Test Drive Gallery: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus | The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive

2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus in Polymetal Grey (a $395 colour possibility)

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD

Class: Compact Crossover

Miles pushed: 617

Gas used: 25.2 gallons

CG Report Card


Room and Consolation	B+
Energy and Efficiency	B+
Match and End	B+
Gas Financial system	B
Worth	B-

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.

Massive & Tall Consolation

Massive Man	B
Tall Man	B

Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	227-horsepower 2.5L
Engine Kind	Turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission	6-speed Computerized
Drive Wheels	AWD

Actual-world gas financial system: 23.4 mpg

Driving combine: 55% metropolis, 45% freeway

EPA-estimated gas financial system: 23/29/25 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Gas sort: Common fuel

Base value: $38,700 (not together with $1125 vacation spot cost)

Choices on check car: Particular paint ($395)

Worth as examined: $43,170

Fast Hits

The nice: Stylish cabin, loads of energy

The nice: Enjoyable to drive character, respectable gas financial system, choice to function on regular-grade gas

The not so good:Knob-centric infotainment system trails competitors in ease of operation, Premium Plus trim stage dear for a mainstream-brand small crossover

Extra Q3 value and availability info

CG Says:

Mazda’s new-for-2023 CX-50 represents a noteworthy growth in focus for the model. Historically, Mazda automobiles have been primarily tuned for on-road driving dynamics, however the CX-50 is extra overtly aimed toward off-road driving and active-lifestyle adventures than any Mazda in latest reminiscence. Mazda says it’s “purpose-built for outside lovers.” Considerably, the CX-50 goals to ship enhanced all-terrain capabilities with out compromising the partaking on-road driving character that’s Mazda’s stock-in-trade. Contemplating that even probably the most lively outside adventurers will spend nearly all of their seat time on paved roads, this can be a logical path for the CX-50 to comply with.

There’s nothing particularly new underneath the CX-50’s hood… at the very least not but. It debuts with Mazda’s acquainted 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in both naturally aspirated or turbocharged kind. The one transmission selection is a 6-speed computerized, and it pairs with normal “i-ACTIV” all-wheel drive. The naturally aspirated engine is rated at 187 horsepower, whereas the turbo receives a 227-hp ranking (which will increase to 256 hp on 93-octane premium-grade gasoline). Mazda says electrified variations of the CX-50, together with a standard hybrid mannequin, will probably be added sooner or later.

The CX-50 is on the market in an incredible 9 trim ranges, the highest three of which include the more-potent turbocharged engine. We hung out with the top-trim 2.5 S Premium Plus, with comes absolutely loaded, leaving buyers to determined solely on colour and dealer-installed equipment.

On the street our solely disappointment comes within the type of some throb from the engine and an obtuse infotainment interface that actually angers members of our employees. Fact be instructed, the CX-50 management techniques is straightforward sufficient to acclimate to, however requires far too many steps—and urgent down and knob turning—to carry out what ought to be easy duties.

The CX-50 cabin, particularly in increased trim ranges, is a cultured affair, and aligns properly with Mazda’s acknowledged plan to take the model upscale. Although no sports activities automotive, the ’50 handles nicely, and the turbocharged engine offers loads of energy, although sounds slightly coarse doing so. You may learn our authentic evaluate of the CX-50 right here.

We don’t suppose the image of the CX-50 as an active-lifestyle accent extension of the Mazda model has developed absolutely but, however our check car proved able to dealing with average off-road challenges on its all-season tires. Pricing on the prime finish clearly falls according to Mazda’s aforementioned aspirations as a premium model, however total the CX-50 is a really fascinating addition to the compact SUV class—whether or not you’re driving on-road or off-road.

Extra Mazda information and opinions

Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus

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