Exploring the Impressive Performance and Off-Road Capabilities of the Mazda CX-50

Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a battle, a battle in the most competitive segment on the planet. Mazda has entered the ring with their CX-50, ready to take on the legendary Toyota Rav 4 and Honda CRV. But here's the twist, Mazda isn't just positioning the CX-50 as a regular contender, oh no. They're pitching it as a premium option, going head to head with the likes of the Acura RDX. Quite the audacious move, I must say. And if that's not enough, the CX-50 flaunts its off-road prowess with its rugged cladding. So, can this car truly accomplish all of these tasks at the same time? Well, that's what we're here to find out in this exhilarating episode from The Fast Lane Car.

First things first, let's put the CX-50 to the test. The team at The Fast Lane Car performs their signature slip test, where they purposefully get the front wheels stuck and see if the rear wheels can push the car off. And guess what? The rear wheels come to the rescue, effortlessly pushing the CX-50 forward. A flawless victory for the CX-50.

Now, let's dive under the hood and take a closer look at the mechanicals of this beast. The CX-50 offers a choice of two 2.5L transversely mounted 4-cylinder engines, and the one we're dealing with here is the turbocharged model. With a rating of 227 horsepower on regular unleaded fuel, this car means business. But wait, there's more! Fill it up with premium fuel, and you'll be blessed with a whopping 256 horsepower. And let's not forget about the transmission - a good old-fashioned six-speed conventional torque converter automatic. None of that fancy 10-speed nonsense here. And with a fuel economy rating of 25 MPG combined, the CX-50 proves that it's not just about power, but efficiency too.

Moving on to the suspension, the CX-50 boasts a strut style suspension with a lower control arm and strut located above it. Mazda has made some tweaks to the damping for the 2024 model, aiming to improve the ride quality. And let's not forget that the CX-50 is based on the Mazda 3 platform, albeit with some significant lengthening. As we venture further back, we encounter the catalytic converter and notice the limited underbody protection. This may not be the Meridian trim, but Mazda claims that even the standard CX-50 is more rugged than its CX-5 sibling. The rear suspension features a basic torsion beam setup, with individual corners on each side of the vehicle. And if you take a peek underneath, you'll spot the small shields that deflect air around the suspension members. But be warned, this car isn't meant for serious rock crawling, as there's quite a bit of exposed stuff underneath. And to round it all off, we have a single exhaust port leading to twin exhaust outlets, giving the CX-50 a sporty touch.

Now that we've examined the mechanicals, let's step inside and experience the CX-50's interior. The first thing that strikes you is the sense of width. This car is a full three inches wider than its CX-5 sibling, making it feel more spacious. And it's not just about width, as the overall length of the CX-50 surpasses that of the CRV and Rav 4, although it falls short of the Subaru Outback. As we settle into the premium interior, we're greeted with stitched materials that exude a sense of luxury. The seats, although comfortable, leave something to be desired with only two-way lumbar support on the driver's side and no lumbar control for the passenger. But fear not, for the technology in this car is top-notch. The 10.25-inch display takes center stage, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, there's a catch - the touchscreen functionality is only available when Apple CarPlay is activated. Otherwise, you'll have to rely on the twiddly dial reminiscent of BMW's iDrive system. It's a bit odd, but Mazda claims it's to keep your eyes and fingers focused on the driving experience. Safety tech, steering wheel controls, physical climate controls, and a panoramic sunroof complete the package, making the CX-50 a truly premium offering.

But enough with the talk, it's time to put the CX-50's all-wheel drive system to the test. The team at The Fast Lane Car subjects the car to various slip tests, pushing it to its limits in controlled environments. And you know what? The CX-50 impresses. Whether it's in normal mode, off-road mode, or sport mode, this car delivers. It tackles challenging situations with ease, providing good response, quick times, and excellent throttle response. The torque transfer is on point, thanks to the torque converter automatic transmission, giving it a significant advantage over dual-clutch setups. The CX-50 proves its worth, even in the most demanding conditions.

Now, let's not forget about the practicality of this car. While the backseat may feel a bit tight for taller passengers, the CX-50 does offer seating for five people. The rear bench is comfortable, and the heated seats are a nice touch. However, the USB ports are of the outdated R USB-A variety. The cargo space in the back is decent, with a fold-down center armrest and a 60/40 rear bench split. The power liftgate reveals 31.4 cubic feet of space, a bit less than some competitors, but still sufficient for most needs. And let's not overlook the presence of a temporary spare tire, a rarity in today's world.

To truly put the CX-50's off-road capabilities to the test, the team at The Fast Lane Car takes it on an off-road adventure. They tackle trenches and divots, pushing the car to its limit. Despite the challenging conditions and the less-than-ideal all-season tires, the CX-50 prevails. It crawls through the treacherous terrain, showcasing its impressive departure angles and the effectiveness of its four-wheel drive system. It's a triumph for the CX-50, proving that it's more than just a pretty face.

In conclusion, the Mazda CX-50 is a formidable contender in the highly competitive segment. It boldly takes on established rivals, positioning itself as a premium option while flaunting its off-road capabilities. The slip tests demonstrate the effectiveness of its all-wheel drive system, and the mechanicals under the hood deliver power and efficiency. The interior exudes luxury, with its wide and spacious design, premium materials, and advanced technology. And when put to the test, the CX-50 conquers challenging terrains with ease, showcasing its off-road prowess. Mazda has truly crafted a well-rounded and impressive vehicle with the CX-50, proving that it can excel in multiple arenas.

Watch Expectations Are HIGH: How Well Does The Mazda CX-50 Perform? Slip Test & Off-Road on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for Expectations Are HIGH: How Well Does The Mazda CX-50 Perform? Slip Test & Off-Road

Impressed by the off-road capabilities of the Mazda CX-50
AWD system is good, but ground clearance and angles are lacking
Request to test Jeep Wrangler and GMC Terrain
Interest in testing the slip test with Andre's Trail Boss
Concerns about Mexican assembled Mazdas and longevity
Mazda making more crossover vehicles
Disappointment with back seat room and interior legroom
Torsion beam rear suspension is a drawback
Complaints about dark and cramped interiors
Comparison to Toyota Corolla Cross and interest in buying used in the future