2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Off-Road Test

We check out the new Mazda CX-50 Meridian, to see if it's ready for trails and off-road conditions.
#mazda #offroad #mazdacx50
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Features
07:05 - AWD Features Driving Impressions
08:50 - Chicken Run Off-Road Test
11:46 - Logging Road Off-Road Test
14:50 - Chicken Run Take II
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[@Snafu2346]

Today's offroad trims must have: 1. Stickers! 2. Badges! 3. Hood graphics! 4. Off road branded floor mats! 6. More plastic! where? I don't know, somewhere! Anywhere! 7. Increased price! Where? I don't know, everywhere!

[@huntstyle]

That's all so many of them are. You'd be better off getting a base trim and just putting A/T tires on it. Much less expensive for the exact same capability. Only Subaru is really making a worthwhile trim in this class with the Wilderness.

[@RevelCris]

Cherokee and compass trailhawk trims actually have good advantages including the higher lift. That’s what’s really important. Any outdoor trim should automatically come with upgraded tires skid plates and lift over stock

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@RevelCris Bronco Sport Badlands is the better choice in this segment. The Jeep Trail Hawk is a runner up.

[@huntstyle]

@@WW-wf8tu for me Jeep & Ford are automatically out because of their reliability issues

[@K03sport]

stickers and badges are a must have as you need to sell an image (and gain extra parking lot points. curious how the (half-teir up) RDX/NX would do on this trail

[@CyberSkunk90]

Never even batted my eye at Mazda before, but this CX-50 checks all the boxes for me. This meridian edition looks incredible in person, really cool color

[@carloscanizares4699]

As a Mazda fan, I’d love this body with their new inline 6 motors. Update: IT’S WISHFUL THINKING, FOLKS!

[@pablonl5413]

Absolutely, instead of the old 2.5T.

[@NumbahEleven]

That would be awesome especially with how efficient they are. I will say that the 2.5 turbo is still a SOLID engine despite being on the older side.. I have it in my ‘18 Mazda 6 and it’s great

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

The 2.5 is still a great engine and has proven to be really reliable. Hopefully the new family of I6s will be as well (there are 3 different, amazing for such a small car company, 3.0NA and 3.3Turbodiesel for Europe, plus the 3.3T gasoline)

[@orlandohouse7214]

Absolutely

[@GOD999MODE]

I don't mind the 2.5T if they can find a way to improve the timings and tune the thing for a sportier, more aggressive curve. They could definitely improve on several things to make this like a jacked up Speed 6. A new 8 spd transmission, beefier exhaust, updated electronics.

[@ryanyomomma]

Flatout Suspension has a lift kit for the CX-50, and a suspension kit that will provide a 2" lift. I'm planning on lifting my Preferred Plus, and I replaced the original tires with Falken Wildpeaks at 245/65/17 with no rubbing. The potential is there... just not out of the box. EDIT: Forgot to mention that Corksport is making skid plates for the CX-50.

[@JohnJohnson-kg4ek]

Is the lift going to void your warranty?

[@vtek2508]

Yes, and adding 3k more to a brand new car kinda sucks. ​@@JohnJohnson-kg4ek

[@HardBoiledGregADV]

@@JohnJohnson-kg4ek my Mazda dealership actually sells lifted CX-5 and CX-50 models. They do it in-house. I asked it if voided the warranty, and they said it did not when they do it.

[@McNuggets-419]

I had the CX5 and now the CX50 and have done some pretty dumb courses in both with the Wildpeak Trails and I’ve never gotten stuck 😂 turning TCS is like cheat mode honestly.

[@majixmatrix]

Goated ❤

[@Jack_Hunt]

What is tcs?

[@huetuber1204]

@@Jack_Hunt Traction Control System

[@DavidDLee]

Bottom line: the other CX-50 trims are at least, if not more, off-road worthy when equipped with similar tires. Save your money.

[@arctkos]

I just wished Subaru would dump the CVT and put more torque in their engines. Although you get slightly more horsepower by about 5 ponies with the Outback but with CX-50 you get at least above 300 ft lb torque. Outback has about 270 ft lb.

[@natlmidnightstar]

It is weird they offer the surround camera in another trim but not their off-road version. I wonder if getting that trim and changing tires is a better way to go? I have been waiting for this video so thanks for posting it!

[@panzer_TZ]

The only thing I like about this Meridian edition is the 18" wheels. A Turbo Premium Plus, with the 20" wheels swapped for the Meridian 18" wheels would be a great combo.

[@shrimpu]

@@panzer_TZ If you get/swap 18" wheels, I am pretty sure you can even go with 235/60 or 225/65 to get some more rubber (and a bit of ground clearance). Wheel wells look roomy enough. I would even test 235/65.

[@Doc1855]

I LOVE the interior color. I’ve got the Saddle Brown in my Forester

[@troymerricks9076]

I have the turbo premium plus and I had my Mazda service center put the Meridian tires on it and took off the 20s. Way much better.

[@vchic33]

I opted for the Turbo Premium, one trim level higher than the Meridian edition, because of the Bose speakers, and I actually didn’t want all terrain tires. After researching the different features of each trim level, the Meridian only looks cool but doesn’t have certain luxury features you would expect as mentioned in the video.

[@summerbounce706]

I bought my CX-50 Last November and I totally love it.

[@panaoutsios1990]

It has amt transmission?

[@jakeramos7399]

I just bought one today 😊

[@SubaruAmbassadorRobert]

Nice vid! Looking forward to how the CX-90 does.

[@plightn]

This is a handsome package but it's mostly looks.

[@basementality4924]

Mazda reliability, AWD, panoramic sun roof, steering better then some sports cars, passes this guys off-road tests even though he was very down on it until the last minute of the video and then finally said it’s great. All you can get for under 35k. Not saying it’s perfect by any means but definitely not just looks. That being said the looks are the best looking crossover on the market right now, IMO of course.

[@calebj3890]

good video, however the meridian trim is equipped with wireless carplay, which can be controlled by the infotainment dial or by the touchscreen, even though mazda infotainment doesn’t respond to touch input.

[@hudsonatlantis6754]

Great video - Thank you. Any chance of putting the cx-5 2022 or 2023 through this course?

[@cyberhard]

Great as usual! I'd like to see a video with your recommendation for vehicles that meet the 5 off road criteria you mentioned at different price points. Under $40K, $40 - $50K and $50 - $60K. $60 on up...

[@timberlinecline3667]

Ford explorer timberline

[@chemuzio-ssir2015]

Subaru Wilderness trims

[@dom7452]

Car companies that manufactures offlroad veshicles should seriously consider doing a collaboration with Driving Sports Tv for offroad capabilities certifications

[@Mach141]

these are not off road vehicles! They are cars (CUVS) with awd and this one has decent tires. Light trails is all these are good for.

[@mccalltx]

I've had the turbo premium plus trim for a little over a year, which comes with 20s... I kinda want to put some 18s on it with those tires. It has some more bells and whistles than the meridian trim level.

[@danielmiller6983]

That car in person looks absolutely phenomenal

[@giovanni233]

I mean the need for the TCS off makes sense, in a press release of the CX-30 on the straight pipes channel they interviewed a Mazda engineer that basically explained how their TCS system works, with it on it primarily functions using engine torque reduction, and to mitigate excessive wheel slip it very lightly nips the brakes, however when you turn off TCS it operates with full engine power BUT the system doesn't turn all the way off, it then primarily operates using selective braking on each individual wheel, if this sounds familiar Fords AdvanceTrac W/ RSC in many 2000's fords operated the same way and afaik Subarus X mode does the same thing (im not sure if its stage 1 or 2 X mode.) why they didn't bundle this mode into the Off-Road mode already there makes no sense to me but maybe a future software update will change that.

[@victorteran9766]

Looks like with the proper tires it can actually go places, but I would also consider a lift kit of some sorts. BTW I love your channel, but it makes me wonder, is this the normal pace people are supposed to navigate a trail? I find it superslow and usually I do it like 4x that speed on my Crosstrek on similar routes... havent damaged anything so far but would like to know your opinion!

[@isaiasizquierdo3369]

It does look great, the cream color is nice.

[@gps.nepali]

Please review Outlander PHEV 2023. I would like to see how it performs in your offroad tests😊.

[@mjrussell2372]

I would love to see you go through the trail with out stopping as most people DONT stop in difficult terrain. then later for more advance testing you can stop through the test

[@trailrunnah8886]

AWD system performed much better than I would have thought. It's a shame this trim level doesn't do more. I don't really see this as being worth 40k, I think one of the more basic models closer to 30k might be the way to go with one of these, then put on the AT tires of your choice. The big problem with this compared to the RAV4 or the Subaru is that you're never going to be able to address the lack of clearance or skid plates on your own, because there's not going to be any aftermarket support for this in the way that you would get with a Toyota or Subaru.

[@differencemaker242]

I wouldn't bet on that. Give it a couple years. These things will be everywhere because it's simply one of the best all around and looking SUVs out there. I saw this exact model in person a couple days ago. It's stunning.

[@maracerbdmj]

The Corksport guys are already producing some parts for it, maybe they'll also do some skids!

[@rovekimp]

I agree 100%, but you could also make a custom lift and skidplates for this rig if you have the tools and experience. Granted the average buyer isn't willing to do that, which does put it at a massive disadvantage to those brands with OEM or aftermarket off-road mods. But you could still theoretically turn one of these into something capable of more than light offroading. Hopefully Mazda puts in the work in the next couple years and actually gives this thing better approach/departure angles as well as a lift and skidplates, like Honda has done with the Trailsport Trim on the pilot (ignoring the horrible approach/departure angles and insufficient clearance). Otherwise it's at best a camping rig.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@maracerbdmj never heard of that company, I'll have to check it out. I think it would be awesome to see one of these with some aftermarket support.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@differencemaker242 I agree, a co-worker has one, and I think it's a fantastic looking car. I don't know exactly what trim, but he did mention it's the turbo, and it has the bigger wheels. I think it's definitely better looking than anything that Subaru or Toyota puts out. His last car was an Outback, btw. I know he had replaced the CVT in it at least once.

[@clutch7366]

I don’t have the meridian edition, I have the turbo premium plus. I like that it’s a fun car to drive on my long daily commutes, and I like that it has decent off-road capability that I sometimes need. It’s a sporty crossover with some off-road chops, even on the OEM 20” all-season tires. Instead of making it more of an off-road type vehicle, I want to take my car in the other direction and make it even better for the street where the car spends 99% of its time.

[@johnfarel3152]

Agree that it’s a really nice looking crossover

[@ysp.96]

Whwn will you guys take the new pilot trailsport 2023 on this course?

[@bradh6185]

I think I have it narrowed down to the CX50 and the Outback. It seems the CX50 is probably more fun to drive and the Outback may be more comfortable. I guess I need to go test drive them.

[@swellz210]

So glad I got the Forester Wilderness vs this. and I WAS a Mazda fan boy.

[@cormaro13]

Enjoy that trash cvt and having to reseal a engine lol

[@differencemaker242]

I cant wait to get one of these!!

[@summerbounce706]

You will love it

[@differencemaker242]

@@summerbounce706 You got one?

[@summerbounce706]

Yes! 2023 CX-50.

[@differencemaker242]

@@summerbounce706 Nice.

[@TundeEszlari]

Magical video.

[@elsaandnoah]

Yes, I’ve test driven CX-50 a couple times (before Meridian trim was available). Really handsome looking vehicle but it’s just for looks - it’s an urban car. I’d choose CX-5 over CX-50 though…or Subaru Outback Wilderness trim 😊

[@Snafu2346]

This or Rav 4 hybrid, with a lift kit and more trail rated tires/wheel combo? That or lift a woodland rav4 and upgrade those fake trail tires they use?

[@daver1959]

If you’re going to do any consistent trails or gravel roads or light off road driving I think I’d pick the Outback Wilderness.

[@anthonyb755]

Would be awesome if Mazda added a slight lift of even 1/2” and then some skid plates

[@saltyt.1886]

That’s all I needed to hear Ryan! F O R E S T E R !!!! 😍

[@denisleblanc4506]

I can't tell from this video but how was articulation? Not that many of this type of vehicle have good articulation but I was curious because of the twist beam rear suspension on this one.

[@ronlackey2689]

TCS...traction control system? Is that a button pertaining to off road or is it always on and part of the car?

[@ErelasInglor]

What makes this worth $41k that they claim for it? At least they got one thing right, they didn't "upgrade" the infotainment screen to take over the whole panel and become a required touch screen in places of the interior buttons and knobs. Kudos to them for that...still could use an update for better packages included with the navigation and satellite radio content.

[@fernandovargas7562]

Nice CX50 Meridian…. Cool video…

[@jacquesdubois2925]

Your problem is that you live in the U.S. In Canada we get four trim levels, GS, GT, GT Turbo and Meridian - the Meridian in Canada comes fully loaded with XM, the Falken tires, 12 speaker Bose, induction phone charger, moonroof, power lift gate, heated/ventilated seats, 360° surround view system, etc. In the U.S., Mazda has split hairs to achieved some eight or nine trim levels. I just bought a Meridian (without the decals - too boy racer for me) in Polymetal. "She who must be obeyed" (my wife) loves both the colour and the interior.

[@tomeisenmenger6475]

With the 18" wheels, does the Meridian have a better highway ride than the standard CX-50 with 20s?

[@samuelwh4775]

Does that Mazda CX-50 have the off road button that the CX-5 and CX-9 have ? Because it does make a huge difference

[@johnng6416]

My family have a cx5 and a Toyota rav4 TRD off road. The rav4 have everything you mentioned on that list. However, the radar cruise control on the rav4 is not as smooth at the cx5. I mean the rav4 brakes abruptly the it senses a car in front of it and when it senses it is gone it speeds up abruptly. The cx5 didn’t do that. Acceleration and braking was smooth and progressive. I also agree about the Mazdas infotainment. It is smaller than rav4 and it is missing the tracking line and wide angle view.

[@joshgonzalez2112]

Does it have regular CarPlay? But no sirus radio, good to have options

[@Mike-pb7jm]

Before the 'off road mode' was available in Mazda suvs, turning off tcs was the off road mode. Says so in the manual. It's not just tcs/power, it changes algorithm somehow in the AWD system.

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

Not all Mazda were equipped with that "hidden offroad mode", some had just TCS off function.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

@@4x4.tests.on.rollers right. Check the manual. The manual explains that the TSC is part of the DSC system and that TSC on will be difficult to drive at low speed+when stuck in snow/off-road.

[@spdcrzy]

You can actually get wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay and the new 360-degree camera on this Meridinan trim. I don't know why you didn't get it for this review. I'd argue that this is also better city commuter somewhere like Michigan AND better for mild offroading than most cars because 1) the meaty sidewall means you're less likely to cut a tire if you hit a pothole and 2) the plastic cladding is great for snow and ice removal on the low end of the body where all the salt and spray hits the hardest.

[@ScottyP29]

First 6 minutes told me what I needed to know. Looks good but lacking features.

[@David-mm5vl]

I think if Mazda had wanted to make a off roader they should have done it in the standard NA 2.5 and matched the Forester Wilderness features and price. I'd be a lot more compelled for a CX-50 off roader like that than the largely cosmetic and expensive Meridian trim. Justifying the Meridian for off road gets hard when you realize it starts competing price wise with pickups that have more ground clearance, auto locking diffs, skid plates, and better tire selections. The Frontier Pro4X comes to mind as there are a plethora in my area that are available for very similar money to the Meridians that are available. Now if the worst you plan is some well kept fire roads, I think daily this is a great vehicle. Turbo charged, no CVT, Mazda's engaging driving standards with good looks inside and out makes this a hard SUV to compete with if your not about the trail life and don't just want an appliance.

[@palerider7171]

Thanks for the review. I was initially excited to see this offering from Mazda and want to see if was going to a competition to the Subaru Outback Wilderness. Sounds like it not quite there yet but is decent. Thanks again for the excellent review and data without telling us what we should be thinking. Looks like I found my new favorite automotive channel!

[@cormaro13]

Not quite there 😂 is that why for subaru I have to take out my whole engine for a reseal process , I don't have that maintenance on my mazda and a cvt Trans 🤢

[@palerider7171]

@@cormaro13 I am glad your happy with your Mazda. My comment was comment was dealing with the off paved highway performance.

[@cormaro13]

@palerider7171 but hwy performance comes with maintenance, why get the extra maintenance and giant iPad screen for a few extra mpg

[@palerider7171]

@@cormaro13 because I go off the paved highway a lot but I don’t really need a Jeep or 4x4 and thought some issues eventually with my original 2008 Outback, I never had a single issue with the CrossTrek or my current Forester. Sound like you mileage varied… and that’s ok. To each his own.

[@jacklo325]

Awesome t shirt!!

[@zopon6200]

Will there be a video introduction of x trail e power Off-Road

[@DiroPhoenixFan]

Not bad, hope when Ryan you test the CX90 off road, it could be better 😏

[@DanielFerdinantha_]

Can you review about the EXPEDITION TIMBERLINE, the off-roady capable?

[@zero2sixty244]

Can you do a video explaining how Kia K5 AWD works?

[@noobwow2009]

99% of CX50 buyers won't off-road. lmao

[@kevinstarski1598]

You're probably right. However this is a "off road" version, even though it's hard to call it that, so the percentage should be lower...

[@gameprodigy940]

I have the 2022 cx5 and it has "offroad/trail mode" does the cx50 not have it?

[@matty_o]

Want to see it compared to Forester wildernesses off-road and even the Forester touring for spoilers. I'm a twice CX-5 owner along with mazda6 and CX-9 but I feel the new cx50 doesn't stand out enough from the cx5 with it's torsion beam rear end and same exact power train. Too price for what it is

[@jimquantic]

For a lot of people, it is more about snow than off road, per se.

[@differencemaker242]

That's a fact. Research shows that actually is the case.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

All of the Mazda CX 50s have XM radio the first three months free plus the wireless Apple CarPlay!

[@db1566]

Glad i went with the Crosstrek Wilderness

[@WolfWagon]

will you be testing the new colorado?

[@chuckwalla2967]

I saw on some other channel where they showed how pencil-thin the rear axle shafts were on this car. One of the thinnest he's ever seen and doesn't look that durable.

[@brads3620]

Exactly, more people should be informed about the weak differential and axles! A couple people have posted on forums that they've had the rear end go out on them. Mazda should not advertise these as rugged vehicles.

[@gameprodigy940]

Do u remember which KZbin channel? Would like to watch it

[@brads3620]

@@gameprodigy940 The Car Care Nut Reviews @ 21:20

[@BigBadJohnDiesel]

I bought a CX 50 Premium Plus Turbo for my wife. I think Mazda has mis marketed this car as being off road! Compared to my CX 5, the 50 is more of a sports car, as opposed to an off roader!

[@gaberey87]

Could you test the rav4 woodland edition please? :)

[@KenCheng]

As a Subaru Outback Wilderness owner, the only thing I envy is that color... I wish Subaru offered it on the Wilderness trim

[@cormaro13]

And I wish that trash of yours didn't come with a cvt and a needing to reseal itself up before 100k mileage 😂

[@DJPixcell]

I find it so weird that this American version of the Meridian excludes so many features that the Canadian version has. But in saying that, in Canada the Meridian edition is the top trim model. I can only guess Mazda is trying to place this trim in a price point that competes with other sporty off road city models in its class.

[@mikemillz5536]

Lol Canada is a much more outdoorsy country than the us is

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

Beautiful looking SUV

[@davidburns800]

Well it does have wireless car play and you can purchase the navigation chip and wireless charger from your mazda parts department

[@chrisw429]

I don't get it... at 8.7 of clearance, the Meridian is close to an Outback and about 1" more than a Venza, but it looks like it really struggles with large obstacles compared to both. Is that 8.7" number bogus somehow? I was really hoping this would be an alternatie to an Outback but it appears it isn't. My question is - how much better is an OB offroad? Sounds like a perfect comparison episode...!

[@ThreeDee912]

Maybe the wheelbase is wider or approach/departure/breakover angles are worse?

[@JamesSymmonds]

Few things come up. First, this particular version only has 8.5" of ground clearance vs 8.6" of some other versions of the CX-50. So it's lost a slight wee 0.2" against a basic Outback. Next up is wheelbase. The CX-50 has 2.7" longer wheelbase than the Outback. Longer wheelbase is great for ride quality but it starts detracting from your breakover angles. Between being slightly lower and longer, the breakover angle on the CX-50 isn't going to be as good as the Outback. Last is that Subaru is using an AWD system that's just there all the time vs this Mazda one which sounds a bit reactive when it comes to front to back.

[@Booster6969]

Please do the updated 2024 outback wilderness

[@Tragic2002]

Upscale buyers?😂 I’m broke and I got it

[@DM72513]

The infotainment is meant for Carplay and Android Auto. That's where you get your navigation and it is wireless. Mazda is offering 0% for 63 months on the Meridian Turbo for anyone interested. Best deal in this market.

[@troymerricks9076]

I agree, an 1.5 HRG lift kit and the cx 50 will be much more capable

[@AJY6396]

i just wish it had a bit more ground clearance and a hill descend assist tho

[@jamesh1641]

Ryan, what did I miss? I don’t see these recent videos being at your hilltop off-road trail. Instead, we remain at the chicken coop compound.

[@drivingsports]

Spring snow melt makes the test hill impassible for a couple months. We get back out there filming in a couple weeks. We also have new roads going in this June.

[@JamesSymmonds]

I had to go look up the ground clearance issue and found an article where they stated it came down to the the smaller 18" rims vs the 20" rims on the other model. So I'm guessing they probably should have put slightly larger tires on this one.

[@slandshark]

Actually the math results when you compare the 20" oem 245/45/R20 with the offroad 18" 225/60R18 works out that both tires are equal in overall dimension. The larger sidewall on the 18" makes up for the smaller wheels. Technically the 18" inch wheel/tire combo is 28.6" tall while the 20" wheel/tire combo is 28.7" tall (1 tenth of an inch difference). Basically, the difference in tire size does is not the reason for the lower ground clearance in the off-road trim.

[@vineethvarghese848]

Wow😮

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, Where is the hybrid CX-50 we were promised 2 years ago? 🤔

[@drivingsports]

Still waiting on the Mazda diesel we tested… checks notes… 11 years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnacfHd5o9ObiJo

[@Snafu2346]

I'm in the market for a Rav 4 Hybrid, then I heard that the CX50 which seems pretty nice, were making a hybrid variant using Toyota supplied engine, possibly from the Rav4 hybrid, and I'm still waiting. At this point, I will probably just get a Rav 4 hybrid if I can find it.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@drivingsports 😁

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@Snafu2346 I have no inside information but I suspect Toyota is so far behind in hybrid production for themselves that they could not spare the hybrid components promised to Mazda for the CX-50.

[@benjaminjwilson6694]

1:38 I like how they failed to mount the tires correctly.

[@DainLaguna]

When you want to look the part, and not much else. (Honestly smart on Mazdas part, as most cars like this, even the off-road versions, usually don’t do anything worse than brave Starbucks parking lots)

[@oscarchi6502]

Exactly! It amazes me how many people buy jeeps and TRD Pro's that never see dirt, let alone one of these.

[@slandshark]

@@oscarchi6502 True, but I do a lot of offroad in my Subaru Ascent and I don't think I've ever seen another Mazda out there on the forest trails. However, mostly I see jeeeps, TRD Pros, 4runners and an occasional lexus (basically a slightly less capable, but more luxurious 4runner).

[@shrimpu]

With 18" wheels, I am pretty sure you can even go with 235/60 or 225/65 to get some more rubber (and a bit of ground clearance). Wheel wells look roomy enough. I would even test 235/65.

[@RangerRickTV]

So is it really worth 40k?

[@lexal7]

Funny thing is that you placed Subaru forester on to the same issues but raining 😂

[@FuryfistX]

if Mazda makes a Cx-60 or 70 that is 2 row with some better off road capabilities and looks just like this one, i`d buy it %100

[@the_king0749]

Dang chickens want more feed to help spot you. Lol

[@robertmoucha3796]

I always thought TCS should always be off for off-road or when you get stuck in snow. Its only good for highway driving to help with skidding, but it is not for increasing traction when you need it to get out of a jam.

[@drivingsports]

Traction control is how they shift power from wheels that slip to the wheels with grip. It's a fundamental part of the off-road capabilites of this vehicle. In older Mazdas you'd turn it "off" but it wasn't off -- it put it into a "trail" mode.

[@adi7795]

After seeing this review I’m still happy with my RAV4 trail 2019

[@dakotapounds8975]

Dude that vehicle looks amazing

[@huntstyle]

Pretty much between this and the Forester Wilderness, but the Meridian Edition is so not worth the additional cost when the only real benefit is the A/T tires. Much cheaper to just put those on a base trim. The thing with this comparison is, I think the CX-50 is closer to a base Forester, but the Forester is still more capable. So I think I'm pretty settled on getting a Forester Wilderness. I'm waiting to see what happens with the 24 model, whether it's a complete redesign, or perhaps just a cosmetic design to make it look better, because I actually think it's a pretty ugly vehicle, lol.

[@K03sport]

IF you need off-road chops beyond a groomed fire road, the Subaru line of Wilderness is your best bet. or get some mpg back and put A/T tires on a Limited or Touring trim; but then you lose the nicer wheels and contrasting accents...and hood decals

[@huntstyle]

@@K03sport and increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension, higher gear ratio, transmission cooler, skid plate (albeit not a robust one), front-facing camera, waterproof seats, stronger roof rack. The Wilderness is a lot more than decals and A/T tires.

[@waltergartner8784]

Rims🎈

[@oscarchi6502]

@@huntstyle Primitive makes some solid skid plates for these.

[@slandshark]

@@K03sport And if you want the Ascent size of a Subaru it's totally possible to add the 'wilderness' features to it. That's what we did with our 2023 Subaru Ascent. Added the full primitive racing skid plate (front lip, oil/engine, transmission, and rear diff plates). We swapped the wheels/tires for 18" wheels with the 18" Wildpeak A/T tires. Next is adding a better roof rack (Prinsu, so we are replacing the OEM rails) and for less than $400 (bit more if you have someone else do it) you can give it a 2" lift (so 9.7" total clearance) just by replacing the springs with eibach springs (same overall length as oem springs, so all other suspension is basically unaffected, they are just stiffer to give 2" more clearance). But for the price between a wilderness subaru and a off-road mazda...save $7k and get the forester wilderness edition. A far more capable vehicle with more features.

[@szuberi]

Anyone reading this, how would you rate the CX50 Meridian vs. the Outback Wilderness?

[@beaglesinthesun]

Great video, thanks for reaching out to Mazda. I agree with you about everything accept towing capacity. In a SUV of this size/weight/price point, 3500 pounds is pretty standard.

[@letsgo_inc]

Considering how polarizing the CVT is in Subaru offerings, Mazda should just copy feature for feature every trim level of the Outback/Forester. Create the automatic equipped Outback clone and profit.

[@bosnianaviation5531]

My friend imported that car from the US to Azerbaijan. She's happy. She'll get CX90 as well.

[@tlr-nut7275]

Should of got it from Canada instead. The Meridian package come fully loaded in Canada.

[@bosnianaviation5531]

@@tlr-nut7275 Wow Good. She didn't know.

[@ryzen397]

I like it

[@Brotherhood676]

A lot of misses on this trim but it's Mazdas first dabble in this segment. I think they're trying to see if their customers will spring for this type of vehicle before dumping money into skid plates/modes etc...but the problem is the overall market has already shown the number and interest in this type of vehicle

[@arctkos]

Skid plates are a very inexpensive upgrade. Boost the engine for more horsepower to 265 and that would be a smart move.

[@arctkos]

Almost a perfect SUV. Just add skid plates, raise the suspension to 8.8, replace or majorly overhaul the infotainment system, add sand/mud mode. Then Mazda hits a home run. It is a highly rated vehicle for safety and it looks good. 300 horsepower would be absolutely perfect.

[@blakespower]

how would you get glare off the front end anyway? the angle of the sun is impossible since the front end slopes down away from the driver, the black patch is just a gimmick, because if the angle was that low the sun would be in your eyes anyway

[@jimleimkuehler9532]

Would love to see a Nissan Rogue on your off road course