2023 Mazda CX50 2.5 Turbo AWD: Test Drive Review

[@PietyOFpaxson]

I own one, I’m different, so here is the deal. Mazda is different. I like that. I don’t want a touch screen COMPUTER staring at me when I’m out and “about”. I get that plenty at work and HOME entertainment. is it flat out “luxurious “, no .. Mazda knows where to put the “money”. I’m middle class and proud of it. The model (mine a SELECT) puts it where it counts. I don’t make $150k a year. I love this car. It is designed intelligently. It drives almost aggressively with a naturally aspirated engine and rides well considering this. The seats are controversial, but the SELECT has no power seat and no adjustable lumbar and I (60yo) like them ?

[@lawdog516]

I’ve been enjoying your videos for many years and always looking forward to the next one. Your one of the best reviews on KZbin, Your delivery, knowledge and HONESTY is a breath of fresh air. I get the impression from many other reviewers that their reviews are just commercials and advertisements, not you so Thank You for that !!

[@YoungSweat]

I had a 2018 Mazda, the infotainment system doesn't take long at all to get used to. After u do get used to it, u quickly prefer it . Idk how to explain it, but it's actually quite nice and I miss having it

[@Wbrooks01]

Completely agree. i think the Acura and prior Lexus touch pad interface are far worse. This is my second Mazda with that system and I loe it and actually prefer it.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

If you used the navigation from either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto during your driving review, you would have noticed that the gps directions will be mirrored to the heads up display (Active Driving Display). This is the first Mazda in North America to do so.

[@BrandonG8Man]

It’s a touchscreen while driving for CarPlay/Android Auto if you select that in the settings. The actual reality is that the Lexus and Acura systems are far worse. I’ve owned 4 vehicles with touchscreens(GM and Hyundai) and I disagree that touchscreen is always better. Not to mention the infuriating fingerprints on touchscreens. To each their own.

[@alwaysup22]

I own a CX-50 and a Lexus RX and the Lexus infotainment is miiiiiles ahead of this one. Miiiiiiles.

[@BrandonG8Man]

@@alwaysup22 You are in the minority. Just about everyone agrees that their old touch pad interface is horrible.

[@alwaysup22]

@@BrandonG8Man I literally own both. Like, I can't describe to you how super dumb your comment is. It's not even close. Whatever I guess

[@binugeorge4765]

I've been using my CX50 Turbo premium for the last 3 weeks and Im really enjoying it. Powerful, comfortable and super fast on highways. I disagree with your comment thats its center dispaly control are hard to use than a touch screen. I found it too easier and safer than a touch screen. Also most of the people doesnt know that i automatically convert to touch screen when its connected to Apple carplay or an Android auto. Cons as per my opinion are bit stiff ride but enjoyable and 19 mpg in city and yet to go for long trip on highways .

[@Wbrooks01]

As someone who owns this vehicle and works in the car industry, I would have to say that the Lexus touch pad and Acura touch pad interface systems are the worst on the market. Sure this may take a 3 minute learning curve, but anyone who has driven a German vehicle is already used to the way it works in the Mazda. Lexus and Acura require you to take your eyes off the road so you can perfectly calibrate your finger to the pad as it points on the screen. Other than that, love your review and this vehicle.

[@luis21santana323]

I have this exact same car and I love it I already added a Yakima roof platform and next going to change the wheels to some 17 inch wrapped with nittos new nomads tires just to give it the more rugged look I’m looking for.

[@adamthompson8140]

Solid review. Couple things though… Mentioning the turbo at high elevation is strange given the fact that forced induction engines generate substantially more power than their naturally aspirated counterparts at altitude. So I gotta disagree there, turbo engines are absolutely advantageous at high elevations. Also, you’re now one of several reviewers that has knocked the engine and throttle response. If I had to bet, you didn’t have premium in it. And yes, it makes a pretty significant difference, even in regards to throttle response. Mazdas turbos have an electronic valve on the exhaust inlet that creates a smaller opening at low RPMs. Think of it as using your thumb on the end of a garden hose, giving the water coming out more velocity. This is why their horsepower and especially torque figures are plentiful at low RPMs. This is also why using premium fuel makes a difference in perceived throttle response. I think more reviewers need to make sure their running premium fuel before knocking the power and/or throttle response. At the end of the day, you get class leading torque and a horsepower figure that’s second only to the Outback XT (by a negligible 4 hp). Gotta give the CX-50 powertrain 5 out of 5 stars on that alone.

[@qnzman578]

This. I've watched so many reviews of this vehicle where they don't mention what fuel they are running but based on things like a 0-60 time of like 7.3 seconds I'd guess it wasn't premium which bumps both hp and torque. It's frustrating lol

[@Baci302]

After watching the entire video, while I overall really like the vehicle and what it represents, I may wait to see what changes Mazda makes to this model. Hopefully, it will correct the issues which you raise. They are also issues I'd like to see addressed. That said, I think the future for this model is bright.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

CX-50 is not only the first North American Mazda to be equipped with the panoramic moonroof but also to have the hood struts.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

Another thing I like about the CX-50: rear doors open at almost 90°.

[@josephcrafa2694]

This is purely a FYI comment as I agree with most of your review but , any engine will lose power at higher elevations and the screen is a touch screen when standing still and when using car play if for some reason you’re into that type of thing . I for one happen to love the knob but , admittedly I’ve used one for some time so am very used to it . I don’t want you to think that this is a severe criticism as it’s really not meant to be . I agree with most everything else you have said ....... oh one more thing . The torsion bar suspension is a better off road suspension then the independent. Again just a FYI.

[@Tinrs80]

Really liking the new theme music..only thing id say is maybe put yourself in there somewhere. But really like that short bit of music.

[@fishsaysn0]

yeah, waiting for the softroad version of this. thanks.

[@joeamith838]

I just went into dealer today and was told they (dealer) were getting their allocation of the Meridian edition in December.

[@ontarioman6301]

Have no problem with cx 5 infotainment.

[@pingpongballz5998]

I had no idea there was such a thing as Pride radio until I watched this video

[@toronado455]

I like your brand new intro style!

[@ctk4949]

Thats just a good looking crossover!! Really least usable than Lexus touchpads?!?!? Have you ever tired used a touchscreen infotainment while driving?!?! Had to stop watching after that!!

[@Baked13]

... really like the black body cladding especially around the wheel wells - just the right amount ...

[@Baci302]

No CD player? Damn, I'm getting old. lol

[@TestDrivenTV]

CD players are largely gone from all new cars

[@Baci302]

@@TestDrivenTV Oh wow. Mind blown. Everything’s on Apple Music.

[@ClaytonYatescarenthusiast]

Literally no better combo besides electric for high elevation. A turbo vehicle loses less power than na and supercharger.

[@Dr_Flankensteinn]

I sat in one, I liked the fit and finish HOWEVER, that middle strip of stitched insert on the seats - you can feel it on your bum and it wasn't comfortable IMHO.

[@Tinrs80]

I am not saying its not nice and its cool they went a different direction with a bit off road theme.. But i really wanted to see more rugged inside vs more lux. Its nice indeed guess for me i wanted to see something hitting the Subaru market closer to what they sale.

[@DBLG65]

That black molding around the wheel wells is way too big.

[@robertwilliam9558]

I agree so much. That is a deal breaker. The CX-5 only has a small amount. That molding kills the look.

[@sdc5683]

That was a deal breaker for me when considering a CX30 and it would be a deal breaker on the CX50.I ended up buying the CX5 and really like it.

[@Krishna-ux8py]

ρгό𝔪σŞｍ ✌️

[@walterivanfairview]

Every Mazda is AWD now

[@TestDrivenTV]

No. Mazda3 and MX5 do not have standard AWD

[@walterivanfairview]

@@TestDrivenTV every SUV. Sorry.

[@totallygothboy]

First 💁🏽‍♂️