduced the CX-30, it was a larger CX-3, which it eventually replaced. Naturally, people are wondering if the CX-50 will mean the end of the CX-5. According to a Mazda representative, there’s nothing to worry about.

Is there going to be a 2023 Mazda CX-50?

Yes, there will be a 2023 Mazda CX-50. It will be a larger SUV built on the same platform as both the Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda3. This means it will be bigger than the Mazda CX-5, which is one of Mazda’s compact SUVs.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will have two engines available. The base model has a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. The capabilities of this engine will be similar to that of the Mazda CX-5, with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a turbocharged engine that makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. These two engines are both matched to a six-speed transmission.

The 2023 CX-50 will have be more off-road friendly than the CX-5. It will come with black plastic cladding around the wheel wells and front and rear bumpers. It should also be available with a roof rack and all-terrain tires. The CX-50 will also be able to come in an outdoorsy-sounding paint color called Zircon Sand.

Is the Mazda CX-50 replacing the CX-5?

According to Auto Blog, Mazda engineer Dave Coleman says that the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is not replacing the Mazda CX-5. While the CX-30 did replace the CX-3, Mazda intends to target the CX-5 and CX-50 at different audiences.

In general the CX-50 is larger than the CX-5 except for its height, which is actually shorter. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is so wide that it can’t even be built at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant. Instead, it will have to be built at the new plant that Mazda shares with Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Mazda CX-50 vs the Mazda CX-5: which is better?

One of the biggest differences between the CX-5 and the CX-50 is the towing capacity. While the 2022 Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds, Coleman said that the CX-50 will be able to tow more, though he didn’t say exactly how much.

The question in the 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs the 2022 Mazda CX-5 isn’t really one of which SUV is better. It comes down to which SUV meets your needs. Both Mazda SUVs are capable and reliable vehicles. If you only need and want a compact SUV, then the 2022 Mazda CX-5 may be just what you’re looking for.

If, however, you need or want something a little bigger, something that can tow more than 2,000 pounds, then perhaps the 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be the right SUV for you. Both Mazda SUVs offer something for different buyers. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 should be out in the spring of 2022, meaning you’ll soon get a chance to compare the two SUVs.