Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus. This isn't just another SUV; it's a blend of Mazda's signature driving dynamics, rugged styling, and a touch of luxury. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that stands out from the crowd, the CX-50 might just be the ticket. Let's break down what makes this particular trim, the 2.5 S Premium Plus, so special and whether it's the right fit for you.

Exterior Design: Rugged Elegance

The exterior of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus is where Mazda's design philosophy truly shines. The CX-50 distinguishes itself from the more urban-focused CX-5 with a more rugged and outdoorsy aesthetic. Its longer, wider stance gives it a planted and confident look, while the increased ground clearance hints at its off-road capabilities. The Premium Plus trim enhances this with features like adaptive LED headlights that not only look sleek but also improve visibility in various driving conditions. The signature Mazda grille is present, flanked by stylish LED daytime running lights, creating a striking front fascia. Body cladding around the wheel arches and lower sills adds to the rugged appeal, protecting the paint from road debris and adding visual interest. The roof rails are not just for show; they're functional and ready to accommodate your outdoor gear. Overall, the exterior design of the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus is a successful blend of elegance and ruggedness, making it a head-turner on city streets and country roads alike. The carefully sculpted lines and attention to detail reflect Mazda's commitment to design excellence. The available color options further allow you to personalize your CX-50 to match your style. From the bold Zircon Sand Metallic to the classic Machine Gray Metallic, there's a color to suit every taste. The panoramic sunroof, standard on the Premium Plus, adds to the airy and spacious feel of the interior while enhancing the exterior's premium look. The rear of the CX-50 features a sporty spoiler and dual exhaust outlets, adding to its dynamic appearance. The LED taillights wrap around the corners, providing excellent visibility and a modern touch. The power liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full. All these exterior elements combine to create a cohesive and visually appealing package that sets the CX-50 apart from its competitors.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus, you're greeted with a cabin that prioritizes comfort and technology. The seats are wrapped in leather, offering excellent support for long drives, and are heated for those chilly mornings. The driver's seat features power adjustments, including lumbar support, ensuring you find the perfect driving position. The layout is clean and intuitive, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The 10.25-inch center display is the centerpiece of the infotainment system, offering crisp graphics and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating the system is easy thanks to the rotary dial on the center console, which minimizes distractions while driving. The Premium Plus trim also includes a premium Bose sound system, delivering rich and immersive audio quality. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. Rear passengers are treated to ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults on long journeys. The cargo area is spacious enough to accommodate luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear, and the rear seats can be folded down to create even more room. The interior design of the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus focuses on creating a comfortable and connected driving experience. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, adding to the premium feel. The attention to detail is evident in the stitching on the seats and the soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. The climate control system is effective at keeping the cabin temperature consistent, and the available heated steering wheel adds an extra layer of comfort in cold weather. The advanced technology features, such as the head-up display and the 360-degree camera, enhance the driving experience and provide added convenience. Overall, the interior of the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus is a well-designed and comfortable space that makes every journey enjoyable.

Performance and Handling: Mazda's Signature Driving Dynamics

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus doesn't disappoint. Under the hood lies a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate power for most driving situations. While it's not the turbocharged version, it still provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in various weather conditions. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology further enhances handling by subtly adjusting power delivery and braking to improve cornering stability. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback from the road. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps and potholes while maintaining composure in corners. The CX-50 is also surprisingly capable off-road, thanks to its increased ground clearance and off-road driving modes. These modes optimize the all-wheel-drive system and traction control to tackle different types of terrain, such as mud, sand, and snow. While it's not a dedicated off-roader, the CX-50 can handle light to moderate off-road trails with ease. The performance of the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus is characterized by its smooth and refined driving experience. The engine is responsive and delivers adequate power for daily commuting and highway cruising. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in inclement weather, and the G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhances handling and stability. The off-road driving modes make it a versatile vehicle for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Overall, the CX-50 offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience that is true to Mazda's reputation for driving dynamics. The combination of performance, handling, and off-road capability makes it a well-rounded SUV that is suitable for a variety of driving situations. The responsive steering and well-tuned suspension provide a connection to the road that is often lacking in other SUVs in its class.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Safety is a top priority in the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus, and it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while the lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist help you stay within your lane. The blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert provide added awareness of your surroundings, alerting you to potential hazards that may not be visible. The automatic emergency braking system can detect pedestrians and other vehicles and automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision. In addition to these advanced features, the CX-50 also comes with a host of standard safety equipment, such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The high-strength steel body structure is designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The CX-50 has also earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further attesting to its safety performance. The safety features of the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus provide peace of mind on every drive. The advanced technologies work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants, while the standard safety equipment provides a solid foundation of safety. The top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA demonstrate Mazda's commitment to safety. Overall, the CX-50 is a safe and reliable SUV that is well-equipped to protect you and your loved ones.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Before making a decision, let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus:

Pros:

• Stylish and rugged exterior design.
• Comfortable and well-equipped interior.
• Excellent handling and driving dynamics.
• Standard all-wheel drive.
• Comprehensive suite of safety features.

Cons:

• The base engine could use more power.
• Infotainment system can be a bit complex.
• Fuel economy is average for the class.
• Some competitors offer more cargo space.

Conclusion: Is the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus Right for You?

So, is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus the right SUV for you? If you value style, handling, and a touch of luxury, then the answer is likely yes. It's a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling blend of features and performance. However, if you prioritize maximum cargo space or need a more powerful engine, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to take it for a test drive and see for yourself if it meets your needs and preferences.

That's all for today, folks! I hope this review has been helpful. Happy driving!