Compared to the smaller CX-5, the vehicle is designed with emphasis in "active and outdoor lifestyles", by introducing squarer styling and larger body cladding.

[9] The CX-50 began production at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant in Huntsville, Alabama, United States alongside the unrelated Toyota Corolla Cross on January 26, 2022, marking Mazda's return to production in the United States after 10 years when American assembly of the Mazda6 sedan ceased in 2012.

[11][12] It is also produced and marketed in China by Changan Mazda, where production started since March 2023.

[15] The CX-50 is powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine offered in its standard naturally-aspirated (PY-VPS) form, which produces 187 hp (139 kW; 190 PS) and 186 lb⋅ft (252 N⋅m; 26 kg⋅m) of torque, and a turbocharged (PY-VPTS) variant that outputs 227 hp (169 kW; 230 PS) (with 87 AKI octane fuel) or 256 hp (191 kW; 260 PS) (with 93 AKI octane fuel) and 320 lb⋅ft (434 N⋅m; 44 kg⋅m) of torque.

In addition, Mazda also offers a more rugged "Meridian Edition" trim for the turbocharged model, which adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, model-specific front hood graphics, and other outdoor-oriented accessories.