Back in September, Ford Authority reported that the Ford Escape would be receiving a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year ahead of a more comprehensive redesign in 2025. That refresh will include some aggressive new bodywork, as we can see from a prototype recently spotted by Ford Authority spies, as well as a large new infotainment screen. When it launches, the 2023 Escape will also have a rival in the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50, which was just revealed.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is yet another compact crossover in what is already a crowded market, but is being described as more of an off-road capable vehicle than the existing and similarly sized CX-5. It’s a unibody crossover that rides on the same platform as the Mazda 3 and CX-30, with a higher ground clearance, though it’s also longer and wider than the CX-5 with more rear-seat legroom and a lower roofline.
On the outside, the CX-50 certainly looks the part of a more rugged offering thanks to black plastic cladding around the wheel wells and fake skid plates. Mazda is also offering a host of accessories to add to that effect, including things like hood graphics, a roof rack, optional all-terrain tires, and an exterior hue called Zircon Sand.
Inside, the 2023 CX-5 features a five-seat configuration with an overall design that mimics existing Mazda products. The automaker didn’t reveal too many details about the crossover’s interior features but did say that it features Mazda’s very first panoramic sunroof, a new terracotta interior color, and a touchscreen located at the top of the dash. Higher trim levels will feature leather upholstery and other luxurious amenities.
The 2023 CX-5 is powered by Mazda’s naturally-aspirated 2.5L inline-four cylinder engine that is estimated to produce 187 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, as well as a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, both of which will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive – as is the case with all new Mazda crossovers. Electrified powertrains will eventually be offered as well, including a hybrid version, according to Mazda.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be produced at the brand new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, with production expected to begin early next year ahead of a spring launch.
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Comments
Wouldn’t this be more of a Bronco Sport competitor? Just saying cuz this and the Escape are on the same platform. Also I really don’t see a “rugged” version of the Escape but ok.
My wife drives an ’09 Escape … her normal trade cycle is 4 years … she hasn’t likes any of the model “look” changes. Now it’s 2021, still driving the ’09 Escape … only slightly likes the new Bronco Sport, likes the Maverick better. Ford you had a winning design, but botched it to be just another “swoopie look’in” SUV as my wife calls all of them these days.
Brad your wife’s Escape probably has been very reliable and that’s why she’s kept it. Why not surprise her for her next birthday with a brand new car. Worked for me.
My wife had the 18 Escape with the 1.5L Ecoboost, we loved the car handling, comfort and roomy. However the engines were a nightmare. Notice I said engines, plural, we went thru 3 engines with a total of 34K miles on the car. Left her on the road each time, cooling issue, and dropped the timing tensioner the second time around. All under warranty but lost confidence in the product. Traded it in on a 2021 Mazda Cx5 and haven’t had a thing go bad in 20K miles.
I have a 2018 Escape Titanium, with the 2.0 Ecoboost. Haven’t had a single issue with it. It has made numerous long road trips, including a nearly 6000 miles trip last spring to the East coast and back to CA. It has been a very comfortable and trusty ride.
For sure Mazda parts do cost more money, but Mazdas are overall very reliable vehicles and handle quite well. The Escape is not necessarily a bad looking vehicle, but the Mazda has a more premium feel inside and out.