2023 Mazda CX-50

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2023 Mazda CX-50

/10

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Original MSRP

$28,925–$43,675

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Features We Love

I really like this car for families—it just makes sense, especially when you start looking at the car seat setup and how easy it is to use day to day. This is also the first year for this model, which is always exciting to see, and it feels like they put a lot of thought into how families actually use it.

Three top tether anchors across the second row: one behind each seat, so every position works for a forward-facing car seat
Extra lower anchor in the middle seat: gives you the option to install a car seat in the center, but it takes up that seating spot
Rear-facing clearance that actually works: I had inches of space even with the front seat set for a taller driver
Best for one or two car seats: super comfortable setup, but not realistic for three across
Wide-opening rear doors: open nearly 90 degrees, which makes installs and daily loading so much easier
Rear seat features you’ll use: sunshades, vents, and USB-C ports make a big difference with kids
Cargo space that fits real life: I can fit a full stroller without overthinking it or rearranging everything

Car Mom Review

The Exterior

More rugged and boxy design than the CX-5

This is the first year of this model, and you can tell right away it’s meant to feel different from the CX-5. It has a more rugged, outdoorsy look with a wider stance and boxier shape, which gives it a little more presence without feeling oversized. I actually really like the direction they went here.

Design details lean outdoorsy but still feel elevated

There’s a good mix of finishes that make it feel a little more interesting without going overboard. You’ve got the black fender cladding, two-tone wheels, and a more aggressive hood line that all lean into that off-road vibe, but it still feels clean and put together.

Boxier shape: feels more substantial and practical
Black fender cladding: adds durability and a more rugged look
Two-tone wheels: give it a slightly more premium feel
Wider stance in the back: makes the car feel more planted

Slightly bigger than the CX-5 and you feel it

It’s slightly bigger than the CX-5, and I do think that helps, especially for families. It still feels manageable to drive and park, but you get a little more space and usability out of it, which is always the goal.

Overall, I like the way it looks. It definitely leans more premium and rugged, but still feels practical for everyday use.

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First Row

The first row is where this car feels a little more rugged than refined, and I have mixed feelings on it. There are some things I really like, but a few design choices that would frustrate me day to day.

Controls and screen placement take some getting used to

The infotainment system isn’t my favorite. It feels a little dated and clunky compared to what you’d expect in a newer car, and it’s not a touchscreen, which makes it less intuitive. I also don’t love how the screen and climate controls are positioned. There’s a bit of a ledge that makes it harder to see what you’re adjusting without leaning down.

Non-touchscreen setup: controlled by a dial, which feels less intuitive
Screen looks a little outdated: not what you expect in a new model
Climate controls slightly obstructed: harder to see at a glance

Storage is there, but not all of it works well

There are a few good storage ideas, but not everything feels well thought out. The dual phone storage is nice, especially having a wireless charger tucked away, but the cupholders are a miss for me.

Two phone storage areas: one includes a wireless charger, which is helpful
Center console is small: limited space for everyday items
Cupholders are too small and awkward: larger water bottles won’t fit well

Seats are comfortable with a more rugged interior feel

The seats themselves are comfortable, and I do like the overall look of the interior. It leans a little more rugged with the stitching and materials, which fits the vibe of the car.

Heated and ventilated seats available: nice comfort upgrade
Supportive seating: works well for longer drives
Interior design stands out: unique stitching and materials feel more outdoorsy

Second Row

Two Sets of Lower Anchors + Three Tether Anchors Give You Flexibility

This second row gets the job done, but it’s one you’ll want to think through if you’re planning multiple car seats or need a lot of space.

You have lower anchors on both outboard seats, which is what most families will use for installs. Then you get three top tether anchors across the back of all three seats, so you do have flexibility if you’re running multiple forward-facing seats.

Lower anchors on both outboard seats: Standard placement, easy to access for installs
Three top tether anchors across the back: One for each seating position, which is great if you need that third seat option
Works for two car seats comfortably: The outboard seats are your best bet for everyday use
Three-across will be tight: That raised middle seat makes it harder to get a clean, secure fit across

Space Feels Tighter Than You Might Expect for Car Seats

This is where I have a little hesitation, especially if you’re in that rear-facing stage.

There’s decent knee room overall, but once you start adding rear-facing car seats, it’s going to eat into your front seat space pretty quickly. If you’re a taller driver, that’s something you’re going to notice right away.

Compared to something like the Subaru Forester, I do think there are options in this category that give you a bit more breathing room for car seats.

Raised Middle Seat Makes the Center Position Less Practical

The middle seat is noticeably raised, and that impacts both comfort and car seat installs.

If you’re trying to use that center position:

You’re sitting higher, which can feel a little awkward
It’s harder to position a car seat cleanly next to others
You lose some flexibility for three-across setups

So while the tether anchor is there, it’s not the most practical spot for most families.

Everyday Functionality Is Just Okay for Families

You do get a few nice features back here like heated seats, rear vents, and USB ports, which I always appreciate. But in terms of layout and space, it’s not the most generous second row in this category.

It works. It’s functional. But if car seats are a big part of your daily life, this is one area where you may want to compare closely before deciding.

Third Row

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Trunk

This Trunk Is One of the Best Parts of This Car

This is honestly where this car really impressed me. For a compact SUV, the trunk space feels bigger than you’d expect and way more usable in real life.

It’s wide, it’s easy to load, and it doesn’t feel tight or awkward like some others in this category. If you’re juggling a stroller, groceries, or sports gear, this is the kind of setup that just makes your life easier.

Wide opening that’s easy to load: I’m not squeezing things in at weird angles, which matters when your hands are full
Flat, usable cargo floor: Everything stacks well without sliding all over the place
Storage on both sides: Great for tossing in smaller items so they don’t roll around
Tie-down anchors included: Helpful if you’re trying to secure bigger items
Spare tire underneath: Keeps the main space clean and functional
Power tailgate: Always a win when you’ve got kids or a full load

It Feels Bigger Than Other Compact SUVs

For this size category, this is a really strong showing. I actually think this is one of the more practical trunks you’ll find in a compact SUV.

Compared to something like the Mazda CX-5, this feels like a noticeable upgrade in both space and usability. And while the Subaru Forester is known for being roomy, I think this trunk layout is just functional.

Safety

IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. It received Good ratings in the small overlap front (driver-side and passenger-side) and both moderate overlap front tests. The side (updated) test was rated Acceptable, while roof strength and head restraints & seats were rated Good.

For crash avoidance and mitigation, headlights are rated Good to Acceptable depending on trim. The front crash prevention system is rated Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle and daytime pedestrian detection, and Advanced for nighttime pedestrian detection.

For seat belts and child restraints, the CX-50 received a Good rating for seat belt reminders and a Good+ rating for LATCH ease of use.

Standard AWD and Drive Modes Support Control Across Conditions

The CX-50 comes standard with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). These systems allow the driver to select different drive modes designed for varying conditions, including off-road terrain and towing situations.

Seatbelt Pretensioners Deploy With Airbags

The CX-50 includes seatbelt pretensioners in the front seating positions.

Car Seat Setup

Two Lower Anchors + Three Tether Anchors Give You Flexible Setup Options

If you’re planning car seats in the CX-50, here’s exactly what you’re working with and how I would approach it.

You have lower anchors on both outboard seats, which is where most installs are going to happen. Then you get three top tether anchors across the back of all three seats, so you do have the option to run a forward-facing seat in the center if needed.

Outboard seats: Lower anchors + top tether anchors
Center seat: Top tether anchor only (no lower anchors)

This gives you flexibility, but how it actually works in practice depends a lot on spacing.

Two Car Seats Fit Best in the Outboard Seats

The easiest and most practical setup here is going to be two car seats in the outboard positions.

Lower anchors are accessible and straightforward to use
There’s enough space to get a solid install on both sides
This is going to be your go-to setup for most families

If you’re installing forward-facing seats, you can use the tether anchors directly behind each seat, which are easy to access.

Rear-Facing Seats Will Impact Front Seat Space

This is the biggest thing to be aware of.

Kelly noted that while this is slightly roomier than the CX-5, it’s still tight for rear-facing car seats, especially if you’re taller.

Rear-facing seats will push the front seats forward
Tall drivers may feel cramped with a rear-facing seat behind them
This is something you’ll want to test if you’re in that stage

Three-Across Is Possible, But Not Ideal

You do technically have the anchors to make it work, but the layout makes it challenging.

The center seat is raised, which limits how well car seats sit next to each other
There’s no lower anchor in the center, so installs there rely on a seatbelt
Spacing is tighter, so you’ll need slim car seats to even attempt it

For most families, this won’t be the easiest vehicle for three-across.

Overall Setup Works, But Space Is the Limiting Factor

Everything you need is here from a hardware standpoint. The anchors are where you expect them to be, and the tether coverage across all three seats is a plus.

Where this car gets a little tricky is space, especially with rear-facing seats or if you’re trying to maximize every seat in the second row.

If you’re planning one or two car seats, this is very manageable. If you’re planning three or need extra room for rear-facing setups, it’s something you’ll want to think through carefully.