Yahoo Autos 2023 Mazda CX-50 Review | 50 really is greater than 5
Pros: Engaging and refined driving experience; luxurious interior; strong turbo engine; good looks
Cons: No hybrid available; infotainment system won't be for everyone
So there’s now a 2023 Mazda CX-50. But there’s still a CX-5. And they’re both compact SUVs that offer the same engines and are only about $1,000 apart. Alrighty, then. So what do you get along with that zero in the name?
Well, although both technically belong to the compact SUV segment, the CX-5 is on the small end, while the CX-50 is one of the bigger offerings. At least on the outside, where the CX-50 measures a considerable 6.7 inches longer and 3.1 inches wider than its sibling, and is an inch higher off the ground. Those don’t really translate to a larger interior – you’ll find back-seat legroom and cargo space virtually the same. Instead, those larger dimensions result in the CX-50 feeling more substantial and refined, and a bit more like a midsize SUV (the Chevy Blazer is broadly comparable). The extra ground clearance also speaks to the CX-50’s more rugged capabilities, which in concert with a unique-for-Mazda Off-Road drive mode, make it more capable of tackling unpaved roads. Basically, it’s better for taking long road trips to outdoorsy vacation spots.
At the same time, the CX-50 is every bit the engaging, driver-focused vehicle to drive as the CX-5 and every other Mazda. It’s also similarly luxurious, boasting elevated materials quality and a tasteful minimalist design aesthetic with a few extra angles here and there to correspond with the CX-50’s slightly more rugged vibe. Downsides? The knob-and-display infotainment system won’t be for everyone, even if Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be operated by touch, and tech offerings in general aren’t as robust as those of some rivals. Mazda also doesn’t offer a hybrid version (though few competitors can match its muscular turbo engine upgrade).
In total, we think the Mazda CX-50 is more appealing than the CX-5, which was already one of our top compact SUVs. Turns out 50 is indeed greater than 5.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2023?
The CX-50 is an all-new model for 2023.
What are the CX-50 interior and in-car technology like?
The interior design is consistent with the rest of the Mazda line, but the blockier, upright air vents add a slightly more muscular vibe consistent with the exterior. Materials quality is similarly elevated, with padded, soft-touch surfaces and high-quality switchgear. Turbo trim levels get soft (and convincing) simulated leather on the dash and doors with contrast stitching in a unique criss-cross pattern. It’ll be hard to find a nicer cabin than this for the money.
All but the base CX-50 comes with a 10.25-inch widescreen display. Most functions, including selecting a radio station, making a Bluetooth phone call or operating the navigation system, are done with the control knob and supporting menu buttons on the center console. This generally works well and helps keep your eyes on the road. However, the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity can be a royal pain to operate with a knob-and-display system, so Mazda now allows those to be operated with touchscreen capability. But only for Apple/Android, nothing else. It’s a decent compromise, but we admit it won’t be for everyone, and it’s also quite the reach to the touchscreen.
Another potential technology shortfall is the gauges. While the central gauge is a screen that can change its design and provide information, it’s inherently small and flanked by analog gauges. We’re traditionalists who like old-fashioned gauges, but we know there’ll be those who’ll like the big, colorful full-width offerings of Kia, Hyundai and Nissan.
How big is the CX-50?
The CX-50 is one of the biggest compact SUVs on the outside, but only an average-sized one inside. Blame, or thank, the longer front end and general proportions intended to prioritize a more visually appealing small SUV. There’s really nothing comparable in the regular compact SUV segment, but the Genesis GV70 comes close in the luxury realm. The Chevy Blazer isn’t too far off, either.
In the end, though, the CX-50 offers plenty of family-friendly legroom – you’ll still find more than a Toyota RAV4, for instance. Cargo space is only a smidge better than the CX-5 at 31.4 cubic-feet, which can manage this much stuff in its cargo area, but that figure still makes it considerably less proficient at hauling stuff than the RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and, well, most compact SUVs at this point. Also, despite the CX-50’s outdoor adventure mission, it only has flush roof rails versus the more capable and versatile raised roof rails found on other outdoor adventurey SUVs like the Kia Sportage X-Line, Toyota RAV4 Adventure and every Subaru Outback.
