2022 Mazda CX-50 muddies the waters

Mazda’s built a mess of by itself and would seem to be floundering.

It’s fully truthful to be befuddled by the lack of target from what was the moment the “zoom-zoom” model. The latest crossover SUV addition does small to clear any confusion.

With a TCC Rating of 6.4 out of 10 the 2023 Mazda CX-50 appeals with great steering, a prolonged wheelbase, and a squished wagon glance, but its infotainment procedure is painful to use, its powertrains experience dated, and it appears overpriced when compared to its CX-5 sibling in the very same showroom.

Just after paying out a week with the 2023 Mazda CX-50 not long just after paying time with the CX-5, here’s where by the newer design hits and misses.

Strike: That Mazda steering magic

The name may well be bewildering to these who discover themselves in a showroom but from driving the wheel it’s very clear the CX-50 has that Mazda magic. Inspite of becoming a crossover SUV it is pleasurable to be the driver, many thanks to the CX-50’s charming steering and somewhat fast ratio. There’s solid communication translated as a result of the steering wheel as to what’s likely on at the pavement. The steering’s nicely weighted and this aids the CX-50 observe genuine and straight down a highway with out wandering or needing slight corrections as in some Hyundai and Kia rivals with their overboosted steering techniques.

Skip: Frustrating infotainment program

A new motor vehicle for Mazda showrooms, the CX-50 carries over a familiarly irritating-to-use infotainment process. When an 8.8-inch touchscreen comes conventional, my turbo design showcased the upgraded 10.3-inch touchscreen show. With Apple CarPlay (and for Android Vehicle) the touchscreen inputs work, but employing any of the CX-50’s indigenous features needs using a rotary knob and very hot buttons on the center console. At finest it is monotonous, but most of the time it’s downright aggravating and bothersome. This system is a pillar in the argument for automaker’s letting Apple CarPlay get more than interfaces to these who know them greatest. Other automakers—almost all of them—simply do this greater.

Hit: More time and broader is improved

The CX-50’s wheelbase is 4.6 inches for a longer period and 3. inches wider than the CX-5’s. That additional duration and width translates to the CX-50 delivering a a lot more composed and steady trip than the already impressive CX-5. Even a lot more impressive is how the CX-50 handles rough roads with aplomb inspite of my tester’s 20-inch wheels and deficiency of adaptive dampers or air suspension. Mazda’s once yet again demonstrated that a very well-tuned passive suspension system is all that’s really required, even on winding roadways and freeway clover leafs.

Miss out on: Drained powertrains

The CX-50 title is new but its powertrains are old. Foundation designs have a 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 less than their hood. My tester featured the larger sized 2.5-liter turbo-4 with 227 hp, which is rated at 256 hp with 93-octane gasoline. Both of those mate to an outdated 6-pace automated transmission that snaps off quick, clear shifts. If this all appears common it’s due to the fact they are the very same powertrains as what are located in the CX-5. There’s no electrification to be identified, no 8- or 10-velocity automatic transmission. No matter of irrespective of whether Sport manner is flicked, the turbo will take a beat to spool up. After the engine hits 2,000 rpm the engine’s nearly on boil and the pace picks up. Reaction could be much better.

Hit: Lifted wagon

Mazda can phone the CX-50 a crossover SUV all it wishes. The 8.6 inches of floor clearance on turbo versions (although only 8.3-inches on non-turbo versions) include credence to the claim. But from most angles the CX-50 appears to be like a wide, squared-off, squished wagon, amid a great number of crossover SUV blobs. The weighty fender aptitude cladding adds to the beefed-up stance, while the low, horizontal LED parking lights include an added one thing at dusk. I’m not a enthusiast of faux air vents in nearly any potential, but the two on the rear bumper do a superior task including visible width to the bottom-weighty CX-50.

Overlook: Not a benefit

On the surface, the $28,825 (it was originally $28,205 when it launched, but gained a mid-12 months selling price boost) foundation price tag appears fair against the foundation CX-5, which charges $27,125. But things rapidly fall apart in the price section when solutions and conventional machines are factored in. My loaded $43,575 CX-50 Turbo Quality Plus tester enters luxurious crossover SUV pricing territory, and designed my $38,670 CX-5 Turbo tester really feel like a downright price with the identical attributes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offers a additional at ease trip and extra distinct design than its showroom sibling, and numerous opponents, but its value proposition is questionable at finest and it only clouds Mazda’s murky waters. We require some clarity, Mazda.

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2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Furthermore

Base selling price: $28,825 like $1,275 location
Price as analyzed: $43,575
Powertrain: 227-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4, 6-speed computerized transmission, all-wheel generate
EPA gasoline overall economy: 23/29/25 mpg
The hits: Real steering experience, lengthier wheelbase and comfortable ride, squished wagon appear
The misses: Disheartening infotainment system, aged powertrains and no electrification, weak price argument