The Best Mazda CX-50 Upgrades For A Simple But Fun Off-Road Bui…

Mazda

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 bridges the gap between luxury and exploration. This classy crossover SUV is built with rugged features and AWD, setting it up to be a great off-roader. The Meridian Edition package further enhances these off-road capabilities, making it the best Mazda in 2023 for trail exploration.

While the Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is a worthy SUV for those hardy American backroads, there’s still room for improvement. With a few minor updates, the CX-50 could reach new heights of performance and off-road thrill.

The upgrades we chose add essential off-road features like a lift kit, more durable wheels, tougher tires, and a versatile roof rack. We also included a few additional accessories to improve its versatility on those overland adventures. With these upgrades, the CX-50 will be able to go toe-to-toe with a Subaru Crosstrek on those unpaved mountain roads.

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The Mazda CX-50 has an admirable ground clearance of 8.6 inches to start with, providing a good foundation for off-road navigation. A small lift would further enhance its performance and aesthetic appeal. With a lift, the CX-50 would not only look more commanding, but would improve its ability to scramble over rocks and ruts.

There are many options out there, but the HRG 1.5-inch lift kit is an excellent upgrade for the CX-50. Unlike some other options, it doesn’t require replacing the original coil springs, preserving some of Mazda’s intended ride quality. With the greater clearance, the CX-50’s underside will be better protected. This will also allow us to swap in larger wheels and tires.

While the Meridian Edition features 18-inch black wheels and Falken all-terrain tires, the larger 20-inch wheels on the Turbo Premium Plus model are arguably better suited for off-roading. Larger wheels mean more surface area, which is what we want for scrambling over rocks and maintaining grip on those steep climbs. As such, we’ve opted for larger and more durable 20-inch wheels on our upgraded CX-50.

Aluminum or alloy wheels will be the most durable option, as they will be able to resist corrosion when constantly exposed to muddy conditions. Additionally, a non-beadlock system will hold on to a tire under extreme conditions. There are many manufacturers out there to choose from, with a few notable ones including Fuel, Black Rhino, and OZ Racing.

After picking the wheels, we focused on finding all-terrain crossover tires that balance performance and fuel efficiency for those trips that take you far from civilization. We aimed for enhanced tread for obstacle tackling and improved wheel traction. A careful tire selection is the most important aspect for an off-road build, ensuring versatility and capability.

We went with BFGoodrich All-Terrain K02 tires for our Mazda CX-50 build. These tough tires are great in both mud and snow, ensuring their versatility year-round. They are also designed to be run at lower PSI. Airing them down will provide the CX-50 with traction in even the most slippery of terrain.

Splash guards are another must-have for your off-road CX-50 build. You don’t want to worry about taking a trip to the paint shop to remedy the damage caused by rocks and debris. Equipping your Mazda CX-50 with durable splash guards offers a practical and effective solution.

Not only do these accessories safeguard the vehicle’s exterior finish from harm, but they also enhance the rugged aesthetic of the SUV. You can find splash guards for the CX-50 on Mazda’s website.

A set of painted calipers is another feature that will enhance both the look and off-road durability of the Mazda CX-50. Vibrant red or yellow calipers will really pop underneath those 20-inch wheels with BFG K02 tires. Painting your calipers is a pretty straightforward modification that protects them from corrosion. This is something that is especially important for overland adventures, when your brakes are constantly exposed to dust, mud, and debris.

A ceramic coating on the painted calipers will further protect your brake hardware from the wear and tear of off-road driving. The protective layer will make cleaning your brake calipers much easier, improving their longevity.

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The Meridian Edition package gives customers the ability to fit their CX-50 with a roof rack, so why not take advantage of it? Adding a roof rack is especially valuable for overlanding enthusiasts. Roof racks significantly increase cargo capacity, allowing for more luggage on extended journeys or with a full passenger load. It will seriously enhance the CX-50’s utility.

Before installing a roof rack on your Mazda CX-50, you’ll need a set of Mazda’s crossbars, which can be sourced directly from their website. Besides a roof rack, these bars open up the possibility to fit your SUV with various other accessories, such as racks for kayaks, bikes, or tents, which are also available through Mazda.

Our chosen accessory for this off-road Mazda CX-50 build is a roof basket. This allows for easy transport of larger objects, and also opens up the possibility for additional accessories like LED lights, which we will get to later. This upgrade further improves the CX-50’s off-road aesthetics and functionality.

Including a wind fairing for your roof basket setup is another important consideration. This angled metal component will redirect airflow for reduced wind noise and a better overall driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 features a luxurious interior with premium leather surfaces, two-tone upholstery, metallic accent trim, and superb stitching. It would be a good idea to protect this lavish interior with some floor liners. They will provide superior protection over the OEM floor mats.

Consider WeatherTech floor liners as an alternative to Mazda’s options. This brand is known for its extensive coverage and incredible durability. Made from all-weather rubberized material, they effectively combat mud and dirt from seeping into your carpet.

In addition to the floor liners, consider cargo liners designed for the trunk space. These will further protect the vehicle’s interior from wet and muddy gear. Both floor liners and cargo liners provide extra protection and make clean-up easy, preserving your CX-50’s interior space.

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Add an LED light bar to your Mazda CX-50’s roof rack for the best illumination in remote areas. A light bar will make navigating dark terrain much easier. As an added bonus, it can also light up your campsite. Enhance the safety and convenience of your off-road experience with this valuable upgrade.

The Mazda CX-50 is an excellent blend of luxury and ruggedness. With a few upgrades, it can offer a highly-personalized off-road experience. Whatever form your adventure takes, the Mazda CX-50 is a standout choice for those seeking a crossover SUV that excels on the road and off the beaten path.