If the market has taught us something these previous couple of many years or so, it’s that there can by no means be sufficient SUV and crossovers. Regardless of already having a number of fashions in its vary together with the compact-sized CX-30, the electrical MX-30 and naturally, the CX-5 (to not point out the mid-size CX-9), Mazda churned out one more compact SUV known as the CX-50, which it began creating some 4 years in the past.
Whereas falling in the identical section because the CX-5 that’s Mazda’s greatest promoting automobile in North America proper now, the brand new CX-50 has a barely larger footprint, it appears butchier and guarantees to match these appears with elevated off-road capabilities versus its cousin. It additionally marks Mazda’s return to U.S. manufacturing.
With the CX-50 about to go on sale in North America, we have been invited to drive the brand new SUV in each manner that Mazda expects prospects to, on-road, off-road, and whereas towing. Right here’s all the things that we beloved, some stuff that wasn’t so nice, and the place we predict the most recent product from Mazda suits in.
Fast Information
› Mannequin: 2.5
› Worth vary: $26,800 to to $36,400
› Dimensions: 185.8 in (4,719 mm) L x 75.6 in (1,920 mm) W x 63.5–63.9 in (1,613–1,623 mm) H
› Wheelbase: 110.8 in (2,814 mm)
› Energy: 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft (252 Nm) of torque
› On Sale: March 2022
› Mannequin: 2.5 Turbo
› Worth vary: $36,400 to to $41,550
› Dimensions: 185.8 in (4,719 mm) L x 75.6 in (1,920 mm) W x 63.5–63.9 in (1,613–1,623 mm) H
› Wheelbase: 110.8 in (2,814 mm)
› Energy: 256 hp and 320 lb-ft (433 Nm) of torque
› On Sale: March 2022
America First
The CX-50 is not like the overwhelming majority of the Mazda lineup as a result of it was particularly designed for North America. In actual fact, it’s their first mannequin to roll off the road of Toyota and Mazda’s new three way partnership plant in Huntsville, Alabama that additionally produces the similarly-sized 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. Mazda hopes that it’s going to carry a strong and difficult presence. To that finish, they’ve squared the physique off greater than different fashions, added aggressive design thrives, and even included vast fender flares in order that the tires can stick out a bit additional than on the CX-5.
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Pricing for the CX-50 begins at $26,800 and with a complete of 10 totally different trims, it will possibly climb as much as $41,550 or extra in case you begin ticking choice packing containers. Every one among them will get a slew of normal options you’d anticipate for a automobile on this class like all-wheel-drive, an off-road mode, and a brand new function known as GVC which we’ll dig into slightly later.
Inside Particulars And Styling
Like nearly each different Mazda on sale as we speak, the CX-50 continues a development of punching above its weight class with regard to a matured inside design. Easy class is an underrated high quality and Mazda pulls it off superbly. There’s an actual cohesion of design that flows from the driving force’s cockpit to each door panels after which again into the rear seating space.
That rear seating space is fairly spacious too and the vast fenders play a job in that by permitting the wheels to sit down additional aside. For me, headroom was slightly missing however the overwhelming majority of oldsters gained’t have that concern. Legroom was a stable win too with a number of inches between my knees and the seat forward of me. Cargo area is above common too with extra depth than width. The panoramic sunroof on our take a look at automotive is one other first for Mazda. With it open and the home windows down, it feels virtually like a convertible SUV because the solar shines down into the cabin.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows although. The entrance seats aren’t wildly comfy or supportive. From about my shoulder blades up, there was no assist because the seats lean again too removed from the center part up. There was no adjustment I discovered that fastened that. As well as, the entrance bolster assist wasn’t very supportive even in its highest setting. I questioned if these gripes needed to do with my peak (6’6) however after speaking to many others of assorted heights, comparable complaints have been discovered.
The local weather management needed to work fairly onerous to maintain the automotive cool throughout a sunny 85-degree Californian day. I spent perhaps 10 minutes with it in its highest setting to achieve my desired 72-degree temperature. The ventilated (and heated) seats did a terrific job although. We do surprise how properly a few of the supplies will maintain up over time. The buttons and switches had extra play in them than their pseudo-luxury look suggests and whereas the upholstery and different supplies look good, they really feel like the kind of stuff that gained’t look or really feel almost pretty much as good in 10 years’ time.
CX-50 Know-how
Mazda has match each CX-50 apart from the bottom trim with an enormous vast 10.25-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The bottom model will get an 8.8-inch unit that’s very shiny and even in direct daylight was simple to see. When not using Android or Apple programs, the interface is completely managed with a dial and buttons within the middle console. Whereas which may sound archaic, it’s truly very intuitive and simple to make use of after little or no observe.
Most CX-50s will include eight audio system however the automotive we examined had a premium Bose sound system with 12 audio system and a few cool audio know-how that might each change quantity mechanically based mostly on street noise, and may present a extra surround-sound expertise. So far as automotive audio programs go it’s above common and has good depth, bass, and readability.
Once more, although, there are some points. For one, the wi-fi charging pad required my telephone with no case to be in such a exact location (inside a few millimeters) on it that I principally stop utilizing it. There aren’t any USB-C ports or a household-style outlet wherever both which looks like an enormous miss for an SUV that’s imagined to be nice for the outside.
As well as, whereas I applaud Mazda’s need to maintain drivers as protected as potential, persevering with to carry out touchscreen functionality at this level feels doltish. As soon as Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is activated the display screen is contact suitable so why not simply enable it to be on a regular basis? The tech is already there, simply allow it already for drivers that wish to use it.
What Mazda does provide is a full suite of superior driver help applied sciences that work properly for essentially the most half. The lane-keep help isn’t overly intrusive however can’t be turned off as simply as we’d like. Past that, the opposite programs are completely wonderful. Adaptive cruise works brilliantly and may cease and go with out concern. These options in addition to blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning come customary on each trim.
Driving Impressions
Two totally different engines can be found on the CX-50. The bottom is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The mannequin we drove makes use of the stronger turbocharged model of that engine which makes 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Each ship energy to all 4 wheels by means of a six-speed computerized transmission.
Why did Mazda follow a six-speed autobox as a substitute of a extra standard eight, 9, or 10-speed? Properly, the automaker says that it permits them to be in the correct gear extra typically, part of its Jinba Ittai mindset with regard to constructing all of its merchandise. That phrase straight refers back to the connection between a horse and its rider and the way tactile suggestions is the primary technique of communication between the 2.
Mazda went so far as to measure {the electrical} sign given off by the driving force’s calf muscle mass throughout testing in an intention to achieve perception into easy methods to make the CX-50 really feel extra pure to drive. Did it repay? Typically sure and generally no however to essentially outline it, let’s break it down into the several types of driving that CX-50 drivers are more than likely to do.
On-Highway
As Mazda accurately factors out, most individuals searching for a soft-roading form of automobile will do 90 p.c or extra of their driving on the street to get to their vacation spot earlier than going a far shorter distance off-road. With respect to that, Mazda didn’t wish to compromise on-road really feel for excessive off-road functionality and we are able to verify that they achieved that aim. The CX-50 is an efficient driver’s automotive total and sports activities regular all-season road tires. It handles properly above common and to listen to Mazda inform it, a substantial amount of that has to do with a brand new know-how known as GVC Plus or G-Vectoring Management.
Completely totally different from torque vectoring, GVC is a system that detects cornering after which very barely shifts weight onto the entrance tires by dropping a non-detectable quantity of energy to the engine. That slight shift of weight onto the entrance tires permits the rubber to get a greater chew which in flip supplies higher suggestions and extra confidence-inspiring efficiency. Mazda has equally tuned the AWD system to separate torque in the easiest way for the second it’s wanted.
When getting into a nook, the CX-50 de-couples the rear wheels to the utmost extent permitting for higher turn-in, after which provides energy again in after the apex. Once more, all of that is imagined to be undetectable however the one factor we are able to guarantee you of is that this SUV carves corners extremely properly. Sport mode makes that much more gratifying because of sharper steering and extra aggressive shift factors.
That’s to not say that it is a excellent automotive on street although because the cabin allowed in fairly a bit extra street noise than we anticipated it will. Although not a scientific take a look at by any means, the decibel reader on three totally different purposes on my telephone by no means learn lower than 60 whereas the automobile was in movement and infrequently blipped up over 70. Poor street situations meant sharp and comparatively loud impacts might be heard and felt within the cabin, although the suspension made certain that they didn’t have an enduring impact on experience high quality.
Lastly, not having pushed the bottom engine we are able to’t make certain how it will really feel however we think about it’ll appear underpowered to most drivers. The turbocharged engine in our take a look at automotive was greater than satisfactory however the preliminary take-off felt slightly delayed and the transmission does want a second to swap cogs into the right gear. Lastly, even in Sport mode, the CX-50 gained’t rev to the redline. For that, it’s worthwhile to flip the traction management off and shift it manually. We suspect that has one thing to do with the pretty smallish turbo that feels prefer it’s operating out of steam close to the highest of its 6,300 RPM redline.
Towing
New for Mazda and the CX-50 is a Tow Mode which mechanically takes the place of Sport Mode when a trailer is detected by the onboard laptop. To place it merely, the system works properly. As a substitute of attempting to really feel like a distinct automobile, Mazda has taken the method that every mode is designed for a particular kind of setting and the aim is to make the automotive drive equally whatever the floor or setting that it’s on or in. Within the case of towing, Mazda turns up the GVC so as to add extra steering really feel whereas additionally altering shift factors to permit for higher towing functionality. It does certainly really feel higher than attempting to do the identical job in Regular mode; it requires much less steering enter and offers you extra confidence on the street too.
Off-Highway
In my eyes, that is the place the CX-50 actually shines. Plenty of automobiles as we speak can deal with properly whereas additionally hauling 5 individuals in consolation with all of their gear within the again. I’m unsure I can confidently identify one other one that may additionally go off-road like this one for the cash Mazda is asking for. To check the CX-50, Mazda despatched us to a working cattle ranch that featured numerous off-road trails throughout its huge expanse.
First, they put us on a winding autocross model course and instructed us to do our greatest to drive the entire thing at 30 mph. No lifting within the corners, no braking, and no accelerating on the straights. Adhering to these guidelines proved more durable for me than the course did for the CX-50. Regardless of dips, off-camber corners, and massive ruts on one facet or the opposite of the observe, the SUV did a wonderful job of sustaining traction. Mazda additionally allow us to check out the identical course in Regular and Sport mode. The previous required extra steering enter than in Off-Highway mode and the latter produced honest slides and the one time in your complete drive that reverse lock steering was required to maintain me on observe.
Final, they despatched us to a bit of the ranch with enormous steep climbs, descents, and some hills that have been so off-camber and slanted that I may look out of the passenger window and see the bottom to my proper. It’s right here the place I started to understand simply how good the CX-50 truly is at getting soiled. A number of occasions throughout the course the nostril of the automotive can be pointed to this point up into the stratosphere that we couldn’t see the bottom forward of us.
In these moments, Mazda instructed us to make use of the entrance digicam to get a greater view. That labored properly till one of many tires was picked up off of the bottom, spun at over 10 mph, and subsequently triggered the ‘off’ setting on the digicam. Maybe that must be reprogrammed. That occurred typically and whereas it’s no enjoyable dropping the digicam, it highlights a few attention-grabbing info in regards to the CX-50.
The suspension doesn’t have a lot journey, which is one cause it finally ends up tri-poding so typically on trails just like the one we drove. For severe off-roaders that’s annoying however fortunately, Mazda has a trick up its sleeve. When the CX-50 detects that wheel slip, traction management mechanically brakes that wheel after which sends energy throughout the axle to get the automotive shifting. As well as, the traction management prioritizes acceleration over minimizing wheelspin so the protection system gained’t cease ahead progress even when a lot of it’s the product of wheelspin.
In consequence, the CX-50 is kind of the succesful off-roader contemplating that it’s nonetheless a front-wheel drive-biased crossover with road tires on it. It had no actual bother getting up or happening any of the obstacles we encountered and to me, that’s saying one thing. At one level on the off-road course, I sincerely questioned if I had someway managed to get off of the observe as a result of the hills appeared like they could be an excessive amount of for the Mazda. Because it seems, none of them have been.
The Verdict
Bundle | Beginning MSRP |
---|---|
CX-50 2.5 S | $26,800 |
CX-50 2.5 S Choose | $28,200 |
CX-50 2.5 S Most well-liked | $29,500 |
CX-50 2.5 S Most well-liked Plus | $31,940 |
CX-50 2.5 S Premium | $34,400 |
CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus | $36,400 |
CX-50 2.5 Turbo | $36,400 |
CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium | $39,550 |
CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $41,550 |
Confidence-inspiring is probably the very best phrase to explain the CX-50. It’s not a tour-de-force of know-how, consolation, or gas financial system however that’s not what it’s attempting to be anyway. It’s extra in regards to the driving than any of that stuff. I don’t have a variety of towing or off-road expertise beneath my belt and it appears that evidently Mazda’s goal demographic is individuals in the identical footwear. For them, the CX-50 ought to show to provide them the boldness they should actually take pleasure in driving this SUV at velocity, or with a trailer filled with stuff, and even up and down some steep off-road trails. For these searching for a well-balanced automobile that may go manner off-road after which get them again safely, the CX-50 could be the gateway to the Nice Outdoor that they’re searching for.
As for the opposite similarly-sized SUV in Mazda’s vary that can clearly be cross-shopped in showrooms, the CX-5, the CX-50 is slightly bigger, extra rugged and a bit extra off-road centered, however it’s additionally slightly costlier.