This Thing is Good Off-Road
We previously tested the 2023 Mazda CX-50 for a week on-road, but jumped at the opportunity to get to test it out off-road.
NEED TO KNOW
- The writer had already tested the CX-50 on-road for a week before this dedicated off-road evaluation.
- The title verdict — ‘This Thing is Good Off-Road’ — summarizes the overall impression.
- The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G Turbo produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, mated to a 6-speed automatic.
- I-ACTIV AWD is Mazda’s predictive all-wheel-drive system that adjusts torque distribution proactively.
- Price as tested was $43,170, with a starting MSRP of $26,800.
2022 CX-50 Premium Plus AWD Features:
• 2.5L SKYACTIV-G Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
• I-ACTIV AWD
• 227 Horsepower
• 310 lb-ft of Torque
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Seating for 5
• Leather Seats
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• Heated Outboard Rear Seats
• 20-inch Wheels and Tires
• 31.4 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind 2nd Row
• 56.3 Cubic Feet of Storage with the 2nd Row Folded
• 10.25-inch Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Standard Sunroof
• Proximity Key with Push Button Start
• EPA Fuel Economy 23/29/25 (city/hwy/combined)
• Starting MSRP $26,800
• Price as tested: $43,170
All images courtesy of Capturing the Machine .
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2022 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus AWD
4
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Proven capable off-road in addition to previously tested on-road performance
- 2.5L turbocharged engine produces a strong 310 lb-ft of torque for trail and highway duty
- I-ACTIV AWD system with 6-speed automatic well suited to mixed terrain
- Premium Plus trim includes heated/ventilated front seats, sunroof, and leather seating
- Competitive fuel economy of 23/29/25 mpg for a turbocharged AWD crossover
CONS
- Only 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row — tight for adventure hauling
- No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at this trim level
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