2023 Mazda CX-50 Test Drive Review - Choices Are a Good Thing!

Come along for a test drive in the all new 2023 Mazda CX-50. This particular model is in wind chill perl white and has the base non-turbo 2.5 four cylinder engine. Trim level for this is the Premium Plus and offers all the goodies. The only thing of note missing is rear heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Surround view camera is also not available on this highest non-turbo trim. Mazda offers a very attractive and great driving option that offers a tad more room than their bread and butter CX-5. Both offer unique looks and are the best driving in their class. Adding the turbo takes these up market where they both compete very well with the much pricier BMW X3, Mercedes GLB/GLC, Audi Q5, and Acura RDX.
Check out Driving Sports TV's Off-Road Test of the CX-50
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#CX50 #mazdacx5 #Rav4

[@davidwayne9982]

I"ve seen this tested by BRIAN MAKSE (pro race driver) and he tested it both on dry roads and on deep wet snow- and it did GREAT- he says it is the PERFECT setup for DRIVERS. Sara-n-tuned also tested one- and she did NOT 'baby" it through the test but rather PUSHED it - hard and it did GREAT!!! THESE GUYS-- and YOUR review- have helped me decide-- I am 95% certain THIS is the new vehicle I'll be getting... the last determining factor?-- the actual DRIVE.. :) THANKS for the great review and info.

[@Connie-ke1ld]

I have the 2024 CX-50 Select and I absolutely love it. I have a Highlander, Outback, and Forester and the CX-50 is my favorite. The other cars are very good but I will be a Mazda customer going forward. Great review.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. That is quite the collection of capable SUVs/Crossovers. Glad you love your CX-50! Thanks again for the kind words. All the best and happy motoring!

[@sunitjoshi3573]

Awesome! I’m looking at 2024 CX50 Premium. Any ideas if $34,244 OTD is a good price with 0% for 60 months?

[@silvers9285]

Hello, whr r u getting that price ? It does not seem to be OTD fot a premium

[@Connie-ke1ld]

@@sunitjoshi3573 Yeah that a great deal. I had a 5.9 interest for about the same price.

[@RealSneakyLike]

Thanks for the great review. Picked up a lightly used (10K miles) Preferred Plus yesterday, and have been wondering if I made a mistake by forgoing the Turbo or more premium trims, since that's what most other reviewers rave about. This video helped me feel more assured with my decision. We were cross shopping this with the Rav4/CRV, but Mazda's felt more upscale than those. The CX-5 was another top choice, but the "Panoramic" moonroof was a big selling point, as was the more unique styling. Although we don't have the leather interior or super fast engine of the higher trims, it's still a great driving car with nice features at a solid price, perfect for the wife and coming baby.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congratulations! Great choice. Yes, if you were cross shopping against the CR-V and RAV 4 the non turbo is just fine. Plus it drives and feels so much more substantial than those two. As I stated in the video, save some cash get the non turbo, drive it and enjoy! Thanks for watching and the nice comment. Happy motoring!

[@Ridinbear]

I owned a 2017 Mazda CX -5 and just sold it to buy a brand new top-of-the-line Mazda CX 50. Your review was wonderful and provided information that I have been wondering about since I never got to drive the naturally aspirated engine in the CX 50. I have to say I love the turbo charged engine and the way it handles and operates. I’m a major Mazda fan because of the way their cars drive …..your review tells it like it is when buying this car!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congrats Rick on your CX-50 Turbo and triple thanks for your kind words. That is greatly appreciated. We are also big fans of the Mazda ‘feel’ they put in all their cars. Enjoy your new CX-50 and keep in touch on your ownership experience. All the best and happy motoring!

[@dannypierce7126]

Me too! I love it

[@ghiga3858]

Great review! Finally a non-turbo review!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks and happy motoring!

[@basementality4924]

This is the first white one I’ve seen for review and it’s absolutely gorgeous! The contrast looks just incredible especially with the tail lights.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Mazda does do a great white and the CX-50 wears it well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Raymo853inLeDroit]

Thank you for testing the normal aspirated version.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment. Recently spent some time in the turbo meridian (there’s a short review posted on the channel) and it’s also great. I think the CX-50 is well executed with either engine option. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@AK-bw8xk]

I purchased the meridian edition because of the smaller rims bigger tires. Much softer ride.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congratulations! Excellent choice. I am eager to get a look at and a drive the meridian edition. I would definitely go with more sidewall on any trim level. Keep in touch on your ownership experience. Thanks for commenting and all the best.

[@differencemaker242]

Did you test drive one with the 20" tires? I saw a review of the Meridian and the guy didn't compare the drive between the 2 versions

[@AK-bw8xk]

@@differencemaker242 I did. I tested the flagship with all the bells and whistles. The front seats ( I think because of ac vented seats) were beyond painful. Like uneven park bench painful. With the 20" tires the handling was stiffer, sportier, but there's always trade offs. It wasn't drive over a dime and you know if it's heads or tails, but you definitely feel the road more.

[@justinroe9271]

I don't mind the ride of my premium plus 20" wheels. I always regretted not getting g the touring 6 when I bought it

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Finally got to drive the Meridian. The tires make a huge difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJvIqH6jorWslZo

[@jamesjeffers7270]

I had 2 CX-5's in the last 6 years and decided on the CX-50 this time. I have a machine metal gray ordered and just waiting for it to arrive at the dealership. I really like the look of it. Much sportier than the CX-5. Wider body and longer hood and lower height makes it look more off -road and tougher. Like the black wheel-wells. So if you get one get a good contrasting color. Also got the preferred plus trim level and my sticker tag was just over 34k for the non-turbo. With interest rates higher expect to pay more than previous years for those who are shopping.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Great trim level and choice. Congratulations. Keep in touch on how you like it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gailenrique2804]

How much was the color charge??

[@jamesjeffers7270]

@@gailenrique2804 They just swapped another vehicle to another dealer to find mine. Just a trade of colors. No charge.

[@gailenrique2804]

@@jamesjeffers7270 what color and trim did you get?

[@jamesjeffers7270]

@@gailenrique2804 I got machine metal gray and preferred plus trim. I really like the panaramic roof and to me it drives like a sports car but still is an SUV.

[@timothygibney159]

The non turbos will last about 100k more miles and have less maintenance issues for those who keep their cars longer. People forget this when they whine about the non turbo engines. I would love a turbo but got your trim instead because of engine longevity

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks Tim for the comment. You made a great choice. And simple is better. The 2.5 non-turbo is well sorted and should last quite a long time. Thanks for watching.

[@PatrickJTezak]

I have a 2015 Chevy Equinox with 135k miles and after winter i might be in the market for something new. My short list is the Buick Envision, Equinox Rs, and just in the last week, Mazda CX50! I also drive an hour to work so the turbo with less mpg isnt an option, so your review has helped so much! I also like the CX30 and could get the turbo in that but it just might be too small for me. Im going to have to test drive a CX50 Preferred or Preferred Plus soon! New subscriber here, and thanks again!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment! And double thanks for subscribing! The turbo versions of the cx-30 and 50 are almost identical in MPGs. Keep in mind the fuel tank on the turbo CX-30 is fairly small so fill ups will be frequent, and it is on the small side. I also have a review of the non turbo version on the channel. It is a lot of fun and fairly thrifty. A preferred plus is a great trim level in the CX-50. Keep in touch on what you decide. Thanks again and good luck.

[@dave1956]

I’m really interested in the vehicle but it amazes me the range of prices from the low end to the top end.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for the comment. Yea, it’s really a two tier pricing strategy with the non turbo prices to compete with the CRVs and RAv 4s of the word and the turbo pricing intended to undercut the pricing of an Audi Q3/5 BMW X1/3 etc. And Mazda does not have option packages so the trim level defines all the available features. It is quite the list though and tries to offer something for everyone’s new CUV budget. For value I like the non turbo preferred and the entry level turbo trims.

[@photog1529]

I just purchased a 2024 CX-50 turbo premium. Didn't want the base engine due to the cylinder deactivation feature which can only be disabled if you want to drive in sport mode full time. Turbo has i-stop, but that can be turned off by a switch on the dash. First considered the Meridian, but that didn't have certain features available that I was looking for. Looking forward to it coming in to my local dealer.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Nice. Congratulations. The Meridian is a hard sell as it deletes some features and only offers an appearance package and more rugged tires. I am not sure but does your premium have an off road mode? If so then a tire/wheel swap gives you Meridian without the badging. We are testing a 2024 CX-50 Premium in a few weeks and really looking forward to spending some time in it. Thanks for watching and commenting. All the best and happy motoring.

[@photog1529]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive I believe it has normal, sport, and off-road. Yeah, I also wasn't too fond of the Meridian hood graphic. My CX-50 is due in on April 1. During my test drive, I left the i-stop activated yet it never shut the engine down at traffic lights.

[@buzzfretwear2906]

Great thorough review based in the real world, one of the best I've seen for this vehicle. Well done. Considering a non-turbo and this was really helpful. By the way - is this upstate NY? Looks like it!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and the nice comments! Definitely take one for a test drive! This was in the rolling hills of central Maryland. All the best and keep in touch .

[@davidwayne9982]

I was actually down from several choices to THIS or the CX-30 Premium turbo..(although I'm not crazy about turbo- that end up being expensive to maintain later- and often cause issues once they get miles on them)...

[@davidwayne9982]

I LIKE that-- "When the vehicle is STOPPED, Mazda Will let you use this as touch screen!" GREAT SAFETY feature. I towed for a LONg time- and 87% of the accidents I worked were CAUSED by some idiot using a touch screen while drving-(info crap or phone screen).. and after you clean a few accidents up that have kids and babies KILLED by some damn fool messing with a screen..you'd hate them too... they are NOT needed. People need to GET OVER this attachment to tech garbage... and DRIVE when in a vehicle- NOTHING ELSE.

[@keith.loves.lasagna]

Love this car. Really want one but the Preferred. My only gripes is the screen being so far back, and that double-door center console. But the car's beauty makes it easy to look pass ;)

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching. We have the double doors on our CX-9 and it is not too bad. I would prefer a single opening like on our 3 but it’s not a deal breaker. The screen being further back does put it in focus alignment with the gages. So easier on the eyes but a little too far to easily touch. I am good with the wheel and lack of fingerprints. I would not let these small things stop you from liking or getting the car. All cars have some quibbles and annoyances. Preferred is a great trim level for the price. All the best and happy motoring.

[@MzPenspeaks]

I felt like it wouldnt go when i needed too and as much as i love this car it was driving me crazy. Im like what am i doing wrong?!?

[@davidwayne9982]

Don't know where you are- but that drive is BEAUTIFUL...

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks! Yes, we are fortunate to have the nice rolling roads of central Maryland at our disposal. The fall is a really nice time to drive them. All the best and thanks for the nice comment.

[@davidwayne9982]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive I"m in southwest VIRGINIA- and we USE to have super colorful drives like that-- but the last few years it goes straight to brown for some reason... this is the first time right now- that we have color in many years..

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

@@davidwayne9982ah. that is good to know. Colors have been decent around here the last few years but barely any changes so far. This cold snap will do it though I bet. We are currently planning to head to skyline drive and the Staunton area at the end is the month (~26-27for a CX-90 road trip and review. Sounds like that might be too late?

[@davidwayne9982]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive They're changing FAST in some areas but up here SLOWER-- but maybe that's why they're going direct to brown. It's weird-- you can see lots of color in some spots- drive a mile or two and brown.. I've never seen it do this before.

[@mazdafan22]

I bought a 2022 CX-5 Signature. Looked at the CX-50 but just liked the looks of the CX-5 better. Plus I didn't really need the extra room & the CX-5 is still built in Japan!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congratulations. Great choice. Can’t go wrong with the CX-5. I would say it has a more lively and crisper driving experience and the CX5 has been a leader in overall quality. But both are great driving vehicles. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy and keep in touch.

[@mazdafan22]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive Thank you! I love my CX-5!!

[@masatookumura9861]

Great review!　Thanks!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment! All the best.

[@chrislim7976]

The placement of the turbo is a bit of a concern. Its behind the engine. Turbos produce a lot of heat. Idk what was the thinking for that decision.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching. This turbo engine made its US debut in the CX-9 several years ago so it’s been around for a while. Heat is quite the issue on all turbos hence the importance of frequent oil changes. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@ctclardy]

Beautiful car... I just wish they offered a hybrid option with 210 hp and 215 ft/lb of torque and a better infotainment screen... to me, it would then be perfection... I can dream, can't I?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks Chris for the comment. I do think the hybrid system is coming. May have to be patient though.

[@dankelly5688]

My wife amd I are shopping for a new car atm and after checking this out we've heard from 2 people now that a hybrid version is almost definitely on the horizon in the near future. Not sure on exactly how long though.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Yea, looking into this a little more I would say, no earlier than 2024. I have a hunch it’s a 2025 model that debuts in mid 2024. Let’s hope anyway.

[@santoshbhusal474]

Hanging between CX50 and Honda CRV hybrid. I have to drive almost 120-150 km everyday for my work and round trip of almost 600 km every 2 months. I love the look and drive dyanimics of cx50 but I would be saving a lot on gas if I go with with the hybrid CRV. How does this Mazda compare with Honda in terms of ride quality, comfort, and noise isolation? I assume it would be much more fun to drive than a CRV.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Great question. Thanks for watching. I actually do like the CR-V. It’s much more of a utility car with more room and better fuel economy. It’s not the sporty driving vibe of the CX-50. In non-turbo form I think they compare nicely as far as overall acceleration with the CX-50 probably being a smidge quicker. The CR-V will drone and work hard over steep grades. Honda has done a lot to quiet them down road noise wise but the Cx-50 is still a little quieter. Watch the fuel mileage on the hybrid if you do a lot of highway. I think they are 6.9 versus 7.8 l/100km. But I think the CX-50 could do a little better. Overall fuel economy the CRV wins hands down. The CR-V will ride softer but the steering and handling is mushier also. Bottom line is that you are correct. The Cx-50 is more rugged, I like its interior better, and is just fun to drive. It really comes down to what price you can negotiate on either, and your budget for fuel. I think either one is a great pick though. I would have not recommended the last generation of CR-V but I do like this one. I do have a review of the 1.5 turbo non-hybrid on the channel. Thanks again and let us know which way you go.

[@supertruckertom]

Wife and I looked at one last weekend. Wish we could have taken a beautiful test drive like you are in the video. Location? Woodbine MD. Looked up Woodbine Inn.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

How did you like the CX-50? Yes, we are fortunate to have access to the beautiful rolling countryside roads of central Maryland!

[@davidwayne9982]

Good to hear it feels good WITHOUT the turbo-- they are NOT good.. just trouble waiting to happen. (wear and tear, buring up the oil, etc.)..

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Simple is better of course. We just added a turbocharged CX-9 to our family fleet for some longish type ownership experience reviews. I still like to rev out the NA though.

[@clutch7366]

Was the privacy cover in the trunk installed backwards? It looked like the handle was facing the seats rather than the hatch. Anyways, great review! As you put it, I guess I really was looking to be different and get something unique. I have a cx-50 turbo premium plus and always wondered what people thought of the NA engine since I went straight for the turbo and didn’t test drive an NA. Mazda wasn’t even on my radar for the longest time until I laid eyes on one of these babies in July. It’s a handsome and sporty car. Folks really dig the terracotta leather and always comment on the zircon sand paint. My father in law thought it was more comfortable than his 2018 BMW X3.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I am pretty sure I never even messed wit the cover. So it could have been backwards. Congrats on your CX-50. I am a. huge X3 and GLB250 fan, but your turbo beats them in so many ways. Again thanks for sharing. Really appreciate it.

[@pobster88j94]

I’ve never liked the looks of Mazda but this I like. It’s got a much more bold look and I’m a fan. Glad to see a non turbo review, especially in the Biden economy.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching!

[@troyblendell5062]

the Biden economy is doing great, actually. enjoy your Mazda.

[@felipe2fp]

Interesting review, it looks like much noiser than cx5. I ordered a cx5 GS in Canada after a test drive just because wait for 5 monts and pay 3k more does not worth imo.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yea, I would agree that the CX-5 remains the more refined and driver’s choice. Amazing how competitive that car is with all the shiny new models. Glad you are not succumbing to the dealer rip offs. The CX-5 is great. Let us know how you like it when you get it. All the best and happy motoring.

[@tionicho]

about cylinder deactivation...the mazda 3 and cx-30 yes with the 191hp and increased mpg...cx5 and cx-50 no...still have the 187hp without cylinder deactivation...

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for that info. It’s all very confusing as Mazda’s USA website says the CX-50 NA does have cylinder deactivation. Starting to think their web sight is in error and a source for many folks confusion. We have a call out to their media folks to clarify. Thanks again.

[@Sazonman]

I'll wait to purchase for the 2025 model, that's when they'll install the wireless 🛜 and heated steering wheel without having to go into any of the turbo model

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

thanks for watching and commenting. For 24 wireless carplay is standard, but the heated steering wheel is only on high trim levels of the turbo as you state. Would be nice if that came on non-turbo models. I think in Canada it does show up on lower trim levels. Not sure if waiting will do it, as Mazda seems intent on keeping heated steering wheels as a feature to compete with luxury brands.

[@MrJFunkSanchez]

Love the look, but I wish the cargo space was a little larger. Currently own a Prius that still gives me 50 mpg and 49 cubic feet of cargo space with back seats down. This CX-50 is slightly larger and half the mpg. A plug-in hybrid with larger cargo would be ideal. Hope the upcoming CX-70 delivers. Would you say this vehicle drives more like a car than a SUV?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks Jesse for watching and commenting. Have you seen the new Prius yet? Looks great and only slightly down on cargo and comes in AWD. As far as the CX-50, yes, it has a very car like driving manner and you would love how it drives compared to your Prius. And I think I mention that a hybrid version is supposedly coming and will help out the fuel economy. I also hope they bring a plug-in out also. Thanks again.

[@davidwayne9982]

So this one was the 2.5 ONLY-- no turbo? GREAT-- seems good to me.. PLUS- i'm not crazy about turbos--- and there is a company that makes SUPERCHARGERS specifically for this engine-- and a supercharger is BETTER-- no extra HEAT- and you get power over the full range of pedal--no lag ever. The Supercharger will feel more gentle- like a relaxed boost- and you'd even get close to the same mileage.. it's just the install and setup cost that makes me hesitate... around another $5000 to get it installed and set up correctly..

[@dcartellone2659]

Does anyone know if the base engine comes with the annoying cylinder deactivation or stop start. Not crazy about turbos since there everywhere nowadays.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Hi. Great questions. The base engine has cylinder deactivation but does not have stop start. The turbo is the opposite. It does not have cylinder deactivation but does have stop start. I am not sure if you can disable cylinder deactivation but you can turn off the stop start. Mazda calls the stop start feature I-Stop.

[@dcartellone2659]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive Thanks you for this useful information. Knowledge is power.

[@gailenrique2804]

​@@dcartellone2659 there's a video on youtube about how mazdas cylinder deactivation works. You can find it thru Google search or type mazda cx-50 cylinder deactivation in the search box here in youtube. It is 10 mins. Long. I discovered it while waiting at the airport on a trip back from Panama city. It's interesting how you can save on fuel economy working on two cylinders.

[@mimaz7155]

Great review, replacing my Subaru with this

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and the nice words. Let us know what trim you end up getting and how you like it. What Subie model are you replacing?

[@francisgallozzi2595]

Wireless charger is available as an accessory.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Good to know, thanks for that info. A good match for the wireless car play.

[@minpark3415]

The best look in 2023 suv. I've considered Hrv Crv Santafe.. etc..

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks Min for watching and commenting. Definitely, Mazda leads the way in how they style their cars and the CX-50 is defiantly a looker. Plus I think they have a unique driving feel that other manufacturers can’t match. That new hybrid CR-V is quite intriguing even though it’s look it rather typical. The HRV has a more polarizing look but interior room, handling, and quality is top notch. Fuel mileage is a little disappointing. It’s hard to beat the Hyundai/Kia SUVs for value but I am not a big fan of how their interior styling is progressing. Keep in touch and all the best!

[@outquick]

Yea the trim options are out of control especially for a company that sells half dozen sizes SUVs n 3 cars. Why. N the names are just boring. Reminds me of Yamaha, to confusing.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

I do actually like Mazda’s naming convention but it can now be a little confusing with the 5 to 50 and 9 to 90. Actual names are good but sometimes do not translate well between all the countries and markets. So being a smaller car company simple alpha numerical names used worldwide can save them some money. Trim wise yes, a lot of them. But there are no option packages like Toyota. Honda has seen trim level creep also in their line up. I would think it would be better financially for Mazda to reduce and simplify their trim levels but at least they offer something across a broad price range. Thanks for watching and happy motoring.

[@MzPenspeaks]

This is a great review. Thank you for this. I think im going to take it back because my 5 foot self just cant get use to how this feels or the slight lag in acceleration. Its crazy i know but i feel like my kia just responds better?!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Hi. Assuming you do not have the turbo? I would say, depending on what Kia you are coming from, the CX-50 non turbo can seem a little sluggish but the engine also likes to wind out where the horsepower and torque is. Was your Kia a turbo?

[@MzPenspeaks]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive no it wasn't! I juet have an old Kia optima 2012. I drove the Mazda cx50 preferred plus and took it back for a drive today just to see. Where I live has a lot of hills and it just feels super sluggish. Also are roads are horrible so constantly a rough ride.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

@@MzPenspeaks just to be clear - you already bought the CX-50? And if so, how long have you owned it?

[@MzPenspeaks]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive no they wanted me to take it home and test it out. Where I live has a lot of hills and rough roads and the dealership is in an awkward area so they thought it best but it made me dislike the car more and in sports mode it wasn't better. I understand why so many go for the turbo now!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

@@MzPenspeaks ah. Ok. I understand now. Yea, almost all the mainstream compact crossovers with their baseline engines could be considered sluggish. I would say the new CR-V with its base engine and CVT feels peppy. Turbo and hybrid versions of most offerings are plenty peppy but typically cost more. If you don’t need the space the CX-30 is a little more peppy since it weighs less. All Mazda’s will feel a little rough riding given their sporty driving intentions. The CX-5 is probably the best riding on pavement as it keeps an independent rear suspension.

[@dystopia-usa]

I wouldn't be interested in any turbo engine, or anything with cylinder-deactivation and/or start-stop engine technology. Likely problems just waiting to happen, based on historical track records of the tech.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

The simpler the better!

[@richardmichael59]

Your paranoia on the mentioned issues were valid many years ago. Todays turbos are much better. I agree with the stupid stop/start feature though. Just what I want my car to do…use the starter every time I stop and go. Duh. I believe it can be deactivated in settings. My Volvo was and the best part was it stayed that when you turned off the vehicle and back on again. It didn’t need to be cancelled every time you got in.

[@gailenrique2804]

​@@richardmichael59 there's a button on the dashboard next to the TCS off. It's called iStop off. It is not a permanent off switch as when you restart the vehicle, it is turned back on again. As per the new mandates in place, this is supposed to help in fuel economy.

[@Oldtymehockey67]

What SUV in this class has the quietest ride?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for the great question. In this class, I would say the mainstream players are all very very close in cabin noise. Always dependent on tire size and tire brand/type also. But, I would say the leaders, and not by much, are the Nissan Rogue and MazdaCX5. Followed closely by the CX-50. Rav4s, CR-Vs and Tucsons, Equinox, and Escapes are all really close but a tad noisier. I would not let cabin noise in this class sway a decision if there are other factors you like better. The nice thing about the CX-5 and Rogue is the lack of wind noise. And cabin noise is very subjective. So important to test drive as many as you can. Measured sound levels can help but we have found that the quality and type of noise is just as important as loudness. Thanks again.

[@jellyphase]

Where is this filmed?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

This CX50 driving footage was in the rolling hills of central Maryland.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

And if you need something larger, Mazda's all new CX-90 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYO4ZYpredCEgac

[@PolyCX30]

The fact you have to spend $40k on this to get ventilated seats is lame. Mazda makes you get so high in the trims for ventilated seats in their cars yet try to scream they’re a premium brand now. I love Mazda and what they’re doing but like I mentioned, make the customers spend so much for something like ventilated seats when an automaker like Kia offers them in a car that goes for $25k

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for commenting. A heated steering wheel is also reserved for their highest trims and that is a nice premium feature to have. I usually only grumble about heated seats as I think they should be standard regardless of climate. If you check out some of the premium brands base trim levels it’s amazing what feature are missing you would think would be standard on a premium car. So Mazda is not that unusual. Thanks again for watching and commenting. All the best.

[@jamesjeffers7270]

I hear you and feel your concern. That is what I miss on my CX-50. I wasn't going to spend the money for a few extras, but I miss the ventilated seats. I had them on my CX-5 GT version. But in the last 3 years interest rates went up and I didn't need to go overboard just for a vehicle. Kia may have some more features but I wouldn't buy one as I have heard many say they were disappointed with KIA. The resale value is poor and craftsmanship poor as well.

[@falee2959]

yes you got that right, by the fact I didn’t know about KIA and not think about that , the one I think about was ToYOTA RAVE 4 2023 , but now that’s MAZDA cx5 or 50 either one

[@cloveravalon444]

Tested drive it, not good as people said, poor visualbility, still small space, and the seat is not comfortable. Really disappointed 😞.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Glad you got to test drive it. We encourage folks to test drive as many vehicles as possible till you find the one that just clicks with you.

[@falee2959]

agree, I texted driver cx50 few weeks before, and try to text drive cx50 next month , hopefully any dealer they had in stock

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Got some coin and need more oomph? Check out the turbo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJvIqH6jorWslZo

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Don’t miss our quick spin in the turbo version kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJvIqH6jorWslZo Let us know your thoughts or questions on the 2023 Mazda CX-50. This non-turbo 2.5 S premium plus trim is very well equipped and has that Mazda fun to drive character. The turbo is great but when comparing to mainstream offerings like the RAV4 and CR-V, this 2.5 S engine is just fine.

[@richardmichael59]

When spending this kind of money, why settle for ‘just fine’? Pony up and enjoy the better performing engine, it’s worth it.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

@@richardmichael59 thanks for commenting. Not going to disagree as I think the base turbo is the value play. Tricking out the non turbo to the premium trim and premium plus trim levels puts you near the the base turbo price. For price conscience buyers the ~ 4 k difference between the preferred plus and base turbo would be the consideration I suggest.

[@krowncarnival]

Shouldn't the premium plus have signature led lights and DRLs ? This car doesn’t

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

On the CX-50 Mazda reserves the signature lighting for the turbo trim levels. Thanks for watching and the great question.

[@069787637]

Honda hrv please

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Yes. That is one we are eager to get our hands on. We did spend time in the last generation and I did have issues with the drive train. The new generation is still slow but most reviews seem to agree the overall package is great. Our last gen review is here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnWXnoB3js-XbdU Thanks for watching and commenting. Really appreciate it.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

While we have driven the new HR-V, we did not have it long enough, per our criteria, to do a review. The drivetrain is as expected, and while very smooth it is as sluggish as the last generation. It is fine around town, but maybe on long steep grades at highway speeds it struggles. It has a very nice interior and space but fuel efficiency is disappointing. Check out our Corolla Cross review and for the HR-V check out GearBox’s review at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHTInqCLq9KGmpo

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Check out our review of the CX-50’s smaller sibling, the CX-30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnemd2R3h7WebdU

[@rogerspalding5673]

Anyone who buys the naturally aspirated four cylinder equipped CX50, or CX 5 for that matter, really shouldn't be buying any Mazda at all. While 187 bhp is fine for these folks in most circumstances, it really is inadequate for any enthusiast. And, the motorcar enthusiast is the target customer for any Mazda. As long as Mazda builds and offers a sporting version of any of it vehicles, economy versions of its cars are merely an afterthought. These customers will never go to a track day, or the Indianapolis Speedway just to see and feel the history which surrounds one while visiting. Mazda CX5 turbo, and CX50 turbo drivers have a better chance of absorbing and understanding what it is I am talking about. Mediocrity seeks its own level, and that unfortunately includes the non-turbo CX 5 and CX50 as well as those who buy them.

[@buzzfretwear2906]

LOL!

[@chadhaire1711]

Fake test..the clock shows he had this car for less than an hour.......LOL.....try a week then get back to us.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Chad, I should mention I am honored you even watched our video. But I am not sure I understand your comment. We had this CX- 50 for five days before doing this shoot. Sure, the in car footage was probably a little over an hour. And exterior interior shots were on a completely different days.

[@wuming9151]

What about this compare to crv 1.5t base driving dynamic and handling wise which better/

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for the great question. Just spent time in that Honda. Video link is below. Handling and dynamically the CX-50 is superior. And the overall driving experience is more premium. But the steering can feel quite heavy and I would say the ride is a tad more on the rough side. As you hustle the CX-50 more and more it really shines whereas the CR-V really does not want to be aggressively hustled around turns. Now, drive train wise it’s a mixed bag between the two. In non-turbo form, you can really sense the CX-50’s weight and with its low down torque I would say the Honda feels a little bit more peppy in normal everyday driving. But again, once you really start to hustle it; the CX-50’s engine note and response is more enjoyable with that 6 speed transmission, but the CR-V does feel a little lighter on its feet. MPG wise the Honda will win again. Both are ultimately great choices but the Mazda is more of the driver’s choice. 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo | It's Fun Again kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKjSe5ZuoJysnZo