New Mazda CX-50 Targets Off-Road Capability
Mazda North American Operations recently introduced the first-ever Mazda CX-50. A completely new model, the CX-50 was developed to be sold in North America and will be built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama, with production beginning in January 2022, the automaker said.
“This new Mazda vehicle has been developed for North America, particularly to support the active and outdoor lifestyles of customers in this region,” Jeff Guyton, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said. “The CX-50 encourages people to immerse themselves in nature without compromising on the premium design and outstanding on-road performance Mazda is known for.”
As a new addition to the Mazda lineup, Mazda has extended the CX-50’s capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains, the company said.
The first-ever CX-50 will be equipped as standard with the latest i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology and new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive. The new drive modes can be selected with the Mi-Drive switch and will help the crossover SUV drive naturally in a wide variety of conditions, such as off-road terrain or providing reliable towing capabilities, designers said. At launch, CX-50 will be available with Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In the coming years, the CX-50 will also be offered with electrified powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model.
The sleek, long silhouette and wide stance help give the vehicle dynamic proportions that balances design elements that are geared toward outdoor ruggedness, the company said. Inside, blended seating materials and details are inspired by technical, modern outdoor gear. The CX-50 also features a new panoramic moonroof, a first for Mazda. The CX-50 will also debut new color options, such as Zircon Sand exterior paint and an available terracotta interior color.
To further support CX-50’s presence in the outdoor space, the cargo space is designed to help support and enable outdoor activities, designers said, with the vehicle’s height and length designed for easily loading and securing common outdoor equipment. Additionally, the high strength roof rails and reinforced b-pillars and door jambs add to the usability of securing equipment on the roof of CX-50.
