2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Review
You know, there was a time not too, too long ago when Mazda had some fairly legitimate 4X4s in their lineup: the Navajo and Tribute SUVs and B-Series pickup truck are the ones that immediately come to mind. But after Ford and Mazda split, the brand’s focus became totally street-oriented. But off-road SUVs have never been more popular so in comes the Meridian trim of Mazda’s newest SUV the CX-50 and it’s really all about one thing.
Mazda is in a tough spot right now. The previously announced CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs are still a year away, its sole electric offering is persona non grata, and sales continue to slide month after month. The CX-5 is the only model it sells in any appreciable volume and this CX-50 – the newest Mazda – has yet to take hold. But it should and likely will because it has the resume and more importantly the larger look of an SUV American shoppers prefer. I reviewed it earlier this year and discovered a gap between Mazda’s rough and tumble marketing and the CX-50’s actual capabilities. But the tougher Meridian Edition was on the horizon and it just arrived: Mazda’s ode to adventure seekers. Remember, this is a company that designed its EV with only 100 miles of range so don’t start salivating over beefed-up suspensions and such. The Meridian Edition’s focus is where the rubber meets the road.
Having the right tire is critical to venturing off-road so this Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain is the linchpin of the Meridian package. Downsized to 18” and engineered for unibody SUVs like this for daily driving duties its ruggedly constructed to prevent punctures and also earns the snowflake symbol for light snow duty even though it’s not a true winter tire.
Turbocharged CX-50s typically come with 20” wheels so the Meridian actually has a smidge less ground clearance at 8.5” – still respectable though. i-ACTIV AWD proactively transfers torque from the front wheels to the rear, up to a 50/50 split and the Off-road driving mode helps prevent drive-wheel spinning. So, the slippery park trails, muddy camp roads, and sandy beach paths are now more comfortably in-play. Just don’t go searching for items such as a 4-wheel lock mode, hill decent control or multi-terrain drive settings because they won’t be found.
The Meridian does come with this snazzy hood graphic, a bit of garnish on the rocker panels, special headlight treatment and black lug nuts. Not enough for you? There is an available package to kick it up a notch. The $1,235 Apex Package bundles black crossbars, a roof platform and splash guards. The platform can support a Yakima roof top tent that sleeps 2.
Exclusively painted in this Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand Metallic with the attractive Terracotta Leather interior, MSRP of the CX-50 Meridian Edition is $41,620 and all come equipped with the more powerful turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive now comes standard on all Mazda utility vehicles.
Day 1 with a new Mazda is always the same for me: I don’t like the artificial Skyactiv sweetener that brings an unnatural feeling to the drive. But then by midweek I get used to it and by my last day with the vehicle I kind of dig it. For having off-road tires, the CX-50’s drive is very smooth and premium-feeling with lots of engine at your command. The knobby tires do add some road noise but not much. As for off-roading, it’s no Jeep by any means but it’ll go farther than without the Meridian treatment. That being said a comparably priced Jeep Cherokee really has the goods.
The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular unleaded and 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 91-octane - quite the difference. And, with a semi-independent rear suspension and shorter final drive ratio than the CX-5 the CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds as opposed to 2,000 but Mazda recommends using premium gas when doing so. When a trailer is connected Towing Mode appears in the drive selections. With the ability to disconnect the rear axle when all-wheel drive isn’t called for and an engine start/stop system, the CX-50 nets 25 mpg - a 1 mpg improvement over the CX-5.
If you’ve watched my original CX-50 review, this part is going to sound familiar. It impersonates a wagon from behind the wheel; the step-in height and seating position is unusually low for an SUV in order to accommodate the shorter roofline. The windshield is also squinty. Concerning infotainment, Mazda has one of the least user-friendly systems on the market. The (mostly) non-touchscreen Mazda Connect now supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto which is an improvement for sure but interestingly that is the sole time when touching the screen is actually effective. Otherwise, its stumbling around with this rotary knob.
Unlike the Turbo Premium Plus I last tested, this Meridian Edition is a couple of rungs down the Trim ladder so while this one has the panoramic roof, driver’s seat memory settings, a height adjustable passenger’s seat, and adaptive cruise control it forgoes the ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, the Bose 12-speaker sound system and satellite radio. So, if you’re more into stuff than trail tires, you’ll find the Premium and Premium Plus trims more attractive.
With the shorter roof also comes a little less passenger volume and reduced max cargo volume when compared with the CX-5, but with the seats upright there’s an additional cubic foot of space. No hands-free opening for this tailgate, however. There are remote levers for split-folding the rear seats but where’s the clever outdoorsy accessories like a mud mat or cargo organizer?
The drive is commendable, the cabin quiet and the looks worthy of attention. The Meridian Edition might not go all in on off-road adventure but it’s a better buy than the slightly less expensive CX-5 and a bit more capable.
Mazda is in a tough spot right now. The previously announced CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs are still a year away, its sole electric offering is persona non grata, and sales continue to slide month after month. The CX-5 is the only model it sells in any appreciable volume and this CX-50 – the newest Mazda – has yet to take hold. But it should and likely will because it has the resume and more importantly the larger look of an SUV American shoppers prefer. I reviewed it earlier this year and discovered a gap between Mazda’s rough and tumble marketing and the CX-50’s actual capabilities. But the tougher Meridian Edition was on the horizon and it just arrived: Mazda’s ode to adventure seekers. Remember, this is a company that designed its EV with only 100 miles of range so don’t start salivating over beefed-up suspensions and such. The Meridian Edition’s focus is where the rubber meets the road.
Having the right tire is critical to venturing off-road so this Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain is the linchpin of the Meridian package. Downsized to 18” and engineered for unibody SUVs like this for daily driving duties its ruggedly constructed to prevent punctures and also earns the snowflake symbol for light snow duty even though it’s not a true winter tire.
Turbocharged CX-50s typically come with 20” wheels so the Meridian actually has a smidge less ground clearance at 8.5” – still respectable though. i-ACTIV AWD proactively transfers torque from the front wheels to the rear, up to a 50/50 split and the Off-road driving mode helps prevent drive-wheel spinning. So, the slippery park trails, muddy camp roads, and sandy beach paths are now more comfortably in-play. Just don’t go searching for items such as a 4-wheel lock mode, hill decent control or multi-terrain drive settings because they won’t be found.
The Meridian does come with this snazzy hood graphic, a bit of garnish on the rocker panels, special headlight treatment and black lug nuts. Not enough for you? There is an available package to kick it up a notch. The $1,235 Apex Package bundles black crossbars, a roof platform and splash guards. The platform can support a Yakima roof top tent that sleeps 2.
Exclusively painted in this Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand Metallic with the attractive Terracotta Leather interior, MSRP of the CX-50 Meridian Edition is $41,620 and all come equipped with the more powerful turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive now comes standard on all Mazda utility vehicles.
Day 1 with a new Mazda is always the same for me: I don’t like the artificial Skyactiv sweetener that brings an unnatural feeling to the drive. But then by midweek I get used to it and by my last day with the vehicle I kind of dig it. For having off-road tires, the CX-50’s drive is very smooth and premium-feeling with lots of engine at your command. The knobby tires do add some road noise but not much. As for off-roading, it’s no Jeep by any means but it’ll go farther than without the Meridian treatment. That being said a comparably priced Jeep Cherokee really has the goods.
The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular unleaded and 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 91-octane - quite the difference. And, with a semi-independent rear suspension and shorter final drive ratio than the CX-5 the CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds as opposed to 2,000 but Mazda recommends using premium gas when doing so. When a trailer is connected Towing Mode appears in the drive selections. With the ability to disconnect the rear axle when all-wheel drive isn’t called for and an engine start/stop system, the CX-50 nets 25 mpg - a 1 mpg improvement over the CX-5.
If you’ve watched my original CX-50 review, this part is going to sound familiar. It impersonates a wagon from behind the wheel; the step-in height and seating position is unusually low for an SUV in order to accommodate the shorter roofline. The windshield is also squinty. Concerning infotainment, Mazda has one of the least user-friendly systems on the market. The (mostly) non-touchscreen Mazda Connect now supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto which is an improvement for sure but interestingly that is the sole time when touching the screen is actually effective. Otherwise, its stumbling around with this rotary knob.
Unlike the Turbo Premium Plus I last tested, this Meridian Edition is a couple of rungs down the Trim ladder so while this one has the panoramic roof, driver’s seat memory settings, a height adjustable passenger’s seat, and adaptive cruise control it forgoes the ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, the Bose 12-speaker sound system and satellite radio. So, if you’re more into stuff than trail tires, you’ll find the Premium and Premium Plus trims more attractive.
With the shorter roof also comes a little less passenger volume and reduced max cargo volume when compared with the CX-5, but with the seats upright there’s an additional cubic foot of space. No hands-free opening for this tailgate, however. There are remote levers for split-folding the rear seats but where’s the clever outdoorsy accessories like a mud mat or cargo organizer?
The drive is commendable, the cabin quiet and the looks worthy of attention. The Meridian Edition might not go all in on off-road adventure but it’s a better buy than the slightly less expensive CX-5 and a bit more capable.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Review
Carmakers who use alphanumeric naming confuse the average shopper. And though the Germans have cornered the market on this, Mazda is trying hard to join the club. Do you want a CX-30 or an MX-30? And what’s the difference between their best-selling CX-5 and this new CX-50; a zero? Well, this is Mazda’s attempt at getting more rugged; tiptoeing into muddy waters.
Mazda makes some of the sharpest looking vehicles on the road today, but their SUVs are too pretty to get dirty and so they’ve been missing out on the off-road craze. Introducing the 2023 CX-50; a longer, better looking and only slightly more expensive CX-5 with higher ground clearance and improved towing capability. All-wheel drive now comes standard on all Mazda crossovers and SUVs and this one also includes off-road and towing modes for improved performance. Pricing starts at $28,025 for the base S trim and tops out here at $43,320 for the top-of-the-line Turbo Premium Plus. Mazda says they’ve “extended this vehicle’s capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains” but let’s be honest; the CX-50’s ruggedness is mostly about its looks, putting a new twist on Mazda’s stylish Kodo design language. The result is a nearly 6” longer, narrower and lower roofline CX-5 with real SUV curb appeal. It’s an attention grabber, for sure. But look no further than these Goodyear Eagle Touring tires as an indicator as to how much farther this Mazda can really go. i-ACTIV AWD uses a Front-wheel Slip-warning Detection system to proactively transfer torque to the rear wheels, up to a 50/50 split. But if you’re looking for off-road-tuned shocks, a true torque vectoring all-wheel drive system with a 4-wheel lock mode, hill decent control or multi-terrain drive settings you won’t find them here. You will on a comparably priced Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, however. Just some food for thought.
But with nearly 9” of ground clearance and decent approach and departure angles the CX-50 will confidently handle camp and lake trails and the unexpected washed out road.
Adding the optional turbocharger to the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular unleaded and 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 91 octane…quite a difference. And with a semi-independent rear suspension and shorter final drive ratio than the CX-5 the CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds as opposed to 2,000 but Mazda recommends using premium gas when towing. When a trailer is connected a Towing Mode appears in the drive selections. With the ability to disconnect the rear axle when all-wheel drive isn’t called for and an engine start/stop system, the CX-50 nets 25mpg…a 1mpg improvement over the CX-5.
Like almost every Mazda now, the slick electronic programming called SkyActiv used to harmoniously blend driving feel and improved fuel economy misses the mark for me…though I have to say as my test week rolls on I always get used to it its uniqueness. But there’s an on/off nature to throttle inputs that leaves the CX-50 feeling a little sluggish…a sensation that can be ameliorated in Sport when you’re on the backroads. Otherwise, the ride and handling are agreeable though not spectacular. And if you really want more capability you’ll have to wait for the Meridian Edition later this year which gives the CX-50 some proper rubber.
(Caro area stand-up)
The Meridian will, most importantly, feature 18” all-terrain tires and a host of outdoor-specific accessories.
Though I love the styling and its more adventurous bent I have a couple bones to pick with the CX-50: 1) it doesn’t have that commanding SUV seating position that’s desirable in vehicles like this. There’s not much headroom here when I raise the seat to the height I want so you sit low like you’re driving a sports model. And my second complaint is an oldie but this Connect system ran its course shortly after it was introduced years ago. The only improvement to it is that it now supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto which is nice but interestingly enough it’s the only time when this is a touchscreen.
This Terracotta leather interior has the premium look and feel that is Mazda’s signature these days and comes equipped with notable items such as the company’s first panoramic roof, memory settings for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a height adjustable power passenger seat, adaptive headlights with high-beam assist, an around view monitor with external button, and smart cruise control with stop and go. Other than the sometimes maddening infotainment system, which to its credit packs some nice features such as weather radar and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, nothing about this cabin is going to scare new users. It’s simplistic bordering on outdated. Look at the basic gauge cluster and lack of ambient cabin lighting as indicators of being a couple of steps behind.
With the shorter roof comes a little less passenger and max cargo volume when compared with the CX-5, but with the seats upright you get 1 extra cubic foot of space. No hands-free for this tailgate, though. Back here are remote levers for split-folding the rear seats but with no clever outdoorsy accessories on this tester – like a mud mat or cargo organizer – it’s just another place to put stuff. And that’s pretty much my overall impression of the CX-50 – it would have been nice if Mazda jumped into the deep, or at least deeper end of the off-road swimming pool because there’s not much here. That being said I would take it any day over the updated CX-5 and I presume Mazda won’t keep both models around for long, saying sayonara to the 5.
Mazda makes some of the sharpest looking vehicles on the road today, but their SUVs are too pretty to get dirty and so they’ve been missing out on the off-road craze. Introducing the 2023 CX-50; a longer, better looking and only slightly more expensive CX-5 with higher ground clearance and improved towing capability. All-wheel drive now comes standard on all Mazda crossovers and SUVs and this one also includes off-road and towing modes for improved performance. Pricing starts at $28,025 for the base S trim and tops out here at $43,320 for the top-of-the-line Turbo Premium Plus. Mazda says they’ve “extended this vehicle’s capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains” but let’s be honest; the CX-50’s ruggedness is mostly about its looks, putting a new twist on Mazda’s stylish Kodo design language. The result is a nearly 6” longer, narrower and lower roofline CX-5 with real SUV curb appeal. It’s an attention grabber, for sure. But look no further than these Goodyear Eagle Touring tires as an indicator as to how much farther this Mazda can really go. i-ACTIV AWD uses a Front-wheel Slip-warning Detection system to proactively transfer torque to the rear wheels, up to a 50/50 split. But if you’re looking for off-road-tuned shocks, a true torque vectoring all-wheel drive system with a 4-wheel lock mode, hill decent control or multi-terrain drive settings you won’t find them here. You will on a comparably priced Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, however. Just some food for thought.
But with nearly 9” of ground clearance and decent approach and departure angles the CX-50 will confidently handle camp and lake trails and the unexpected washed out road.
Adding the optional turbocharger to the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular unleaded and 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 91 octane…quite a difference. And with a semi-independent rear suspension and shorter final drive ratio than the CX-5 the CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds as opposed to 2,000 but Mazda recommends using premium gas when towing. When a trailer is connected a Towing Mode appears in the drive selections. With the ability to disconnect the rear axle when all-wheel drive isn’t called for and an engine start/stop system, the CX-50 nets 25mpg…a 1mpg improvement over the CX-5.
Like almost every Mazda now, the slick electronic programming called SkyActiv used to harmoniously blend driving feel and improved fuel economy misses the mark for me…though I have to say as my test week rolls on I always get used to it its uniqueness. But there’s an on/off nature to throttle inputs that leaves the CX-50 feeling a little sluggish…a sensation that can be ameliorated in Sport when you’re on the backroads. Otherwise, the ride and handling are agreeable though not spectacular. And if you really want more capability you’ll have to wait for the Meridian Edition later this year which gives the CX-50 some proper rubber.
(Caro area stand-up)
The Meridian will, most importantly, feature 18” all-terrain tires and a host of outdoor-specific accessories.
Though I love the styling and its more adventurous bent I have a couple bones to pick with the CX-50: 1) it doesn’t have that commanding SUV seating position that’s desirable in vehicles like this. There’s not much headroom here when I raise the seat to the height I want so you sit low like you’re driving a sports model. And my second complaint is an oldie but this Connect system ran its course shortly after it was introduced years ago. The only improvement to it is that it now supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto which is nice but interestingly enough it’s the only time when this is a touchscreen.
This Terracotta leather interior has the premium look and feel that is Mazda’s signature these days and comes equipped with notable items such as the company’s first panoramic roof, memory settings for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a height adjustable power passenger seat, adaptive headlights with high-beam assist, an around view monitor with external button, and smart cruise control with stop and go. Other than the sometimes maddening infotainment system, which to its credit packs some nice features such as weather radar and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, nothing about this cabin is going to scare new users. It’s simplistic bordering on outdated. Look at the basic gauge cluster and lack of ambient cabin lighting as indicators of being a couple of steps behind.
With the shorter roof comes a little less passenger and max cargo volume when compared with the CX-5, but with the seats upright you get 1 extra cubic foot of space. No hands-free for this tailgate, though. Back here are remote levers for split-folding the rear seats but with no clever outdoorsy accessories on this tester – like a mud mat or cargo organizer – it’s just another place to put stuff. And that’s pretty much my overall impression of the CX-50 – it would have been nice if Mazda jumped into the deep, or at least deeper end of the off-road swimming pool because there’s not much here. That being said I would take it any day over the updated CX-5 and I presume Mazda won’t keep both models around for long, saying sayonara to the 5.