Trials and Tribulations? Trails and Tributaries
What are the most rugged automotive brands you can think of? Jeep, Subaru, maybe even Toyota, Chevrolet or Ford. But Mazda? If it came to mind, it’s likely only because you clicked on this. The Japanese automaker excels at balancing the driving experience with elegance and affordability – though that last one has kind of taken a back seat in recent years as the brand looks to expand to a more upscale market with some offerings. But rugged and outdoorsy isn’t what we know the brand for in North America. But that might soon change with the new CX-50.
Mazda has only recently begun updating its line of CUVs with some new offerings. Sure, the CX-5 and CX-9 are still solid vehicles, but they are beginning to show their age in several regards. The CX-30 showed indications of many much-needed refreshments, like a streamlined infotainment setup, a backup camera with a resolution higher than a CCTV monitor, and at long last, a panoramic sunroof. This new CX-50 takes those refinements, and adds another layer to the evolving face of Mazda, with squared off wide fenders reminiscent of 90’s box flares. While I’m not a fan of the CX-30’s plastic fender cladding, the 50’s fender décor has some lovely design elements to it, and the squared off shape compliments the vehicle’s design well. It’d look right at home caked with mud and dust.
Despite its rugged exterior, there is much refinement inside the cabin. Gone is the red contrast stitching of Mazda of yore, replaced with a cinnamon-coloured weave that contrasts nicely against the black leather in our tester. Though, given the choice, we’d go for the optional terracotta colour instead. Like every modern Mazda, the interior keeps it clean and classy. Straight lines, clean design and a healthy blend of buttons and touch controls mean this interior is intuitive, easy to get used to and in 10 years, will still look fresh. Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay are a welcome feature, especially with the wireless phone charger beautifully integrated into the centre arm rest area.
As a vertically challenged individual, I had zero issues in the front or back seat of the CX-50. But that lower, wider design means taller individuals may feel a little more cramped in the back. But that width also means new and exciting arrangements when it comes to packing all your outdoorsy gear for a weekend trip. The CX-50’s roof-mounted crossbars are good for 75kg of weight – perfect for some kayaks, or a storage box. Either that, or a Yakima roof-mounted tent made for up to 3 people. But we're not sure if that one's coming to Canada or not...
It looks rugged, yet is warm, welcoming and comfy. And we don’t just mean the tatted-up barista at your favourite indie coffee shop. Like a latte with an extra shot, the CX-50 is smooth, predictable, and invigorating when you want it to be. The reality is many of us who buy such rugged looking vehicles will take them on a cottage road at best, and drive them on asphalt the rest of the time. The CX-50 excels at both. We generally love the way Mazdas handle, even in their CUV lineup, and this is, so far, the best of the bunch. There’s no harshness to the ride, but it still feels planted and predictable. Pop it into sport mode, and unlike the CX-5 and CX-9, you actually feel a difference. Throttle response feels much quicker, and the way it holds gears longer is more exciting than I could have ever expected from a crossover.
Mazda recommend using regular grade gasoline in both current trim levels of the CX-50, but it can make good use of premium too.. With regular, you get 187 horsepower. Our GT trim featured an uprated turbocharged engine, good for a punchy 227 horses. Should you decide to fill up on the good stuff, that figure is boosted to a noticeably more potent 256. It’s rated for an estimated 9.7 city and 7.9 highway (L/100km) in fuel economy, but after a week of very mixed (and sometimes spirited) driving, we saw a figure closer to 11. This is to be expected though. We suspect it could get even worse if you decide to haul a bunch of non-aerodynamic stuff with the car too. But all things considered, that’s a pretty understandable figure for a vehicle of this size, weight and capability.
Is the CX-50 worth getting right now? It’s a difficult question to answer. As a whole, this is a very good vehicle. Our range-topping tester only ends up being marginally more than its CX-5 sibling, and for our money, between the two, we’d go CX-50 any time. But Mazda is also working on a hybrid trim. We don’t know any pricing just yet, but given the way we suspect many of these vehicles will actually be used, the fuel savings, rebates and possible green vehicle plate benefits might be worth holding out for instead. There’s also an upcoming Turbo Meridian edition, though we’re not sure if it will come to Canada. This trim does away with the suggestion of off-road capability - instead, fully committing to it. As it is now, the CX-50 sort of straddles both lines. It does it well, mind you. Our GT tester rung in at just under $48,000. It’s a fairly high price, but next to offerings from the likes of Jeep, Subaru and other segment competitors, you get a generous helping of luxury to go with that ruggedness.
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