Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition a better SUV than a Subaru Outback? 

The CX-50 is the best looking car in this segment. I was at a Mazda dealership recently and I couldn't get over how great this car looks in person.

Don't ZONK the fake vents-- that'a a perfect spot to put my rocket launchers, machine guns and oil slick squirter etc... :)

Great review Joe. I've been a Mazda driver and Raiti's Rides fan for a long time now. This CX-50 is really growing on me. Especially the Meridian Edition. Wow, a lot to think about. Great review as always, Joe and Lori are the best in the business.

I've been looking for a car lately but I haven't been drawn to any brands that just have that uniqueness to them, and I completely forgot about mazda it's like this video was heaven sent thx joe!

This Meridian Edition looks pretty good, especially the interior. It is a great option for daily driving.

Drove this car yesterday from the dealership and absolutely loved it. Car has plenty of power and handles well. Lots of reviews said that the steering felt heavy especially at lower speeds…I found that to not be true, the car’s steering is as light if not lighter than my ‘17 Accord. Also, rear headroom isn’t as ample as advertised. I’m 6’ and the entire top of my head was touching the ceiling. Joe mentioned in another cx50 vid that he’s 6’ and that he had plenty of room…so I’m not sure about that. Kind of didn’t like the distance between the armrest and the speedstick but that’s minor. Otherwise this car is seriously on my radar for my next car!

Great job Joe and Lori! I really like the CX-50 for some reason. I wonder how it would look a little lifted for more off-road goodness.

Us Canadians up North get the Meridian Edition trim fully loaded. Basically the Turbo Premium Plus with the Meridian Package. Speaking as a proud owner of one of the first Meridians in Canada. Great review as always Joe!

Thanks for the Videos very informative has helped me greatly in my car shopping.

We just bought this car and we love it

Nice review. Thank you, Joe!

Mazda does make fantastic cars inside and out however I feel that you’re not comparing it the proper vehicle. From everything you have mentioned it’s basically a regular suv with some off-road tires thrown on it. The Subaru Outback Wilderness is an entirely different vehicle for many reasons. Great review though. Very well done!

Nice rig! Nice review! … I’ve got a CX-30 and when the time comes, this could be in my driveway for sure? …

The styling of this meridian edition is 🔥 i like this a lot Joe

Hi Joe, I watch most of your reviews and decided to try CX-50 after watching your previous reviews about it. Now its been one month since I got my CX-50 Turbo Premium. 1400 miles. Strong and sturdy. Drives super cool and faster than any other cars in this category. Like the style, inerior and Bose 12 speaker music system is awesome. slightly stiffy ride, brake's perfrmance need to improve. gas mileage never went above 18.5 in city with 93 octane gas. This is my first Mazda and I really liked it and enjoy driving it. Keep doing your great job Joe .Good luck.

Nice, been waiting for a Meridian to arrive at our location.

"I don't like that threes no head up display, but im glad theres no CVT"🤷Whaaaa?😆Ok! I love the fact the CX50 has enough room for 6 pine cones and 2 gallons of chocolate mike. Well done.

Mazda always has such awesome interiors. Love, love, love it!

I really love my CX-50 PFP. There's already a 2" suspension lift available! Planning on switching tires to Nitto Nomad Grapplers (245/65/17) and the lift (though the Grapplers at that size can fit without a lift with clearance and wheel gap). Can't wait to see the aftermarket parts for the 50s.

I love it Joe and Lori and keep up the great work real true 👍 and I love the video lot real true 💯

Looks stylish and I might get one when it hits the Sydney roads. I did get a MX30 few months ago which got few of these modern design concepts which looks sexy 😊

I’m completely satisfied and loving my Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo.

The Subaru Outback wilderness does have the turbo with the 260 hp

This is very close to being on my buy list. Waiting on those CX 60 & 90s to hit.

Joe! I am a huge fan of this Polymetal Gray Metallic on this CX-50 Turbo! It looks amazing! The gray and the black are like peanut butter and jelly because they go together perfectly. Just a friendly reminder, if you want to get the full 227 horsepower, you have to put 92 Octane into the CX-50 for the full effect. You can also use regular 87 gasoline, but that will only get you up to 181 horsepower. My favorite Mazdas are the CX5 (as normal, gasoline and the recently discontinued diesel), the Mazda 3 (as normal and Turbo with AWD) and the MX-5 Miata.

Thank you so much for showing off the Apple carplay integration on this video, it's something I feel is always missing when you go over the technology in these cars :)

I'm not a fan of the styling of Mazda crossovers, but even I must admit that this particular one looks kinda cool.

Joey Thomas Ball: replace the plastic cladding with dark chrome at once. MUAHAHAHAH

I have been a Toyota & Lexus guy my whole life with the exception of the older Honda’s which were also very reliable. My “new” Toyota’s/Lexus’s have been; 2005 Toyota Matrix, 2011 Toyota Venza and now a 2022 Lexus RX350. I tried a new 2016 Mazda CX-5 and we still have that car today. Aside from replacing brakes, tires and a battery…. the only other thing that has been replaced is the headlights which were done free of charge due to a recall. One of those headlights is being changed out next week for free…. 8 years after the car was purchased! The reliability and repair bills have been every bit as good as Toyota & Lexus…. if not better! I am looking to swap out our CX-5 in the next 2 years and was going to buy another RX350 but with the new CX-70 coming out next year… I decided to hold out. The resale value on our CX-5 is awesome as well. I paid $38,000 cad for it back in 2015 and they are selling for around $20,000 cad right now… 8 years later!

Hey Joe! Does this thing have pumped in audio? Wasn't sure based on the video a while ago. Great video as always! Thank you!

Had an ND Miata club, but traded it for a 22 Supra this year. Still rooting for them though! They make great cars that punch above their weight class. Loved the Mazda history at the start of the video.

Pine cones…should be a new standard in measuring volume. 😂😂😂 Great review!

FOUR pinecones in the center console??! Hell yeah! I'm sold

I honestly feel that with this vehicle having a conventional automatic transmission makes it much better, and that’s coming from an outback owner with a CVT. Plus that vehicle looks absolutely amazing in person

"... a biscuit and a bottle of gravy to wash it down." LMAO!! "Gravy", you mean, liquid heart attack. Your reviews are the best, Joe.

Joe, love the look and colour. Wireless charging should be standard. It is an optional add-on though (in Canada). Love the quality of the materials and the soft touch. Also, it's not plastic fantastic especially the gloss black type. Surprisingly quiet ride even with the aggressive tires.

Mazda makes a fantastic product. I know that as with any manufacturer, with a first year model vehicle especially this early it can have issues. In my opinion it is simply the adjustment period between the Hiroshima production line and the US production line; once they dial in the true perfection of production they are known for these new models will be a truly great rival to its competitors. I know the quality Mazda is capable of achieving and it will continue to punch far above its class. Loved the thorough review sir. Thanks!

does it have any underbody protection?

Mazda at it again and Joe and Lori are here to bring it to us!!! I love these rigs!!! Not q fan of the humongous fake vents though. But overall a decent package!!! Awesome review y'all!!!

The Outback Wilderness actually comes with the 2.4 turbo with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is on par with the CX-50. I recently cross shopped this against the Outback Onyx XT which I think is a closer competitor, since the Wilderness has way more off-road capability than the CX-50. Ultimately, I ordered an Outback Onyx XT because I love the 2.4 turbo engine, large practical interior and top notch AWD system. That said, I will always have a soft spot for Mazda. I've owned 3 of them over the years and I plan to purchase a Miata within the next couple years.

Is this the platform for the upcoming Mazda 6. Is this above the CX-5?

Hey Joe, I test drove one of these. The wireless charger is just behind the controller for the infotainment (under the front of the console doors). It did not fit my bigger Samsung phone with case however. They do have a 360 camera too. The one I drove had a head up display also. I drove a Turbo Premium Plus. Looks like the Meridian is a lower package and does not include these features. (The CX-50 was a little small for me, and I did not like the turbo lag).

Mazda CX-50 is very good looking. I test drove in July twice. Looks are superficial though and I’m disappointed hearing about the cost cuts for rear suspension. Also I’m shocked the CX-50 doesn’t have fog lights! I know the CX-50 looks better than Subaru Outback (wilderness) but I think OBW is more robust.

Damn only 4 pinecones, I need store at least 5 pinecones.

If I want to do some mild off-roading in this thing I would get some 17s with a thicker sidewall. I’m not a fan of the short roof height. Give me head room over style. I will stick with my cx7 and later a cx5 for headroom

Yay for hood struts! This thing looks awesome! CVT BAD! The Outback Wilderness has a 2.4 Turbo shared with the WRX, right? It has 260 HP.

Mazda has some of the highest quality interiors in the industry. Love the traditional analog gauges also.

Joe at 9:45 you INCORRECTLY said the Outback Wilderness DOESN'T have a turbo! My friend it DOES and it has MORE H. P 260 than the cx-50! And the Outback Wilderness runs that 260 H. P on REGULAR GAS! Unlike the Mazda which loses appropriately 10% of it's H. P on regular gas. I'm REALLY surprised you misspoke about the Outback Wilderness. Yes I pay attention to your video's.

Tested the pinecone collection and you're right on. The sunny Ds bottles fit just fine🍼 😎

I just picked up a CX-50 Turbo premium plus earlier this week. Liking it a lot so far. Few things I dislike. The key. Feels so cheap. Also, the premium plus comes with 20” wheels so the turning at low speeds feels very heavy. I wish it had a digital gauge cluster to give it a more premium feel. Other than that, it’s a great car so far.

Love the look! Mazda builds the best vehicles in my opinion.

Wow Joe, I never knew Mazda started out making cork, you never mentioned it in any of your previous Mazda videos. Great info again!

What kind of speakers does it have I don’t think you mentioned that.

Does the meridian edition have power folding mirrors upon locking or unlocking the vehicle?

It’s crazy and I know the two vehicles I was considering are two totally different segments. But I was almost sold on an Acura TLX but the lack of space (especially in the rear seats) bothered me a lot, as much as I’ve wanted to own an Acura. 😫 But then I saw this video while doing research on a CX-90 and decided to test drive it. And while I could tell it wasn’t AS fast, it wasn’t a major difference, plus I’ve also wanted to finally try a new Japanese manufacturer since I’ve only owned Nissans and Hondas so far. It turns out this vehicle gave me almost as much the driving experience as the TLX. That combined with that panoramic roof, those nice seats and extra space pretty much has me sold on this being my next vehicle in a few months.

Hi Joe, I watched a lot of your videos and I thing I am kinda confused was why you put so much hate to CVT transmission? whta's wrong with CVTs?

Great review Joe. Thank you.

Do the smaller wheels make for a more quiet and comfortable ride than the 20" on the TPP trim?

They should have done the headliner in black like the CX-5 Turbo and Signature. Can’t unsee the brown plus. black plus tan interior.

Hey joe, I have a zircon sand premium plus, comes with wireless charger that actually sucks, but it has it and also 360 camera and power folding side mirrors and cooled seats with rear heated seats 42k msrp

I bought mine 2 weeks ago and man I love it, the way it looks the way it drives. I get compliments every where I go. The only issue is I wish it had a bigger tank it only gives 280 miles on full tank. But other than that it’s the best car I ever owned

Wanted to buy this so bad. Test drove it yesterday. Visibility out the back was just not enough for me. Going to stick with my cx5 and put some new wheels and tires on it!

Did Mazda change the torsion beam and consider to assemble some CX-50 in Japan factory?

Let me tell you something about those rear wipers that are tucked up in the rear spoiler. You get an upside down half circle view out in the back. It’s not as visibly useful as a right side up semi circle view that you get with the traditionally mounted wipers.

Does anyone know how the cargo floor size, with the back seats down, compares with the Subaru Outback, I've seen where the volume size is significantly more in the Outback but what seems more important is the floor size.

Good looking vehicle but at 40k the better connectivity wireless charging need to be standard and outside the decals on the hood I don't know what the "Meridian" upgrades are??

I like the black cladding, it's real boss

Man that is a beautiful suv.

Great work you two, this suv is promising. Twinkies and chocolate milk,mmmm yum yum!😊😊

Duuuuuude I want one of those so bad!!!!!!

For anyone wondering you can only get the outback wilderness in the 2.4L turbo flat 4.

I have a great respect for Mazda brand. Was really impressed with the quality of 2020 CX-5💥💥💥

Perfect match!

Thanks!

I also believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows. Science!!!

Subaru are safe cars they have had their share of issues. The CX-50 is a good looking SUV would go with Mazda they have some good looking cars, fun to drive and worth the amenities the exterior color is nice goes along with the factory wheels.

Tell'em if the want an 8 speed or 10 speed-- go drive a truck for a living... and they'll have it all day-- this has 6 and THAT"S PERFECT!!!

I liked how the car drove when I tested the CX-50 out but it felt really cramped. I also thought many of the parts inside seemed cheap and not sturdy (glove box, door panels). We ended up going with an Outback Wilderness instead.

I'm debating between the Forester Wilderness, Rav4 TRD, and this. I want something a little more capable for some light camping events, but also able to tow a few motorcycles around. Around 3000lbs is just about right. But at the same time I wanted to keep it close to 30mpg. I do like the looks of the Mazda, and the overall balance for more on road since I'll probably be on road majority of the time. I just need it to absolutely do the 1% when I need it. It is a little disappointing that the Meridian edition is just cosmetic with different wheels and tires. I thought about a regular turbo CX50 but I hate those 20 inch wheels and its actually more expensive than the Meridian edition. It would be nice to see a retuned suspension, a bit higher, even a skid plate or so. From what I've seen on the Wilderness its actually has different suspension, raised height, underbody protection, oil coolers, different final drive. Only 3 vehicles have ticked the checkbox for what I'm specifically looking for. The Subaru Wilderness, The CX50 Meridian, and the Rav4 TRD Off Road or Adventure. In the perfect world, I would find a SUV with the capabilities of the Subaru, the reliability of the Rav4, and the looks of the CX50.

Hi love the videos

I own the cx30 and let me tell you I can't wait to move up to the cx50. 10 more payment and the cx50 is mines

Extending the spoiler wouldn't help with rear wiper, the problem is the rear window is a "stall" area (more spoiler would actually make this problem worse) causing dust/dirt/debris/road spray to basically swirl in that area and completely muck-up the rear window, thus the wiper isn't for "raindrop" removal but for muck-removal which can't be avoided in that area (the only way to eliminate it would actually be to make the geometry such that airflow goes smoothly over the rear window (a "long-tail" impractical design especially for a CUV) to keep the air moving smoothly and basically self-cleaning it with airflow. Just commentary, good review, thanks!

Hey Joe does it require premium or is regular acceptable?

It's nice looking but I would want the black around the wheel arches color matching, would look way better, imo.

Back again with a win with Mazda all new a see a great victory in near future for the Mazda CX

Planning to trade my CX5 to a CX50. But after watching RatiRides video about the CX50, I'll keep my CX5.

I still didn't see what's diff from the regular cx50 and meridian cx50.

Bought a CX-50 a month ago after getting rid of a unreliable 22 Kia K5 GT1. I couldn’t be happier!!!

Most of my driving will be HIGHWAY driving-- going to do my shopping and errands a couple times a month- 30 miles each way-- all highway--and a littel around town.. then MAYBE one DAY trip a year or so.. that's about it. That means I'll be getting the 29 mpg most of the time- so that's close enough to 30. The last several years- my vehicles have been getting 10-18... so this is GREAT.

The paint color is amazing! Unfortunately the black cladding...I gotta zonk it. Good lookin' ride, Mr. Raiti.

My first Mazda SUV!! Amazing video Joe.

I like this one Joe ....

This car looks great in person

Hows that stiching in the middle of the seat.I keep hearing from other reviewers that it feels like you have a G string on lol.

Waiting for your CX-60 review!

Good job but, should show sticker and ground clearence.

I wish the 18 inch were on the base models instead but as normal tires not off-road cause the 17s are too thick and 20 is too thin at least put 19 if u want

6 speed automatic unlike subaru cvt...im in Joe 🤘🏻

Me and my wife test drove one of these before she bought a Santa Cruz. The interior of this thing is deceptively small, we both felt incredibly cramped in the front seats and it seemed like her 2020 Mazda 3 had more arm room.

The wireless charging is in front of the center console under the lid.