The Biggest Off-Road Surprise Of The Year! Mazda CX-50 Off-Road & Slip Test

( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! We're back with another TFL slip test, and this time Tommy puts Mazda's CX-50 through the rollers and The Trenches of the onX Offroad Course to see if it's a better off-roader than the old CX-5 and the new Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V!
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#mazda #SUV #review
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Front Wheel Slip Test
1:10 A Look Underneath the Mazda CX-50
3:02 Diagonal Slip Test
3:44 Interior Review
6:15 Three Wheel Slip Test: Part 1 (left front tire on the ground)
7:06 What about the back seat?
8:25 Three Wheel Slip Test: Part 2 (left rear tire on the ground)
10:08 The Trenches - Off-Road Review
13:05 Final Thoughts

[@shadowguma]

Everyone complains about lack of touchscreen control and having to use the control knob, but honestly prefer it. I no longer have to lean forward and take my eyes off the road as much, i can comfortably sit back use the controls. It takes maybe a day to get used to

[@Balanceunlimitedinfinite]

When you are in the apple car play interface the touch screen is enabled

[@1978Vtold]

Thats the whole point of this design. Stay focused on the road.

[@BadKittyNoMilk]

I like the no touch screen I just don’t like where the controllers have to be. If I set my bag/purse in that area to search for something, and forget about the city trailers. I’ll hit a button and screw stuff up. The ateering wheel also has some controllers. If I had the option to turn off the controls in the center, that’d be cool.

[@marksgoogle4360]

No nav though

[@shadowguma]

@@marksgoogle4360 what do you mean? I use waze everyday

[@Nikiaf]

I'm genuinely impressed by how well this thing handled the off-road conditions, and on all season tires! On off-road tires, or even just winter tires, this thing would be incredibly competent in northern climates. Good job Mazda!

[@multivisao]

How well?! 😅😅😅 were we watching the same video ?! lol I saw the Bronco Sport going through that same obstacle and it was just painless.

[@JoseDiaz-qw7mg]

in the snow with all season tires?@@multivisao

[@matriximaster]

Everything aside from a sports car does just fin off-road. I have driven front wheel drive station wagons for days off-roading. 100 years ago people took Ford Model A's and T's off road. The obsession with technology applied to basic mechanics is crazy. The entire planet was explored without tires.

[@ldmtag]

​@@matriximaster cars've got heavier, they now handle much better on road than ever before. Tricks like narrow tires for less resistance and frame flexing combined with a silngle horizontal leaf spring solid axle for better articulation no longer work. Cars used to be ok off road, they no longer are. The whole idea of technology is to compensate for cars being designed for smooth roads and to allow driver to make mistakes. And it's not basic mechanics, stuff's complicated, most people can't even understand how open differential works.

[@Eelgnotsa]

Nice to know that the off-road system the four-wheel-drive system is not gimmicky it does work. one of the wheel was in the air and it’s still pulled through.

[@patricklinkous]

TFL gets a fancy lift. Tommy points with a broom. 😂

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

At least it's a fancy broom

[@cartopia6161]

Tommy needs something else to point with. It looks like he might have been cleaning the garage floor when someone asked him to do an under car review. 🤣

[@AutoXerWgn610]

He should get one of those finger pointers they use in Best Motoring videos 😂

[@shitloveaduck]

A busted axe handle,,, make them look tougher and more like truck guys!! 😂😂😂.i have a couple kicking around here! 😊

[@blueman5924]

must have had the laser pointer swiped by the barn cat. 😂

[@markrandio5462]

Got 10k miles on my 23 CX-50. It’s a great car and love the infotainment. Give it a chance and it’ll become an extension of you.

[@rayavlogs]

Mine 2023 nd 30k completed in 1 yr ❤

[@onlyrog5]

Much more space than the CX-5?

[@hguillen2777]

​@@onlyrog5 I would say it is about the same or slightly less. Even though the CX50 is wider and longer, it is mostly for the looks, it is not more spacious inside.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@hguillen2777 it feels bigger to me n some respects. Even though the roofline is lower. The windshield is very wide.

[@uploadtime1780]

Roofline height is low for taller people

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Mazda's look so sharp and elegant. Nice job on the testing!

[@APhoenixWithin]

So excited you guys finally threw the CX-50 at this test. This is exactly the kind of coverage/review that has been missing. Would love to see it with better tires!

[@Parker53151]

Now that you’ve got a lift in order to compete with Savagegeese, the ‘Geese boys will have to get a broom handle. This is a clear escalation of the car review wars.

[@samthecarguy1143]

As an owner of a 2023 Cx-50 Turbo Premium Plus I have to say, the 20” all season tires were impressive to me with their capabilities. I have since swapped mine out for a set of 18” RX-8 wheels with fallen all terrain tires, the same kind on the Meridian, and it’s a night and day difference with the added grip of the all terrain tires. Have 44k miles on mine and I take it down trails rather often. Nothing super crazy, but enough to get it articulated occasionally and definitely get to play in a lot of mud 😂

[@Stuka87]

I really like the way this car looks. Mazda design language is just so good.

[@Eelgnotsa]

The interiors of fabulous I just like being in those cars I don’t mind even traffic and the music. The Bose systems are always fabulous. Too nice place to take a drive. In

[@kylefowler5082]

Excellent videos guys. These reviews and tests are really helpful, please keep making them. I am shopping for a compact AWD crossover and this video showed me that the Mazda CX-50 should be on the list!

[@christianbryant5617]

If you’re looking for a more premium offering I’d consider this and Lexus from Japan, or something like an awd X3 or Jeep. Just a suggestion. But fair warning, all of these cars except Lexus have hefty repair costs

[@chrisb9478]

If we had to trade our Outback XT Touring for a different car, I’d get one of these.

[@pingpongballz5998]

You might have to someday, when your CVT gives out.😊

[@zacharygoeden1282]

@@pingpongballz5998might go out before gta 6

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

@@pingpongballz5998 umm except that WON"T happen

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

@@zacharygoeden1282so never?

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@user-tg8do2kr4v it will. Like other Subaru owners

[@yissibiiyte]

Like with lots of crossovers nowadays , this Mazda seems to have a surprisingly good AWD system that is undermined by having bad ground clearance and angles

[@phild9813]

Yeah I have thought about that. I think it’s just an easy thing to do on AWD cars now due to advances in electronically controlled traction. Used to be the only thing electronics would do is get you stuck. To me, it really says something not so good when a manufacturer of a true 4x4 doesn’t have a good system for off road, might be kind of embarrassing.

[@KarthikVishwamitra]

That's by design because no one actually goes off-road in their Mazda, Honda, or even Bronco. These systems are mainly set up for safety in bad weather conditions, not "real" off-roading. Better approach and departure angles generally mean worse aerodynamics and therefore worse fuel economy or interior noise. Extra ground clearance naturally makes handling worse, so it's in manufacturer's best interests to keep it as low as practical, while still maintaining some improvement over sedans.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

@@KarthikVishwamitra I think that's the point here. These are vehicles meant to handle snowy/rainy weather and a decently maintained dirt/gravel road/trail, not tackling overland duties during a spring thaw. 8.3 or 8.6 inches of ground clearance (depending on trim) is right in line with it's competition (Subaru Outback 8.7 inches, RAV4 8-8.4 inches, etc).

[@tarfeef101]

​@@KarthikVishwamitraat the same time I bought a Jeep compass because it does have better angles, and I get my value out of those all the time. Lots of water bars out where I am that crunch bumpers like there's no tomorrow

[@BlakeParker15]

I drive a 2016 mazda cx-5 with AWD and I've taken it off-roading multiple times. It's really capable!

[@christophercassidy1075]

Also a great video looking underneath the video and explaining everything we are looking at , great video, thank you guys, Have a Blessed Day!

[@G_dan]

The Cx 50 looks so good. I'm seeing more of them on the road nowadays and they are arguably the best looking cars in their class.

[@Bwil24]

Would love to see you guys do an AWD comparison test between the cx-50 and cx-5

[@MrLeeCasas]

Even with those tires it was able to achieve those articulation angles, just imagine how much easier it would be with a more aggressive tire.

[@itschickenlittle1409]

Very impressed 👏🏼 now to see that new Meridian Edition CX-50 be put to the test 🔥

[@greggesaman535]

Really impressive results in really difficult conditions. Nice job all around on this vehicle Mazda!

[@lisahoogvliet]

I am impressed, especially with those OEM all seasons! I traded my 21 CX30 TPP in December for a 24 CX50 TPP. I put 3,286 miles on her before I switched out the tires to the Falken Wildpeak AT Trails, which are the same tires that come on the Meridian Edition. I kept the OEM 20" wheels but went to a 50 series sidewall instead of the 45. I am definitely not rock crawling and doing any crazy rough off roading, but I would like to take on some easy trails and camping and feel this tire will be excellent.

[@hovojefe]

Mazda's AWD systems are just downright amazing. I'm a snowplow driver, and I've driven my AWD mazda3 through countless blizzards, and never has she let me down or gotten stuck.

[@MercOne]

Really good looking inside and out. Stellar product from Mazda.

[@bradishee8666]

My son has a Mazda 6 , and it’s one of the best cars we ever owned. VERY good quality and fun to drive.

[@natewhitbey4615]

Would’ve love to see you guys test the off-road model of the Cx-50 with the better tires. Still great video though! Been waiting for this one!

[@bloodgirl4]

I love my 23' PFP CX-50 =D It's so much fun to drive. I have actually never touched the screen, and feel zero need to with the command switch on the console.

[@freerider604]

Excellent video boys!

[@trailrunnah8886]

Very impressive! I'll say that this did better than the 80 series.

[@yotasavage]

Mazda I do believe has one of the best looking compact SUV out there.

[@jonsilver5833]

Great test I have a CX5 and like the CX50 better now

[@TheCarterMan]

Great video. Can you do a slip test with Andre’s Trail Boss? I don’t think anyone has done that yet

[@creativenatureadventures9338]

Just traded my Mazda 3 with 182000 miles for a base CX 50. LOVE it. Hopefully in a couple years I can upgrade to the hybrid version!

[@neiljuedes1661]

There is a lot of advertising for Mazda as of late and I hope it lives up to the hype because we need a good vehicle to hit the market.

[@XDMIIIIIIIII]

If I were to get a non premium brand crossover in this segment I'd probably get this

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I love my CX 50, I just don’t have the turbo🤪. Still, not a bad ride!

[@phild9813]

Mazda really seems to make pretty good cars across the board. I think they have some of the best looks in the industry too.

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

Except this IS premium, if you want something generic get a kia or hyundie lol

[@audiophanatic4331]

You won’t think that after you drive one. The cx50 is so unrefined. Drive a CX5 and you’ll want that instead.

[@vindictiv6880]

​@@audiophanatic4331that's just your opinion. I test drove both and it's false. The only thing that people could complain about the Cx-50 was how the steering wheel is more sporty thus much more precise while also communicating to the driver. This makes it so grandpas and grandmas with feeble arm strength will complain about it because it's harder to turn than a typical SUV but nowhere near as hard as whiners make it sound like.

[@christophercassidy1075]

Mazda makes a great vehicles, thanks for sharing some videos on them, Have a Blessed Day!

[@Asweatyhog]

Looking forward to the hybrid!

[@TankBYU]

Hi Tommy, on another video I watched they put it in off road mode and also turned OFF traction control to get more grip. You should try that for the last slip test. I know it seems counterintuitive but it worked for them.

[@potentatewags]

Love the cx50, but it and Mazda in general just needs to give a little more space in the second rows.

[@BlakeParker15]

They have larger SUVs too, the CX-5 and CX-90.

[@potentatewags]

@@BlakeParker15 haven't tried the 90, but the 5 has less space than the CX50 other than slightly more headroom.

[@BlakeParker15]

@@potentatewags the CX-5 and CX50 are comparable in terms of interior space. The CX50 is a little bit wider though.

[@potentatewags]

@@BlakeParker15 50 has more shoulder and leg room. 5 has more headroom, but they are pretty close.

[@charlesmosley3381]

They answered your prayer with the new cx70

[@EvilEinsteinAmerica]

And the paint looks great too!

[@shitloveaduck]

These conditions could be challenging WITH more aggressive tires. That was basically slop!!! I’m impressed. Lots of family members are looking at replacing their CX5s with the CX50 and this showed ALOT of capabilities (for a car based CUV) to get through. Take a regular 4x4 truck with open differentials front & rear and you may not do as well. Still a lot lik3 that on the lots, even as 2024 models. Traction control, obviously here, has changed the game, but,,,,

[@jonascampelo871]

Amazing results for road tyres!

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

TIRES****** NOT tYrEs

[@brytonmunro5270]

@@user-tg8do2kr4vtyres is the British English spelling. “Tires” is American English. If anything, American English is wrong. So lessen your belittling “greater than thou” attitude.

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

@@brytonmunro5270 No the Brits got it wrong, more people spell it the right way "tire", so you are incorrect.

[@kubi0461]

I'm quite impressed, enough to at least check out a cx-50 before deciding what to get once my current lease is up in a year. I'm still not sure I would like the ride style or low roof line though but I do quite like the design of the cx-50 both inside and out.

[@erikchristopherson9700]

Definitely worth checking out! You may not like the handling, or roof height like you said, but it may surprise you.

[@AK-bw8xk]

I bought the 2023 Meridian new. It has the snow stamp on the tires it handled a Mammoth blizzard up and down to Bishop 395 every night. Its just not a 'off road' vehicle. Sick powder days but anyway nothing beats 4WD with lockers.

[@Eelgnotsa]

I’ve been reading a lot of reviews on these Mazdas from the MX five to the X9 and the CX 50 and it seems people just love these vehicles nothing but good things to say about them I’ve been reading

[@kalawrence9]

I have that same Kuhl jacket and I am shopping for a new CX-50/CX-5 this weekend. This feels like destiny.

[@johnlogan6212]

Thanks , go Tommy.

[@trmpgod9976]

WHEN I WAS A VOLVO MANUFACTURER TEST DRIVER WHEN FORD OWNED THEM AND THE REST OF THE PREMIUM GROUP, THE AWD VOLVO'S WERE ABSOLUTELY SUPERIOR ON THE THREE WHEEL SLIP TEST. ONE WHEEL WOULD DRIVE YOU OFF THE ROLLERS ALMOST INSTANTLY. I THINK THERE SYSTEM WAS HALDEX.

[@evanhaas3337]

Ready for the Meridian Edition!

[@Stinger430]

Nice Omega MoonSwatch Tommy!

[@bcomingCanNoy]

Hi Tommy in that category which SUV compact would you prefer.pls give advice bro👍

[@alta6846]

nice and neat work

[@BadKittyNoMilk]

I’ll be driving in fresh snow tomorrow around 430PM in mine. I think I have to bottom trim. I can’t remember the name of it. It came with the same tires. And the neighborhood I live in doesn’t plow snow daily it’s more like weekly

[@joshc606]

With 320lbft….you don’t need 10 gears haha

[@kens8903]

I’m surprise, y’all didn’t use the Meridian version for this test.

[@JohnDoe-ks4id]

I just traded my Bronco black diamond for the cx50 turbo premium plus and the ride quality is night and day better with the Mazda. Greatest car I ever owned. My 19 cx5 signature previously held this title.

[@shitloveaduck]

Hey Tommy!! You have reached to point where you describe things, like the exhaust for example, so accurately!! Nice review Tommy. Covered all the bases and I was very surprised you didn’t get stuck in those conditions at the trenches. That was one of the worst traction scenarios there are. The Mazda is good, very good, but there’s something to be said about how far your driving skills have improved! Donut short yourself off camera!! I understand the need to ensure it’s the vehicle first that performs ON camera. You and Nathan are truly the best off-road. You are not quite so aggressive as Nathan but are willing to use a lot of the methods Nathan does, as a result you are both right up there, for somewhat different styles!! You are both very smooth as far as throttle application goes. I thing the best thing for your throttle control was to learn how to make the G80 (Eaton Automatic Locking differential) work well!! It’s a must to keep steady throttle on that differential once it is locked so it stays locked. Can’t be tentative on the throttle. I remember one time you were testing the Trail Boss, expressed your dislike for the G80 but by the end of the video you admitted you seemed to have figured that differential out and it wasn’t so bad as you thought!! Showed a lot of objectivity as well. I have watched you for the last 7 or 8 years and you are getting very good! Especially in the videos similar to this one. Spot on good sir!! By the way, I’m generally critical and grumpy, even have been with you where it elicited a response from you, but I have no criticisms today!! 😂😂. Dang,,,,,,. 😊

[@marikabuchberger7392]

Pretty amazing considering the crap tires! Well done!

[@chromedean]

You should try the 3 wheel slip test again with the rear one on the ground but it the rear dif lock button

[@classiccorvettesmusclecars5846]

I’m a Mazda fan, on my 2nd one. What’s disappointing on this one is it has awful annoying stop/start and not built in Japan. There are many complaints online with the CX50 which isn’t shocking as a 1st year model.

[@RCEOLP9]

Yup. I owned a CX-50 for only about 8 months before I decided to get rid of it.

[@josemanuelruiz2036]

Impressive and I like it.

[@charlesnickell7257]

I would love you to do the new jeep wranglers and gladiators on the slip tests

[@josephf2157]

quick question? is the touch screen ONLY when using Apple Car Play? Or, does the touch screen work with Android Auto as well? Tks. in advance.

[@Rubicon-qf3zp]

What traccion tires are best for CX-50 TPP, non Meridian?

[@Tware8100]

I'd live to see a buick encore gx awd slip test

[@works4me]

What is that roller pad test device called that your using at 3:40?

[@Johns1stGarage]

I’ve got a CX50 Meridian. It’s a great little car but if you plan on using the roof accessories I’d skip the panoramic roof, too noisy on the highway.

[@bengaltiger96]

Thank f**k they've made the CarPlay touchscreen active even when driving now. That shit is a pain in the ass with my 2020 model CX-5, especially in Australia where I have to worry about driving on the wrong side of the road.

[@Nathans_Margarita_Salt]

Congrats on the pregnancy Tommy. I have 11 myself 👶

[@PaulTC777]

looks really nice

[@KopiMe]

Thats impressive. The meridian edition will surely make it easier

[@marcindomik8975]

I wish we had it in Europe! Beautiful car!

[@Balanceunlimitedinfinite]

You can get cx60

[@mikeCavalle]

i am interested in how the 20 inch tires affect off road

[@MsFatpigs]

16K into my cx50 and its my fav vehicle I've ever owned so far.

[@SB-ed4gz]

I don’t know why TFL mingled the slip tests and other sections, but it’s nice to have a review of CX-50

[@InstaKane]

Can you do the Nissan Rogue/X trail? E power version?

[@bradschneider6244]

I’d love to see this test done on a Jeep Wrangler with the 4 auto option as was done with the Ford Bronco in the past.

[@dennisl6198]

Wrangler has a 4 auto option? oh wow i looked it up and yes, since 2021 some higher end models have 4 auto... I think all the other jeeps do have full time 4wd mode....

[@blkmoon5596]

SWEET BROOM HANDLE TOMMY! WALKING TALL

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

This demonstrates the difference the tires you get with the car and true snow certified tires make. With all season you have no chance. Living on a mountain, we just use snow tires in the winter in CT or all weather tires which have the snowflake symbol on them. You need AWD and those tires if you want to get home in a snowfall.

[@hemi8321]

I need to see the gmc terrain do this

[@LM-wq4fe]

You need a rear active differential like the Honda system.

[@KPHVAC]

I've been considering the Maxda CX-50 but I'm disappointed with the lower roof line. I was hoping for more space and height for cargo and headroom.

[@cgrocho47]

I have one. It's a bit of a trade-off for the cleaner wagon-ish look. It hasn't been an issue for me.

[@KPHVAC]

@@cgrocho47 I was hoping the CX-50 would be closer in size to the Honda Passport. Like you said it's more of a wagon size and style.

[@yournightmare9999]

Just buy version without sunroof

[@reece758]

@@KPHVACthen buy the CX-90. 🤷🏽‍♂️ or wait for the 70

[@KPHVAC]

@@reece758 Yeah I think I will like the CX-70 when it comes out.

[@machfive916]

The AWD system seems pretty competent.

[@lcann251]

Very impressed. Now let's see a video between this and the Crosstrek in similar conditions and see if this thing can best Subaru's "legendary" awd system

[@bradcomis1066]

That would be an awesome test. Personally I'm torn between the CX50 and the Crosstrek. The CX50 looks so much nicer inside and out, but the Subaru has it beat on drivetrain configuration.

[@lcann251]

@@bradcomis1066 lots of pros and cons. I had a 2014 CX-5 for 9 years. I traded it for a 2021 Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is nowhere near as nice of a vehicle

[@alexanderblackburn4520]

​@lcann251 it's impossible for you to have had a 2014 for 13 years, that isn't how math works at all.

[@lcann251]

@@alexanderblackburn4520 yeah. I'm an idiot. I had it for 9, no idea why my brain decided to type 13. I bought it in early 2013 as a MY14 and traded it January 22. I've edited my comment

[@M_dot202]

I would take a 6 speed over a CVT, especially in lite off roading.

[@evoemperor3776]

2.5 liter engine (broom pointing to car under pan cover🤣)

[@johngalt5411]

Joke right?! Off-roading with 20" rims?! Too funny!

[@smartman123]

this is beautiful car

[@ryancheng473]

this car on red is gorgeous

[@boxiestmedusa6439]

Can you test the cx70?

[@omegalamda3145]

Mazda keeps it simple, turn off the TCS will split the trq 50% to the rear when in snow mode. Mazda used what has been established quite awhile ago TCS with the turn off switch. No need to have X mode or X mode 2. With all the 310# torque Turbo w/ the EGR cooling effect of the SkyActive intake outtake flow cools the Torbo as well as pull all of the heat exhaust evenly. Keeping the Turbo turbo cooler than other engines are able.

[@christianbryant5617]

256 horsepower! And don’t ever put anything but premium in your Mazda. Your wallet will thank you..

[@tomsomers1177]

i hate the new stuff but if i had to buy i would get the top model all season no 18 17 inch with more tire then blizzteck winter tires for me in central wisconsin . Cause i would baby this car for thirty years!!

[@TheConMp]

Nice off road part

[@michaelburton]

Wow! This vehicle is on my short list now for sure 😎. Just add some real tires 🛞

[@AllStars2525]

How would this compare to the new Subaru Forester?

[@yrre7]

Wish cx-90 can look like the bigger size of the cx-50. This looks so much better.

[@juliandavis9711]

CX 70 will be mix between the two

[@jeffreybagg1556]

Pretty Mickey Mouse to use a broom to point! Time to change Tommy 😅

[@downhillskier7]

Mazda replace the tires with Falken Wild Peak AT or something better as tires are the problem

[@wessam486]

Perfect Mazda

[@Kingthin]

Mazda Rocks!!

[@mrjamesryan333]

Why haven’t you done slip test with a JL wrangler?

[@tyler.greene]

I WANT THIS IN THE UK!!!!! Come on MAZDA!!!!!

[@yournightmare9999]

You live in wrong continent

[@tyler.greene]

@@yournightmare9999 I know! Very sad about this!

[@rickmorrow993]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but those wheels don't look like they would survive the potholes in my neighborhood. I wrote this before your snow road test.