2023 Mazda CX-50 Revealed As GMC Terrain AT4 Rival

Mazda just unveiled the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50, offered as a rugged off-road-flavored crossover that was designed and developed for North American customers with an active outdoor lifestyle. When it hits the market, the Mazda CX-50 will rival the GMC Terrain AT4.

Outside, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is draped in the Japanese automaker’s latest design language, plus off-roading cues like faux skid plates and black lower cladding. Official dimensions have yet to be revealed, but the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is slightly longer and wider than the Mazda CX-5, with a slightly lower roofline as well. A set of high-strength roof rails, plus reinforced B-pillars and door jambs work to support outdoor toys (bikes, etc.) secured to the roof. The crossover also debuts a new exterior color, namely Zicron Sand.

Inside the cabin, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 features seating for five and Mazda’s first panoramic moonroof, as well as a new terracotta interior color. An infotainment touchscreen is located on top of the dash.

At launch, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be offered with a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, with a six-speed automatic transmission on board for the cog swaps. Output is estimated at 187 horsepower and 250 horsepower, mirroring that of the Mazda CX-5. Looking ahead, the CX-50 will offer a few electrified powerplant options as well, including a hybrid. Mazda says more info on the electrified options will be released at a later date.

Putting the power down is Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system as standard, with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select technology included. Under the skin is a unibody construction that incorporates the same platform as the Mazda 3 and CX-30.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be the first vehicle produced at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. Production is slated to ramp up in January of 2022. Pricing info is currently unavailable, but estimated around the $30,000 mark.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Jonathan Lopez

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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  • Considering the GMC Terrain AT4 doesn't come with heated seats anymore, it might be time for GM to consider releasing a brand new Terrain altogether.

    • That's not completely true. It appears the lower models where you can add them will not be available. Seems the higher end like the Denali will still offer them. Until parts are more available its going to be that way. I'm sure other makes are doing the same thing.

      • The Detroit Free Press is reporting that all trims of the GMC Terrain, including the Denali, will not have heated seats.

      • That is about as likely to happen as bringing back the 292" straight six and three on the tree.

  • Shouldn't this be up against the Blazer instead of the smaller Terrain? The CX5 is already a hair bigger than the Terrain.

    Mazda is going away from touch screens. I doubt this will have a touch screen.

    Lastly, it's sad to see Mazda sticking with the anemic 2.5L (non-turbo) engine as standard. It's certainly not very fuel efficient, it's a total dog and really outdated any more. That boat anchor barely moves the CX5, and this thing will most likely be even heavier.

    • The 2.5 works perfect with that ancient 6 speed auto. Is this thing sharing platform with Toyota models? That would explain why it doesn’t appear very competitive on paper.

      • Actually GMC Fan, I don't mind Mazda's 6 speed at all. But that 2.5L engine is just a joke compared to nearly any others on the market.

        The fact that Mazda and Toyota are now partnered up on many things is just one more reason why I would never get a Mazda. I'll stick to my American brands thank you. After my current Volvo lease is up, I'm back in the lap of GM or Ford. The Escape PHEV with a 37 mile all electric range is looking very tempting.

    • Back in June, we bought a new 2021 CX-30 AWD Premium edition for my wife. Drove the Buick Encore GX first and walked away totally underwhelmed. Got a great deal on the Mazda and they gave us $19k for a three year old Nissan Rogue Sport which I despised. I loathed that car to it's core. Talk about a boat anchor? The anemic 2.0 mated to what can only be described as the worst CVT on the planet. The CX-30 is literally a race car compared to that bag of garbage.
      I'm not sure where your strong negative opinion over the NA 2.5 comes from but I can tell you, it's more than enough power for us. It's refined, quiet and again, 186hp/186 torque is plenty of power for us. The 6 speed auto makes very good use of the power. I gotta tell ya, Mazda is on top of their game. The features this car has are mind boggling when compared to most other manufacturers. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the rotary knob entertainment controller in place of a touch screen but my wife has gotten the hang of it and she likes it.

  • Really like mazda I have a 2010 Mazda 3. But going from my 17 camaro on the weekend to the Mazda for the rest of the week makes me want anaother GM product.. without driving a cx5 this looks really good

  • It's very attractive inside and out and all the better if they're moving away from touchscreens. Great, functional looking dash and steering wheel, nice colored leather. If I was interested in American-built foreign CUVs, this would be topping the list.

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