The automaker is realigning its lineup for 2022 to focus more on crossovers. The latest is the CX-50, which joins the CX-30, CX-5, CX-9 and the battery-electric MX-30. The small CX-3 crossover and Mazda6 sedan are gone, leaving the Mazda3 (sedan and hatchback) and the MX-5 as the sole cars. The all-wheel-drive somewhat CX-50 resembles the CX-5, except the CX-50 rides higher and there’s extra protective cladding around fenders and bumpers, and faux skid plates for that plays-in-the-rough appearance. The CX-50 also gets a more modern-looking interior with Off-Road and Towing modes added to the driver-selectable settings. Both nonturbo and turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines will be offered. A new Mazda plant in Alabama will build the CX-50.
The Mazda CX-50 looks a bit like the CX-5, except the CX-50 is skewed more for trail driving. In fact, there’s an Off-Mode in the settings.
PHOTO: MAZDA
