Mazda's new 2023 CX-50 Meridian Edition hits the road this fall. It's the most adventurous model in the new CX-50 lineup and will start from $39,950. In other pricing news, all 2023 models get a $750 price bump in a mid-year pricing adjustment that started August 2nd.
CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition
Mazda's newest SUV adds a dose of ruggedness to the lineup and it's being built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. The Meridian Edition builds off the standard Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo model. Highlights include exclusive 18-inch wheels and Falken all-terrain tires that Mazda says are designed to take on challenging terrain.
Photo Credit: Mazda.
Looks
The Meridian Edition comes with unique looks, too, thanks to an all-new headlight garnish, unique Meridian Edition-branded matte black hood graphic, black wheel locks and lug nuts, and side rocker panels that also help protect the CX-50 from outside elements. Choose from two exterior colors: Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand. Inside, it's only available in the new Terracotta leather with black interior accents. It's impressive in person as we saw with our first look at the CX-50 here.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus Review
Powertrain and Capability
All-wheel drive is standard and the Meridian Edition's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 256-horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium 93 octane fuel. Those numbers drop to 227-horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque on regular 87 octane. The engine is mater to a six-speed automatic transmission. Meridian Edition also comes equipped with Mazda's new Mi-Drive drive mode system with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing driving modes. In Towing Mode, when equipped with a Genuine Mazda Tow Hitch, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
APEX Package
An Apex Package upgrade for the Meridian Edition kicks things up a notch further in the adventure department. The package includes roof-mounted black crossbars, a roof platform and both front and rear splash guards. The roof platform allows customers to secure even more outdoor equipment or add the available rooftop tent from Mazda's accessories offerings.
Photo Credit: Mazda.
MERIDIAN CHOICE Package
Meridian Choice Package is an available option for the remaining CX-50 models in either powertrain offering. It's a dealer-installed option offering similar outdoor-focused features. It includes roof-mounted black crossbars, roof platform, front and rear splash guards, side rocker garnish, headlight garnish, and black wheel locks and lug nuts. This package also includes a matte black hood graphic with a different design from the one equipped on the Meridian Edition..
Mid-Year Pricing Update
Effective August 2, 2022, mid-year pricing for all 2023 CX-50 models will increase by $750 and have a starting MSRP of $27,550. Also effective August 2, 2022, destination and handling (D&H) charges increased by $50 for 2023 CX-50 to $1,275 ($1,320 in Alaska).
Photo Credit: Mazda.