Apr 16, 2026
A dark SUV kicks up dust while driving along a rocky lakeside trail.

Some cars don’t look like they’re ready to go outside. Others look forward for the pavement to end. The Mazda CX-50 is one of these cars. It doesn’t make its intentions clear with over-the-top styling or extra weight. Instead, it has a certain coolness about it, as if it were made for real terrain. In Fargo, ND, where the roads go from smooth asphalt to snow-covered lanes and beyond, you quickly notice that coolness. 

Engineered Traction That Changes with You 

Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is what makes the CX-50 so useful. It works all the time, keeping an eye on inputs and changing the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The effect is small, but the benefit is clear. Grip builds up over time, with no sudden changes or breaks. 

The standard 2.5L engine makes 187 hp, but there is also a Turbocharged version that makes up to 256 hp. Both work well with the chassis and provide steady, controlled acceleration that works well on mixed terrain. 

Drive modes make it even more flexible. Mud, sand, and snow settings change the throttle response and traction control, so the CX-50 can move more confidently over surfaces that change from one mile to the next. In Fargo winters, that flexibility is something you use every day instead of just sometimes. 

Design with a Purpose 

The CX-50 has a wider stance than most Mazda SUVs, which makes it easier to drive on uneven ground. With a ground clearance of up to 8.6 inches, it can easily go off-road without any problems. 

The outside looks strong and quiet. The protective cladding, low roofline, and clean proportions make something that looks both elegant and strong. It doesn’t lean too far in either direction. 

The design inside is based on the same idea. The materials feel strong and were picked for use, not display. With the back seats down, the cargo space is up to 56.3 cubic feet, which is enough room for everything from outdoor gear to everyday errands without any problems. 

Ability That Works with a Busy Schedule 

The CX-50 is good for people who like to go between town and trail. Roof rails can hold bikes, kayaks, or cargo carriers. Towing capability makes it even more useful because it lets drivers bring more than just what fits inside. 

The best part is how easily it changes roles. It stays steady on the highway, but once the surface changes, it settles into a steadier rhythm. Suspension tuning is important here because it keeps the ride under control without making it feel stiff on rough ground. 

Drivers often say that it feels predictable off-road. There is no room for guesswork. The inputs are clear, and the car reacts in a way that makes you feel safe instead of needing your attention. 

Take the CX-50 Where It Belongs 

You can’t tell how good a car like the Mazda CX-50 is just by looking at its specs. It shows itself in the little things. A gravel road that feels more stable. A chilly morning that seems easier to handle. A drive on the weekend that goes a little longer without stopping. 

Come to Lunde Mazda in Fargo and take the CX-50 out for a test drive to see what it can do. Not just a quick drive, but something that shows how you really use it. That’s where you can see what kind of vehicle it is and where it starts to make sense.