When you hear "compact crossover," your mind probably doesn't jump to weekend adventures and off-road escapades. Don't worry I didn't either but Mazda's CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition tries to change that perception, offering a sweet spot between daily driver practicality and adventure-ready capability. While this is not going to win (or finish) King of the Hammers any time soon, for guys looking for a vehicle that looks sharp, drives well around town, and is ready for a ride down dirt roads on the way to your camp site ... this is a great car to consider!
Power When You Need It
Let's start with what's under the hood: Mazda's punchy 2.5L turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when you feed it premium fuel. Even on regular gas, you still get a respectable 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is something I really respect about the CX-50 since some of the newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles that I've driven say that they require premium gas and frankly that adds dramatically to the overall operating cost of the vehicle.
In this case, with either fuel type, there is plenty of grunt for both highway passing and crawling over rough terrain. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, you've got control when you want it and smoothness when you don't.
Built for Adventure, Refined for Daily Use
What sets the Meridian Edition apart from its siblings is its adventure-focused upgrades (and visual identity). The exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires give you the confidence to tackle muddy trails while still maintaining civilized road manners on your daily commute. The wheel well accents and distinctive hood graphics also complement this sense that you are driving something more than just a grocery-getter.
As a bigger guy, I generally prefer larger vehicles with more space and so when Mazda proposed this vehicle for review ... well ... I wasn't sure what to expect. You guys know I absolutely LOVE the CX-70 and the CX-90 that we've reviewed before so I was more than willing to give it's baby brother a shot.
I'm glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised by the interior space. Despite its "compact" classification, the cabin feels surprisingly roomy and well-thought-out. The heated and ventilated front seats kept me comfortable whether I was crawling through frozen rutted dirt roads or cruising down the interstate between my two homes.
Thinking About A Cruise Or Resort Vacation?
The heated rear seats and steering wheel are nice touches that I sincerely appreciated on this review. As someone who previously lived in Southern California I never really understood why these heated amenities were so important ... I do now! In fact, Mazda has one of the best heated wheels and seats system of any mainstream manufacturer. That seems like a weird thing to include in a review like this for an "adventure ready" trim.
However, the powerful feeling of having your seat go as warm as you can handle it and not needing to have gloves on to grip the wheel is both a safety factor as well as an important comfort consideration if I were looking to buy this car for use in a cold-weather-climate like where we are in South West Michigan and Toledo.
Tech That Makes Sense
One standout feature is Mazda's Online Navigation system, which includes off-road trail mapping – a clear nod to this vehicle's intended use case. Additionally, the i-Activ AWD system with Mi-Drive modes (including specific Off-road and Towing modes) lets you adapt the vehicle's behavior to match the terrain.
Finally, one of the things that makes me extremely passionate about Mazda vehicles is their attention to how the driver needs to interact with the vehicle to stay safe and reduce fatigue. One specific example that I wish other manufactures would emulate is putting the touch screen far enough away that it isn't practical to be distracted from the road by reaching out to touch it, but instead offering a puck navigation system that makes it very easy to navigate the various menus.
While as a tech guy, I LOVE the look of huge infotainment systems, the simple reality is that when you are driving, it's essential to have your eyes stay on the road and your hands on the wheel. At some point, voice commands will be sophisticated enough to be useful for more than just "call NAME" or "navigate to POINT" and we can stop getting distracted by reaching out to point at a button on a screen. Until then though, Mazda's decision is one that I truly appreciate when I'm sitting in one fo their cars.
The Bottom Line
Starting at $40,800, the CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition isn't cheap, but the entire look and feel of the vehicle is something that makes you feel special. When driving it I couldn't help but think that this is what Subaru would aspire to be - rugged and built for fun but having power, comfort and style too.
It offers a compelling package for those who want one vehicle that can look great for driving to the office but also works to take the kids camping on weekends. It's a refreshing take on the crossover formula that doesn't force you to choose between capability and comfort. Whether you're heading to a client meeting or seeking out the perfect fly fishing spot, the Meridian Edition handles both with equal composure.
