The 2022 Toyota RAV4 AWD is good for 25-27/33-34, while the 2023 Subaru Forester gets 26/33 in most trims or 25/28 for the off-road-focused Wilderness model. Just because it's a small SUV doesn't mean it has to be boring. Bose audio this 12-speaker system includes the Bose Centerpoint and Audiopilot system, a must-have for audiophiles and fans of outstanding bass. They just pay a little bit more attention here. Almost everything written about the interior and exterior design is true (very nice). There's actually a cutout here to make this area higher in the ceiling. I don't know what exactly you would call these shapes, but I don't think they're found in nature. Love the darkness of the tires. A 10.3-inch display is perched up on the dash and works primarily with a center console control wheel. Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. It's wildly rewarding and unusual for an SUV that doesn't have a BMW or Porsche badge on it. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a small SUV with seating for five. The CX-50's interior has a few premium touches to also make you feel good about your choiceespecially in the Premium Plus trim. I love doing that. You might be wanting for more storage on a road trip. And now, it's over 39 cubic feet, which is a big jump over the previous one. This engine is just about adequate in the CX-30, and the CX-50 is 320 pounds heavier than that vehicleso how's that going to work? And I've got some headroom, but not a lot. If that becomes a reality, we would expect a hybrid powertrain to join the CX-50 lineup within a year or so. The CR-V comes standard with a 7-inch unit. VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible. There are a few downsides as well. But in the hybrid, you get a 2 liter engine mated to that hybrid system. Cargo space is not a top priority for the Mazda CX-50. Audio upgrades include a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Fine. Mazda admits that this car is built to get you and some friends to a campsite, not to overcome any severe obstacles. The second result is an ad Mazda bought for the CX-50. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus models for sale near you. There is a price to be paid for the CX-50's exceptional handling abilities, and that is a very firm ride quality. The new engine and its associated hardware add fewer than 100 pounds to the SUV's curb weight and contribute to a mere 1-mpg drop in its EPA combined fuel economy, 25 mpg versus 26 for a comparable. That's a pretty common sensation for hybrids that use regenerative braking, and the CR-V Hybrid is no exception. And even though there's a tray that you can move around, it just doesn't have that much capacity here. Boom. A pretty good car. At full throttle it sounds great and it purrs at 75 mph. Get upfront price offers on local inventory. That means a shift away from products like the Mazda6 and a double or triple-down on crossovers. There are two USB ports, but they're in this storage bin up against the front wall. An adjustable suspension with a softer ride and a real lane centering system would have been nice, but probably too much to ask. What you miss by skipping the turbo is that variant's 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque; or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. The aforementioned cladding is not overwhelming and actually improves the cars overall look, something that cant be said of the smaller CX-30. We're including the Forester Wilderness trim since it's a rival to the CX-50 Meridian Edition. Mazda's aging six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive come standard, and fuel-economy estimates are decent (25 to 27 mpg in the EPA combined cycle) but short of class leaders. So while there is a bit of a hump and the seats don't fold completely flat, you're gaining a lot of space overall. Boom. I like how the middle console is easy to keep clean. While others obsess over graphic interfaces and ever-wider, ever-taller screens filled with layer after layer of inscrutable menus, sub-menus and haptic feedback sensations, Mazda has stuck with throwback interior motifs. Prices for non-turbo CX-50s will start at $28,025, with the most popular models in the mid-$30,000 range and the cheapest turbo version at $37,625. And, you guessed it, this one's all-wheel drive. But are these changes enough? The 2023 Mazda CX-50 features multiple drive modes, something Mazda has steadfastly avoided in the past. With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus costs $33,165. 2023 Honda CR-V SUVOTY Review: Too Good For Its Own Good? Sorry about it, Android guys. And one of the key things they did was this really cool lighting signature. The performance compact crossover market may be a small niche, but Mazda could totally own it with the CX-50. I thought interior was an area where CR-V Hybrid could have really separated itself from the group, but it doesn't seem to have done that. This is a sharp, good-looking small SUV with loads of space and some really cool tech features. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 brings more ruggedness to Mazdas crossover fleet, making it a good choice for those shopping the Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, and Toyota RAV4. Why would you use a transmission that takes away from your biggest advantage? The S Selects exterior is upgraded with tinted rear privacy glass and 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels. I'm going to use this folding patio table to help demonstrate just how much space you get. And that's usually something to keep an eye on because it can lead to improved ride comfort and, hopefully, more space inside. There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a good car. The interior design, with its broad horizontal dash and small infotainment display on top, has many similarities to the CX-5's. These pillars stay out of the way. This entire console, for instance, seems to be pretty cheap looking plastic. Go ahead, try it. Speaking of 6 feet tall, I've got really nice headroom. - Plenty of room for four people, with a decent amount of trunk space. Some of the things that I really like are this cool honeycomb pattern. That's because in the previous CR-V Hybrid, the hybrid batteries took up a lot of space in the back. And what you end up with is this kind of rally-looking stance. You will feel some bumps, but it rebounds quickly so you get a consistently smooth ride, which is great. Ick. Relative to comfort - no complaints. Every CX-50 available for testing also had regular all-season tires, and the only trim level equipped with all-terrains will be the forthcoming Meridian. The CX-50 commands a bit of a premium, too, but if you're looking for a small utility vehicle, it doesn't get much better than this. . The CX-5 comes out of Mazdas well-aged, stalwart plant in Hiroshima, Japan, while the CX-50 is being built at the new Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing USA facility in Huntsville, Alabama. There's not a lot of power in this engine and battery hybrid system, but it can get you going and get up to speed without a problem. Dual-zone automatic climate control- allows drivers and passengers to choose their temperature settings. Now you can get full instructional details to help operate your CX-5. For instance, you've now got a big old grille and pretty slimmed out headlights. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 CX-50 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Whether or not the CX-50 will cost more or less than these rivals depends entirely on if you opt for the Turbo. The CX-50s interior quality is truly a step above its rivals with a fun mix of colors and materials throughout. I got two for you. Again, along the steering wheel, this diamond pattern on the dash and the door, even down to the piping in the seats just looks like it got extra special attention. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 CX-50 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews). Well, first of all, let's dispense with all of that hybrid stuff. I love the moon roof, the controls for the screen and the simple clean dashboard. Cargo space is typically a hallmark for Honda, and this new CR-V Hybrid has a big plus. The Subaru, though, isn't as powerful as the CX-50 and its interior isn't as refined, but for outward-bound shoppers, it's worth a comparison drive. Like other Mazda SUVs, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 begins with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I-4 engine. Under the hood of some models, you've got a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine. But you get a half inch of extra legroom. As for the Kia Sportage Hybrid, you can get a base model LX version for a little over $28,000. Not all-electric. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $529. The improved cargo space is stellar, but the other improvements are pretty minor. Mazda is more about style and performance than space and comfort. Kia really seems to enjoy putting fun stuff in their tech. When Im getting out of the car to go Im really quick to like get gas or something Ill leave it on and lock it since my dog is in there. Its shortcomings are few, and it remains one of. And we've got a new number one ranked small hybrid SUV, the Kia Sportage. The CX-50's interior is classy and upscale as expected; we especially liked the contrast-color stitching and two-tone upholstery on our Premium Plus evaluation model. The SUV entertains on the road, too, though the suspension can come across as harsh, and a number of editors found the steering too heavy; our CX-50 2.5 Turbo long-term-test SUV steers and rides about the same. Now especially at low speeds or around parking lots, that makes the Sportage Hybrid feel really maneuverable. If you fold down the rear seats, that's a different story. The infotainment system has either an 8.8-inch center display screen (base 2.5 S trim level) or a 10.25-inch display (every other trim). Immediately, you can tell that this is way more up-to-date and modern than the outgoing version. Right now the CX-50 is offered with the two four-cylinders mentioned, either one backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system. So there's a little bit of give and take. The 2023 CX-50 will be Mazda's first vehicle to come out of the new Huntsville, Alabama, plant that is a joint venture with Toyota. For a compact SUV, it feels really airy and spacious in here. I even like the lane centering steer assist, and I usually don't like those systems at all. Mazda makes an effort to offer more performance and refinement than rivals, and the CX-50 doesn't disappoint. Speaking of enjoyable, here's what the Sportage Hybrid does well. And that's helpful because otherwise, it's kind of shaped like a potato. The Outback is longer at 191.3 inches, but runs a 2.7 inch shorter wheelbase. While you're here, go ahead and click that little Like button. I'm not such a big fan of its steering assist though. It's also got a great price for the class. Strong overall performance is one of the Mazda CX-50's greatest attributes and it's best enjoyed with the potent turbocharged engine. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Caps the features list for the non-turbocharged models with: Turbo 2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line Specifications. Even with a brand new CR-V coming out, the Kia Sportage still has the advantage in cargo space. The screen is really easy to use. Still, I do appreciate the table provided: POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS. While this one, the Hybrid SX Prestige, starts at over $37,000. See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium models for sale near you. But it's not all good. Added features include: Turbo Meridian Edition Similar in size and price to the popular CX-5, the CX-50 offers a bit more interior room, a lower roofline, and a vaguely Volvo-like exterior. Despite its bigger size, the CX-50 offers no more legroom than the CX-5 and loses on headroom slightly because of its lower roofline. All right, Kia. For me, it's about 70/30 (love/hate). While the dimensions help the CX-50 look more aggressive, its the smaller design details that really make the difference. But so is this, the Kia Sportage Hybrid. Then again, the more performance-oriented tires here likely helped the CX-50 deliver an excellent 118-foot panic-braking distance from 60 to 0 mph. Also included is Mi-Drive, a system that adds two drive modes to the transmission: Sport and Off-road. - Excellent handling. Mazda had us sample the turbo engine, which develops between 227 and 256 hp and 310 and 320 lb-ft of torque depending on whether you run 87 or 93 octane gasoline. As Mazda CX-90 Unboxed concludes, international film star, Hiroyuki Sanada, reveals how a car built around its driver can become more than a car. There's definitely less vertical space than there is in the CR-V, but it's still pretty usable. Initial information points to the new model benefitting from everything that made its predecessor great: a spacious cabin, ample comfort, and plenty of clever storage solutions. The S Premium trim begins to move the CX-50 closer to the luxury segment, adding leather seat upholstery in black or terracotta, 2-position drivers-seat memory, and a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. - The panoramic sunroof is a nice touch. Standard driver assists include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic detection. What's it like driving the 2023 CR-V Hybrid? Specifications: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club. The Interior is comfortable and quiet and the Bose 12 speaker stereo is excellent. 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All Rights Reserved, Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo vs 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select vs 2.5 S Premium, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo vs 2.5 S Premium Plus, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 Turbo Premium, Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo vs 2.5 Turbo Premium, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 S Preferred, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 S Premium Plus, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 S Preferred Plus, Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo vs 2.5 S Preferred Plus, Mazda CX-50 vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Compare Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 Turbo. [MUSIC PLAYING]. Just short of 3 Mos ownership. RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I love that. That's so clever. Just like the CX-5, this compact handles itself with poise. Let's check out the cargo. - Power with the base engine is perfectly adequate. It's almost 9 inches, which may seem pretty big if you're coming out of an older car, but it's the smallest of the three that we have here today. You can use the voice controls to find locations and set up your turn-to-turn navigation, but all three of these cars do that. So you've got these exaggerated lines all over the place. The entry-level CX-50 2.5 S serves as the basis for all other CX-50 S trims. So the Mazda is down on horsepower but up on grunt. According to Edmunds car experts, heres whats new for the 2023 Mazda CX-50: The least-expensive 2023 Mazda CX-50 is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A). Meridian Edition CX-50s come with Terracotta leather upholstery with black accents. These are family vehicles first and foremost. Mazda CX-50. This is just super smooth all the way through. ASSISTANT: Setting the temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. We also felt the vague tug of torque steer at certain engine RPMs, particularly on corner exit. Now that's partly because the hybrid gets both more power and better fuel economy than the non-hybrid version. As for the Sportage Hybrid, that thing is smoothness personified. - Fuel mileage has been kind of disappointing. With the $1,225 destination charge, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo costs $37,625. All this despite the CX-50s simple suspension: struts up front and a torsion beam in back. Upgrading from the base engine to the Turbo adds $9,600 to the price at $37,625, while a fully loaded Turbo Premium Plus model sneaks in at $43,775. The turbo . You can leave them there, or down here, or they can go all the way back like this if you really need a nap. Ive had my 2023 CX-50 preferred plus in polymetal gray for about 3 weeks now, and have about 1k miles on it. I love this Mazda The Terracotta leather interior looks great. He owns a pair of Toyota Tundras and two Siberian huskies. Instrumentation that looks like instrumentation. In this trim, these are really comfortable leather seats with a flat seat area. The, Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride: 3-Row Crossover Comparison Test, Here Are All the EVs That Come With Free Charging, Mazda to Appoint New CEO, Ramps Up EV Push, 2024 Mazda CX-90 Raises the Stakes With More Room and Awesome New Engines, 2.5 S Preferred Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A), 2.5 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 2.5 Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A), RYAN ZUMMALLEN: We've been waiting for this one. And it's not a good noise. It has the same vibe as other toughened-up crossovers like the Subaru. Have any others experienced this? See 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred models for sale near you. What I mean by that is you've got really quick, responsive direct steering. All-wheel drive comes standard, and Mazda provides loads of accessories aimed at customers with active lifestyles.. The CR-V's calling card is cargo space and all around utility. Not spending more on the top-of-the-line turbo model means you don't get a 360-degree camera system and Traffic Jam Assist, two features we liked on our one-year CX-50 Turbo test SUV. The steering of the turbo version felt a bit more "numb"/heavy vs the non-turbo version. Its not constant, so it might just be the OEM tires on rougher surfaces. The headroom in here is about the same as the CR-V, except you've got this big panoramic sunroof, which, again, for the money, Kia really brings it. So unless you spend most of your time dipping deep into the accelerator pedal, accepting less speed is worth it to save some money. Havent done any significant off-roading yet, but zero problems so far. The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 CX-50 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. In addition to being handsome, it offers a peppy turbo . The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S feels plenty quick in the real world, with the engine booming whenever you step on the throttle. So the Sportage Hybrid remains our number one hybrid SUV. Even with underwhelming space and questionable tech inconsistencies, I would still cite the CX-50 as the best interior experience among its competitive set. Inside the CX-50-- and this is Mazda's sweet spot-- company is generally pretty good at taking affordable cars and making the interiors feel more premium. Not really. This Meridian Edition emphasizes the more rugged side of the new CX-50 SUV. We have a Civic Si in our Edmunds long-term test program. But once that second row is down, the space really opens up in here. I know, right? Using lower octane fuels is permitted but will reduce power slightly. For more on how Motor1.com rates cars, click here.