Examination Drive Gallery: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus

2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus

in Polymetal Gray(a$395 shade alternative)
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD Class: Compact Crossover Miles driven:
617 Gas made use of: 25.2 gallons CG Report Card Room as well as Comfort B + Power and also Performance B + Fit and also Finish B + Fuel Economy B Worth B-Report-card qualities are derived from a consensus of test-driver assessments. All qualities are versus various other lorries in the very same class. Value quality is for certain trim degree examined, and also might not mirror Consumer Guide’s perceptions of the whole model lineup. Big & & Tall Comfort Huge Guy B Tall Guy B Big & & Tall comfort scores are for front seats only. “Big” ranking based upon male tester considering roughly 350 extra pounds, “Tall” score based on 6’6″-high male tester. Drivetrain Engine Specs 227-horsepower 2.5 L Engine Type Turbo 4-cylinder Transmission 6-speed Automatic Drive Wheels AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 23.4 mpg

Driving mix: 55% city, 45% freeway

EPA-estimated fuel economic climate: 23/29/25 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel kind: Regular gas

Base price: $38,700 (not including $1125 destination charge)

Options on examination lorry: Special paint ($395)

Price as evaluated: $43,170

Quick Hits

The excellent: Classy cabin, plenty of power

The great: Fun to drive personality, good fuel economy, option to operate on regular-grade gas

The not so good: Knob-centric infotainment system trails competitors in ease of procedure, Premium Plus trim degree pricey for a mainstream-brand tiny crossover

A lot more Q3 rate as well as accessibility information

CG Says:

Mazda’s new-for-2023 CX-50 represents a notable development in focus for the brand name. Typically, Mazda lorries have been primarily tuned for on-road driving dynamics, however the CX-50 is a lot more overtly aimed at off-road driving and also active-lifestyle experiences than any kind of Mazda in current memory. Mazda says it’s “purpose-built for exterior enthusiasts.” Substantially, the CX-50 aims to supply boosted all-terrain abilities without endangering the appealing on-road driving character that is Mazda’s stock-in-trade. Thinking about that also the most active exterior adventurers will invest most of their seat time on smooth roadways, this is a rational path for the CX-50 to comply with.

There’s absolutely nothing specifically brand-new under the CX-50’s hood … at least not yet. It debuts with Mazda’s familiar 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in either normally aspirated or turbocharged type. The only transmission selection is a 6-speed automatic, as well as it pairs with conventional “i-ACTIV” four-wheel drive. The normally aspirated engine is rated at 187 horse power, while the turbo gets a 227-hp rating (which boosts to 256 hp on 93-octane premium-grade fuel). Mazda claims energized variations of the CX-50, including a conventional crossbreed model, will certainly be added in the future.

The CX-50 is available in an impressive nine trim levels, the top 3 of which come with the more-potent turbocharged engine. We spent time with the top-trim 2.5 S Premium Plus, with comes completely filled, leaving consumers to determined only on shade and dealer-installed accessories.

When traveling our only dissatisfaction is available in the kind of some throb from the engine and an obtuse infomercial user interface that literally agitates members of our staff. Truth be told, the CX-50 control systems is easy sufficient to acclimate to, however requires much way too many steps– and also weighing down and also knob turning– to do what ought to be straightforward jobs.

The CX-50 cabin, especially in greater trim levels, is an elegant event, as well as aligns nicely with Mazda’s mentioned plan to take the brand upscale. No sports vehicle, the ’50 takes care of well, and the turbocharged engine supplies lots of power, though sounds a little coarse doing so. You can review our initial review of the CX-50 here.

We do not think the image of the CX-50 as an active-lifestyle device expansion of the Mazda brand has established completely yet, yet our test car proved capable of managing moderate off-road difficulties on its all-season tires. Rates at the top end plainly falls in line with Mazda’s aforementioned goals as a premium brand name, but generally the CX-50 is a very desirable enhancement to the compact SUV class– whether you’re driving on-road or off-road.

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First Spin: 2023 Mazda CX-50 2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus Car Stuff Podcast Written by: The Daily Drive team on October 3, 2022.