Mazda North American Operations hosted the virtual premiere of the Mazda CX-50 on Nov. 15, 2021. The CX-50 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Ala., with production beginning in January 2022.

“This new Mazda vehicle has been developed for North America, particularly to support the active and outdoor lifestyles of customers in this region,” says Jeff Guyton, president and CEO of Mazda North American operations. “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.”

The CX-50 will be equipped with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive. The drive modes can be selected with the Mi-Drive switch to allow the crossover SUV to drive in off-road terrain and provide reliable towing capabilities. The CX-50 will be available with Mazda’s powertrains, Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine, or Skyactiv-G 2.5 turbo engine, and paired with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. In the coming years, the CX-50 will also be offered with electrified powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model. 

More features will include a panoramic moonroof, color options such as Zircon Sand exterior paint and a terracotta interior color, and high-strength roof rails, reinforced b-pillars, and door jambs for securing equipment on the roof.