We spent a little time with the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo and enjoyed every second of it. The CX-50 provides a sporty yet comfortable ride and excels in some ways but not in others. Here are a few pros and cons we found during our time with the 2023 CX-50 Turbo.

1. Con: The infotainment system is annoying to use

We have complained about Mazda’s infotainment systems so much that it’s almost just a cheap shot at this point. However, it’s still worth pointing out, considering Mazda has yet to change the system in a 2023 model like the CX-50. Case in point, the CX-50’s infotainment system consists of a 10.25-inch display that sits in the center of the dashboard.

It’s not a touchscreen, though. Instead, you have to control it with a knob on the center console. Typically, knob-controlled systems aren’t that bad; however, the Mazda system requires too many clicks to get to specific menus. It’s even cumbersome to change radio stations, which requires taking your eyes off the road for too long.

We hope that Mazda will change this system in the next generation of the CX-50.

2. Con: The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a little thirsty

A four-cylinder engine powers the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo, but we wish it were a little more fuel-efficient. The EPA rates the CX-50’s fuel economy at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. In our real-world testing, we averaged around 23 mpg in mixed driving conditions. That’s not terrible, but it could be better. If you do a lot of city driving, just know that the CX-50 could be a little thirsty.

3. Pro: The Mazda CX-50 is sized well, even for tall passengers

The Mazda CX-50 is the brand’s second-largest SUV. It slots between the CX-5 and the CX-9, which means that it’s large and roomy enough to fit tall passengers. There’s plenty of leg and headroom in the first and second rows. We imagine that passengers around 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and shorter should be able to fit just fine.

4. Pro: The CX-50 drives well on snowy roads

During our time with the Mazda CX-50, we were able to take it on a few snow-covered roads. We weren’t exactly driving in deep snow; however, the CX-50’s i-Activ AWD system did well on the snowy roads we drove on. From a dead stop, the car’s all-season tires gripped the road quickly, which was partly assisted by the all-wheel drive system.

5. Pro: The Mazda CX-50’s turbocharged engine provides plenty of power

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo puts out 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is the same engine that’s used across the product lineup. In the CX-50, the engine works really well, as it’s able to pull the little SUV up inclines and onto the freeway with ease. Anyone looking to get into a Mazda CX-50 should consider the extra power over the base engine – especially if they live in higher elevations.

The pros and cons of driving the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a small SUV. The pros of driving it outweigh the cons by a large margin. If you don’t mind the infotainment system and the gas mileage, the CX-50 Turbo could be for you.