The 2023 Mazda CX-50’s Meridian Edition is built for outdoor adventuring

The outdoor-inspired package adds all-terrain tires, rocker panels, and a neat hood graphic

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If you love the great outdoors, Mazda wants to talk to you. The automaker has announced a new Meridian Edition for the 2023 CX-50, along with Meridian accessories available for other CX-50 models.

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The CX-50 Meridian Edition goes on sale this fall at a starting price of $47,850. Based on the CX-50 GT Turbo model, it adds black 18-inch wheels with Falken all-terrain tires, side rocker panels, matte black hood graphic, and headlamp garnish. It will come exclusively in Polymetal Grey Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic exterior shades.

If that isn’t enough to get the job done, then you can move up to the Meridian Edition Apex Package, at $49,250, which further adds black roof-rail crossbars, roof platform (which can hold a rooftop tent that Mazda offers), and front and rear splash guards.

Since it’s based on the GT Turbo, the Meridian Edition uses a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder that makes a maximum of 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel; that drops to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gasoline) with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

All CX-50 models can be outfitted with Meridian accessories, available at dealers. These include the Apex Package items of the crossbars, roof platform, and splash guards, along with the side rocker and headlamp garnish from the Meridian Edition. There’s also a matte black hood graphic that’s “inspired” by the Meridian Edition but not quite the same. The Meridian Edition and its Apex Package now brings the CX-50 to five trims, along with the existing GS-L, GT, and GT Turbo, which run from $37,900 to $45,350.