The Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus: A Refined Adventure Machine Tested
The Mazda CX-50 has been making waves since its debut, offering a compelling blend of Mazda’s signature driving dynamics, a more rugged aesthetic, and genuine off-road capability. While the standard CX-50 is already a solid contender in the compact crossover segment, the Turbo Premium Plus trim elevates the experience to a whole new level. After spending a week thoroughly testing this top-of-the-line model, I can confidently say it’s a serious contender for anyone seeking a refined and capable adventure machine.
Exterior Design: Rugged Elegance
The CX-50 distinguishes itself from the more urban-focused CX-5 with a more rugged and adventurous design language. The Turbo Premium Plus model amplifies this with subtle yet effective enhancements. The long hood, wide stance, and prominent black cladding around the wheel arches give it a purposeful and capable look. The signature Mazda grille, finished in black on the Turbo models, is flanked by sleek LED headlights, creating a modern and aggressive front fascia.
The profile is defined by a gently sloping roofline and strong character lines that flow along the body. The Turbo Premium Plus adds exclusive touches like silver roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, and larger diameter alloy wheels, enhancing its premium appeal. At the rear, the LED taillights are connected by a black trim piece, adding a touch of sophistication. Overall, the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus strikes a perfect balance between ruggedness and elegance, making it visually appealing in both urban and off-road environments.
Interior Design and Features: A Masterclass in Refinement
Stepping inside the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is an exercise in understated luxury. Mazda has consistently raised the bar for interior design in recent years, and the CX-50 is no exception. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, including supple leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and tasteful trim accents.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The driver’s seat offers ample adjustability, including power lumbar support, ensuring a perfect driving position. The rear seats are also spacious enough to comfortably accommodate adults, with generous legroom and headroom.
The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The 10.25-inch center display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard and controlled by Mazda’s rotary commander knob. While some may prefer a touchscreen, the rotary controller is intuitive and easy to use while driving. The infotainment system is responsive and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Turbo Premium Plus trim comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of features, including:
- Heated and ventilated front seats: Providing comfort in all weather conditions.
- Heated steering wheel: A welcome addition on cold mornings.
- Head-up display: Projecting essential information onto the windshield.
- Bose premium audio system: Delivering immersive sound quality.
- Wireless charging pad: Conveniently charging your smartphone.
- 360-degree view monitor: Making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
- Power liftgate: Adding convenience for loading and unloading cargo.
Performance and Handling: A Thrilling Driving Experience
The heart of the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produces a robust 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel (or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel). Paired with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers exhilarating acceleration and effortless highway cruising.
The CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus feels noticeably quicker and more responsive than the naturally aspirated version. The engine pulls strongly from low RPMs, providing ample power for overtaking and merging onto the highway. The transmission shifts smoothly and decisively, always finding the right gear for the situation.
Mazda’s renowned driving dynamics are also on full display in the CX-50. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback and control. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, but it also provides excellent body control in corners. The CX-50 feels planted and confident on the road, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Off-Road Capability: More Than Just a Pretty Face
While the CX-50 is not a dedicated off-roader, it offers surprising capability for a compact crossover. The standard all-wheel-drive system is capable and responsive, providing excellent traction on loose surfaces. The CX-50 also features Mazda’s Mi-Drive system, which includes different drive modes for various terrains, such as Sport, Off-Road, and Towing.
The Off-Road mode optimizes the all-wheel-drive system and traction control to provide maximum grip on slippery surfaces like gravel, sand, or snow. The CX-50 also has a decent amount of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle moderate off-road trails with confidence.
During my testing, I took the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus on some unpaved roads and light trails. It handled these conditions with ease, demonstrating its ability to venture beyond the pavement. While it’s not going to conquer Moab, the CX-50 is more than capable of handling weekend adventures and exploring remote areas.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Journey
Mazda prioritizes safety, and the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control: Maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Lane departure warning: Alerting the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
- Lane keeping assist: Gently steering the vehicle back into its lane.
- Blind spot monitoring: Alerting the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: Warning the driver of approaching vehicles when backing up.
- Automatic emergency braking: Automatically applying the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
These safety features provide peace of mind on every journey, helping to keep you and your passengers safe.
Fuel Economy: Acceptable, But Not Outstanding
The EPA estimates the CX-50 Turbo at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. During my week of testing, I averaged around 25 mpg in mixed driving. While this is acceptable for a turbocharged crossover with all-wheel drive, it’s not class-leading. Competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer better fuel economy.
Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for Discerning Buyers
The Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is a compelling choice for buyers who want a stylish, capable, and refined compact crossover. It offers a unique blend of Mazda’s signature driving dynamics, a more rugged design, and a luxurious interior. While the fuel economy could be better, the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus excels in almost every other area.
Pros:
- Exhilarating turbocharged engine
- Sharp handling and engaging driving experience
- Luxurious and well-appointed interior
- Capable all-wheel-drive system
- Comprehensive suite of safety features
- Rugged and stylish exterior design
Cons:
- Fuel economy is not class-leading
- Infotainment system relies on a rotary controller
- Price can be a bit high compared to some competitors
Overall, the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is a top-tier compact crossover that offers a premium driving experience and a distinctive style. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is definitely worth considering. It’s a testament to Mazda’s commitment to building vehicles that are both enjoyable to drive and luxurious to own.
