We got to spend some time with the 2023 CX-50 2.5 Turbo and enjoyed every second of it. The CX-50 delivers a sporty, comfortable ride and excels in some ways but not in others. Here are some of the pros and cons we found during our time with.
1. The negatives: The infotainment system is annoying to use
We’ve complained about the infotainment systems so much they’re almost cheap at this point. Still, it’s worth pointing out, considering Mazda has yet to change the system for a 2023 model like the CX-50. Case in point, the CX-50’s infotainment system consists of a 10.25-inch screen located in the center of the dashboard.
. Usually, handle control systems aren’t that bad; However, Mazda’s system requires far too many clicks to access specific menus. Even changing radio stations is stressful, which requires taking your eyes off the road for a long time.
Hopefully, Mazda will change this system in the next generation CX-50.
2. Con: The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a little thirsty
A four-cylinder engine powers the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo, but we wish it were more fuel efficient. The EPA rates the CX-50’s fuel economy at 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. In our real-world testing, we averaged about 23 mpg in mixed driving conditions. It’s not terrible, but it could be better. If you do a lot of city driving, just know that the CX-50 can be a little thirsty.
3. Pro: The Mazda CX-50 is well-sized, even for tall passengers
Mazda CX-50 is the brand’s second largest SUV. It slots between the and CX-9, which means it’s big and. There is ample leg and headroom in the first and second rows. We imagine passengers around 6ft 4in and shorter should be able to fit in fine.
4. Pro: The CX-50 drives well on snowy roads
During our time with the Mazda CX-50, we’ve been able to take it on quite a few snowy roads. We weren’t exactly walking in deep snow. However, the CX-50’s i-Activ AWD system was fine on the snowy roads we drove. From a standstill, the road was quickly gripped by the car’s all-season tires, which were assisted in part by the all-wheel drive system.
5. Pro: The Mazda CX-50’s turbocharged engine delivers plenty of power
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo makes 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the same engine used in the lineup. In the CX-50, the engine performs really well, being able to haul the small SUV up and down the highway with ease. Anyone looking to get their hands on a Mazda CX-50 should consider the extra power over the base engine—especially if they live at higher elevations.
The pros and cons of driving the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a small SUV. The positives of driving it outweigh the negatives by a large margin. If you don’t mind the infotainment system and gas mileage, the CX-50 Turbo might be for you.
