The Mazda CX-50 is perhaps one of the most interesting SUV entries that we have seen in recent years. It’s a rugged trail runner but it still has enough sporty style and west coast substance to look good on any designers sketchpad. It’s driving manners certainly impressed us both in California as well as our home turf. However, the one flavor of CX-50 that has proven to be elusive is the Meridian Edition. This version promised to turn the volume up a notch in many regards and was promoted as an upgrade over lesser models. Mazda has ended it’s radio silence and revealed full pricing information (and other details) on the 2023 CX-50 Meridian Edition.
A Visual Upgrade Balances Out Minimal Performance Tweaks
Buyers hoping for more performance upgrades will not find it here, instead, the Meridian Edition is largely a style upgrade with these models. The Meridian gets an enhanced graphics package as well as wider headlight garnish pieces. A set of black 18-inch wheels are standard and they come shod with Falken 225/60-18 all-terrain tires. These tires aim to provide a bit more traction in trail running and balance out the fact that the transmission and the engine remain unchanged.
The main change here is up on the roof, with Mazda revealing that the Meridian Edition will be the only model to come with a safari rack. Just don’t call it a safari rack in front of Mazda reps who prefer that you call it a “roof platform.” Dueling verbiage aside, the roof mounted carrier is nestled on the black hued crossbars and serves as a handy place to store jerry cans, spare tires, or even a roof mounted tent which should appeal to adventure minded owners. These goodies are part of a bigger $1,235 Apex Package that also adds splash guards and a extra piece of trim at the front end to help keep gravel from damaging the paintwork.
Mazda also revealed that the CX-50 Meridian Edition will come in only two colors (Polymetal Grey and Zircon Sand) but buyers looking to add some of this model’s equipment on a non Meridian model can equip there ride with the Meridian Choice Package which lets them add bits and pieces of the Meridian Edition package to their CX-50 but without having to fully commit to the forementioned model.
When Can I Buy A CX-50 Meridian Edition?
Pricing for the Meridian Edition starts at $41,225 with the model being wedged in between the standard Turbo model and the Turbo Premium in the broader trim ladder. This pricing also reflects a broader increase that Mazda is planning for the model as a whole with all trims going up in price by $750 while the destination fee creeps up $50 for the new model year. In short that means the new base price for a CX-50 2.5 S now starts at $28,825 while the cheapest Turbo variant climbs to $38,425. That’s a noticeable increase from last year’s pricing.
Look for the first Meridian Edition models to make there way to dealerships later this year, with the rest of the 2023 range following suit shortly after.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.