2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Apex Review: Is This the Ultimate Compact SUV?

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 107

  • @BrianMakse
    @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for watching our review of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Apex. If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!

  • @Avijit1308
    @Avijit1308 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Brian, This is the first video I watched in your channel and it certainly won’t be the last. I have been driving this for past year and I can say with certainty that no other car in it’s class will make you smile every time you drive it. It punches above its weight class is comparable to maybe an X3 in driving dynamics!

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว

      Totally agree, glad you enjoyed!

  • @johnnytampocao7671
    @johnnytampocao7671 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    What a beautiful SUV to drive in this particular terrain. The interior color is my favorite.

  • @Gsijin42
    @Gsijin42 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love the review and a new sub - is it the wheels that push you to this trim?

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wheels and tires for sure. Thanks for joining us here!

  • @sgt.pepper4274
    @sgt.pepper4274 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    LOL. I absolutely love where the infotainment controller is. I couldn't have placed it in a more perfect spot for me. I know u weren't harping on it, but it just goes to show how different and alike we are. Nice review. I picked one up in the gray metallic last week. Best vehicle in this class by far.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Congrats! Enjoy!

  • @differencemaker242
    @differencemaker242 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Now THIS is what I want to see! You couldve done 30 min of driviving in the SNOW and I woulda watched every minute. Great looking video

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks, that was a lot of fun. Got lucky with the weather. And the CX-50 is a joy in deep snow!

    • @differencemaker242
      @differencemaker242 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Brian Makse You got any vids on how to do those race car drivery moves? I want to learn that stuff

  • @rahulsarugaser3972
    @rahulsarugaser3972 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great review, as always Brian. My only hang up is the torsion rear beam, vs. the CX-5's independent rear suspension. How did you find this CX-50's rear behaviour relative to its sibling, as well as vs. other vehicles in the class? Cheers.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hey Rahul, the CX-50 is the best handling crossover in the segment, but I gotta ask - who told you that a torsion beam is bad and what reasons did they provide?
      (I’ve got a CX-30 episode coming up where I address that specifically.)

    • @rahulsarugaser3972
      @rahulsarugaser3972 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for the response, Brian. A few reputable reviewers have noted the torsion beam as a 'simpler' suspension setup -- i.e. Savagegeese [th-cam.com/video/-fNCkb0oIRk/w-d-xo.html] @ 5:15, 8:30 -- saying that it is perhaps not as great under more spirited/extreme driving. I know the answer is: why would one do extreme driving in an SUV (get a sports car for that [I have a manual Cayman GTS 4.0, and loved your review on that too, btw]), but us car nerds generally want to select a vehicle that has the best components, such that even when driving at 50%, it is still fun. :) Also, while I have your attention, I'll lob in a second (if slightly unfair) question: buy the CX 50, or wait for the new in-line 6 cylinder CX 70? I know no one has had a chance to drive it yet, but perhaps you could extrapolate from your impressions of the new IL-6 CX 90? (For the record, your reviews are all really excellent -- I particularly enjoyed your Miata Base is Ace Vid -- and I just wanted to say thank you for engaging with us car nerds out there). :)

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Well, Rahul, lots to unpack here, but thank you for appreciating our work. My mission is to share the unvarnished and unfiltered truth about vehicles with drivers like you.
      That said, it's bubble-bursting time. As soon as TH-cam subs and view counts translate to competence behind the wheel it will be a transcendent moment for humanity. For as long as I've been on TH-cam, it hasn't happened.
      Until then, I'll let my driving experience speak for itself and in that context, it's my opinion that anyone who says the torsion beam setup in the CX-50 imbues it with any negative, real-world handling characteristics is clueless. Those folks should stick with dash stroking and quoting spec sheets...because they can't articulate the subtleties of on-limit handling since they can't find them. (These folks inspired the "Cars Don't Understeer..." line of merch in our store.)
      This episode demonstrates from the drop that the CX-50 is satisfying and entirely controllable beyond 100%, but, hey, what do I know? I'm just a dumb racing driver.
      Anyway...back to reality. Regarding CX-70, I haven't seen any timelines on that, but CX-90 is imminent. Reliable sources say it's quite good. See MotomanTV's episodes for an in-depth (and trustworthy) look at the CX-90. If you need something now, you can't go wrong with a CX-50.
      Happy to discuss the dynamics of the CX-50 any time!

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@rahulsarugaser3972 I watched this episode and they didn't actually say anything...except to leave you with the wrong idea that's completely baseless. Ridiculous.

  • @David-et7gk
    @David-et7gk ปีที่แล้ว +2

    So if i'm driving during the winter and on 12 cms of snow, do I put on off road mode for the best traction or just keep it on normal?

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Normal is fine for snow, the system will sort it out. Off road is for actual off roading.

  • @timothygibney159
    @timothygibney159 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just bought this and love it! I didn't buy the roof rack. Would a third party roof rack make less noise

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Congrats, great buy! No, another roof rack would be just as noisy.

  • @francisgallozzi2595
    @francisgallozzi2595 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The 2.5L Skyactiv-G Turbo engine is not a single scroll turbo as you described, but it's a twin-scroll counterpart.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว

      Quite possible, I'm pretty sure my notes were correct. I've driven this engine way too many times.

    • @tommy13965
      @tommy13965 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s twin scroll

    • @LiveWire-it8zr
      @LiveWire-it8zr ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cx50 is twin scroll cx5 is variable nozzle

  • @marcilk7534
    @marcilk7534 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Why does the car slide so much when you turn corners in snow? Will it be easy to spin out in a ditch if I’m driving on snowy roads?

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  หลายเดือนก่อน

      In case you missed the bit at the beginning of the episode, I've been racing cars and teaching performance driving for a long time, so I backed off stability and traction control systems which allowed me to have a little fun in the snow. With its tires, AWD and traction and stability systems, this CX-50 Meridian is as sure footed as any SUV or crossover.

    • @marcilk7534
      @marcilk7534 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@BrianMakse Ok, thank you. I don’t know a lot about cars.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@marcilk7534I’m here to help. Hopefully my explanation makes sense.

    • @marcilk7534
      @marcilk7534 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@BrianMakse At least I understood it was intentional.

  • @10tenman10
    @10tenman10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for the review; this is on my short list.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s a good thing! This is the third time I’ve done an episode with one!

  • @michaelstone7514
    @michaelstone7514 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice review Brian. My question is would you chose the CX 50 over the Outback Wilderness and why.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว

      We answer those questions in the Members section. Come on over!

    • @BurntToffee755
      @BurntToffee755 ปีที่แล้ว

      The outback is so ugly. The ugliest car ever made.

  • @Sixpack32a
    @Sixpack32a 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thanks for your review: you have convinced me to get a CX-50 Meridian 2024 given that Mazda has a very good rate at that time of the year in Canada (October 2024).

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Give one a drive soon!

    • @Sixpack32a
      @Sixpack32a 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@BrianMakse I actually found that the 12 speakers bose system is only in the 2025 so I will need to go with that model year: just have been spoiled with that system in my 2019 Mazda 3 sport GT (which the Meridian will be replacing) and I surely don't want to downgrade my sound system!
      Edit: the Canadian model finally has the bose system in the 2024 version of the Meridian! With 1.5% rebate for previous Mazda owner on already an excellent rate, the 60 months financing is at 1.45% which is incredible plus an additional 500$ rebate.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@Sixpack32a that's all good news! The Bose is great, worth making sure you get it.

  • @soronir3526
    @soronir3526 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Was almost about to pull the trigger on a CX-30 but now the 50 has caught my eye. Some people say don't get the Turbo, others rave about it. Not sure if I wanna be practical or splurge.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Get the turbo.

    • @sgt.pepper4274
      @sgt.pepper4274 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes, get the turbo. I did. I wouldn't consider this vehicle without it. And with extra horsepower and torque, the gas mileage doesn't suffer versus the non-turbo version.

    • @timothygibney159
      @timothygibney159 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I originally bought the TPP then a month later traded it in for the meridian turbo. The interior upgrade is well worth it. Personally both are torquey the NA will last longer as turbos wear an engine down but yes if I hit the gas hard I can get to 0 to 60 1 second faster. It's quicker but the NA is no slouch either

  • @mdatpe
    @mdatpe ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved the review s I have the zircon sand gt turbo model . My question is the only real difference is the tires (other than cosmetics) or am I missing something? A Meridian cost more but I think I could buy tires / rims aftermarket as well as hood graphic.
    P

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว

      I think it’s wheels/tires and a some other trim that are the only differences. I prefer the 18s over the 20s for a few reasons.

  • @Stroupquartet
    @Stroupquartet ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love this vehicle. Just purchased one. Only bummer is after 400 miles, it needs a rear differential. So, I am in a loaner for a while until the part comes in. But LOVE

    • @Epin-Ephrine
      @Epin-Ephrine ปีที่แล้ว

      You drove your CX-50 for only 400 miles and your rear differential broke already??

  • @roccofagundes2362
    @roccofagundes2362 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Can somebody explain to me why is there a big difference between the two cx50 turbochargers from the Meridian and the regular because hello I would like to know the difference between the two cx50 from the Meridian and the regular if they both do the same in towing and inside the vehicle itself they both give me the both green and the terracotta colors so I just don't know the difference and dealer didn't know himself

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  หลายเดือนก่อน

      There aren’t different turbos on the CX-50.

  • @mikek5631
    @mikek5631 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We're cross shopping this and the Bronco Sport. My Wife of course loves the Bronco Sport for it's unique and fun look. But I have serious doubts about it's reliability. I also look at the Bronco Sport and I have no idea why it's so expensive. It sure isn't because of the interior nor is it the 1.5l 3cyl engine. I can't believe that Bronco Sport is over $40K here in Canada. I'm trying desperately to gently nudge her towards this Mazda. May not be as adventurous looking as the Bronco Sport, but I would be willing to bet money that the Mazda would last longer and retain it's resale value longer.

    • @michaelp.3485
      @michaelp.3485 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If she insists on getting the Bronco, than she can pay for any repairs and rental cars you need.

  • @joeamith838
    @joeamith838 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    save the $2800 and just buy new 18'' rims and tires for regular CX-50.

  • @VitoC.
    @VitoC. ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice review!
    Feels and looks like a grown up Mazda 3 turbo.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It does! Stylish, too.

    • @sgt.pepper4274
      @sgt.pepper4274 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And it's off the same platform.

  • @randomgameuploads1162
    @randomgameuploads1162 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got the meridian yesterday! best CUV ever!

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Congrats! Enjoy!

  • @davidwayne9982
    @davidwayne9982 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I thought from the comparison charts on specs, that one could get the TURBO PREMIUM and just change the wheels and tires and maybe add the factory 1.5 inch lift and HAVE the meridian (minus graphics-- which I can do myself with plasti-dip and they're removable that way)..

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I don't think it's possible, or at least it wasn't when we did this video. Things may have changed, but I agree, the wheels and tires make a lot of sense on this crossover.

    • @davidwayne9982
      @davidwayne9982 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@BrianMakse I'ts NOT possible through the dealers-- but I'm sure they won't refuse to just sell me a set of wheels and tires-- or at the very least the WHEELS- and I'll have it done myself and sell the original 20s to some retard that thinks they're acutally good.

  • @10tenman10
    @10tenman10 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Agree with the roof rack; looks cool but would never use it.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep. I wouldn’t.

    • @brytonmunro5270
      @brytonmunro5270 ปีที่แล้ว

      That being said; it might end up encouraging activities that would utilize it. Camping, canoeing, surfing, skiing/snowboarding, etc.

  • @converdis449
    @converdis449 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    From ‘down under’ love your reviews Brian 💪 as you know at the moment sadly no CX50 for us ‘Aussies’. Love the terra-cotta interior not a fan of the roof rack

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, appreciate it! I can’t speak for Mazda’s product planners in Australia, but I think this would be a successful product there.

  • @antoniofigueroa5084
    @antoniofigueroa5084 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Whoa! Nice driving!

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks! That’s what we do here!

  • @LoveLikeaHurricane
    @LoveLikeaHurricane 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    choosing this or the trailsport passport/pilot. I prefer the Honda...but they have their problems with new engine and VCM disable compatibility , as well as timing belt.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Explain.

  • @10tenman10
    @10tenman10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Whole I didn't see it I believe there was a smile on your face as you were drifting on the snow (my son lives in Toronto and I thought all the snow had melted).

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think I shot this on one of the two days we had snow in Southern Ontario. I shoot episodes like this way outside the city.

    • @VitoC.
      @VitoC. ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrianMakse go figure right? As we bask in 25C heat today lol

    • @10tenman10
      @10tenman10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I previously lived on Quebec Avenue in Bloor West village area. Agree it can warm up very quickly !

  • @RangerRickTV
    @RangerRickTV ปีที่แล้ว

    I wish it came in white.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The regular, non-Meridian one does. You could always swap wheels and tires to get close to it.

  • @davidwayne9982
    @davidwayne9982 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    THIS is what I want to see--- WET SLOPPY SNOW!! We get a lot of that around here lately-- and I need the capability-- so curious to see how it does.. I love EVERYHTHING about this --EXCEPT for the RETARD inspired 20: wheels (STUPID looking and screws up the ride as well as performance), and the NON-needed Moon roor (a LEAK waiting to happen) and the infotainment screen-- which should either be totally OUTLAWED-- or made to work ONLY if STOPPED or backing up-- (I say that because I was a tow driver and 87% of the accidents I worked were CAUSED by some fool looking at one of these instead of focusing on the road-- or using a phone, sterioe-- if you're going to DRIVE-- DRIVE- which is why these should be made to NOT WORK goring foward AT ALL-- only sitting still or backiing up - for the cameras. )

  • @luist6mazda
    @luist6mazda 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Im in between this and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. I own a mobile bartending company so truck space is crucial but also MPGs

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Have a look at the CX-50 and 4Runner episodes on this channel and I think you’ll be able to make an informed decision with that info. Let me know what you decide.

    • @anthonyfrombelow
      @anthonyfrombelow 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Neither is great on MPG. I own a 4Runner and just bought the Meridian edition. For trunk space, for sure 4Runner. Though the CX-50 is more than adequate for normal-life cargo.
      Oh, and the CX-50 is prob at least $10,000 cheaper depending on specs.

  • @K03sport
    @K03sport ปีที่แล้ว +2

    should Mazda get rid of the strip in the center of the seat?? Can't wait for all of the special edition MX-5s to start dropping. 3 trims is nice, but Mazda needs to start pumping out (M) spec and anniversary models. SUVs are nice, but ppl still love great sports cars.... 🏁

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here! We need more MX-5 content on this channel!

  • @gehrig398
    @gehrig398 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why only those 2 colors for this trim? Makes no sense to me

  • @justincredible9294
    @justincredible9294 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Twin scroll turbo…. Not single.

  • @rafal4052
    @rafal4052 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mazda all the way

  • @davidwayne9982
    @davidwayne9982 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the one does NOT need a Doctorate in computer science to drive the damn thing..

  • @JaimeSoto-d5x
    @JaimeSoto-d5x หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just get an outback wilderness. You won’t regret it.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’d regret having to live with a CVT every day.

  • @roccofagundes2362
    @roccofagundes2362 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I would like the Apex package because I can also carry the tent that I can crawl up like the Subaru I don't want to go into the Subaru because I like Mazda better what do you think I'm not a computer person I don't know how those ring the bell and smash the lights and I don't understand those things I'm not a computer person but I sure would like to talk to somebody that knows more about the two different kinds of the cx50 because the car dealer didn't know anything I was really upset about that

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  หลายเดือนก่อน

      How can I help? I know this car very well.

  • @tonytitado6478
    @tonytitado6478 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You forgot to mention the noisy cabin and the poor location of the cup holder. I just bought me one a week ago and i'm having buyer's remorse. This vehicle also requires high octane gasoline and eats it up like it's going out of style. I say that for the price, a Honda CR-V Hybrid would be a better choice. If you're living on a fixed income, stay away from this car...good luck.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Tony, the noise comes from the unnecessary roof rack, which I did discuss. It doesn't require premium fuel. And who complains about cupholders? This is a motor vehicle, not a coffee table.

    • @know916bound
      @know916bound ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Couldn't disagree with you more. And most vehicles have cupholders that won't fit your biggest thermos either. Thats what the cupholders on the door trim are for. And you can literally use regular gas. Premium fuel is only if you want to use it. For more untapped power. And the road noise is probably a mix of offroad tires and roof rack, which are known to be noisy, which I've never really noticed in a cx50. I felt like the atlas i was just in sounded a bit louder and plastics inside were more audible.

    • @anthonyfrombelow
      @anthonyfrombelow 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      1. Doesn't require premium gas.
      2. Who gives a f**k about cupholders?
      3. I don't think you really even own one. If you did, you'd be in love. (And who buys a turbo and expects great gas mileage??)
      4. Go buy a CR-V, the Meridian is too cool for you anyway. #getasoccermomcar

  • @ErikS308
    @ErikS308 ปีที่แล้ว

    Roof rack is loud and hurts MPG. I have one.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That would have saved me from doing this review.

  • @johnnysunrocket8618
    @johnnysunrocket8618 ปีที่แล้ว

    Draw back for me is…
    NO Digital Instrument Panel or Digital Cockpit
    All high end SUVs include that feature. Toyota Honda Volkswagen etc. 😞 😢

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It’s a car, not a laptop.

    • @anthonyfrombelow
      @anthonyfrombelow 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@BrianMakseExactly!! Are you looking for more screentime and apps or do you want a car with an amazing driving experience? Get off your screens and drive!!

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@anthonyfrombelow too many buyers are looking for more of those features sadly

  • @richardk8054
    @richardk8054 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The strip in the center of the seat. Is it uncomfortable when driving in short or long drive? Seeing other video say feels like credit card swipe on your butt.

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sounds like someone is a little to fixated on the wrong sort of thing.

    • @anthonyfrombelow
      @anthonyfrombelow 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It's not the strip, it's the wheels. I test drove the CX-50 turbo and thought the seats were brutally firm. But then I test drive the Meridian and realized it wasn't the seats, it was the 20" rims on the turbo. The Meridian comes with 18's and chunkier tires, and the seats now don't bother me at all. So, I bought one!

  • @davidwayne9982
    @davidwayne9982 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wish they'd get RID of the damn info BS altogether.. OR at least limit it to SITTING STILL or backing up-- make it NOT WORK going forward-- that way NO ONE gets distracted F..g with the damn things and causing accidents. (as a tow driver- I cleaned up after folks getting killed by some FOOL using one of these damn things and hate them)..

  • @davidwayne9982
    @davidwayne9982 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Does it have any of that RETARDED "Stop/Start" crap??? and if so can you DISABLE IT (since they are not smart enough to OUTLAW THAT IGNORANCE)..

    • @BrianMakse
      @BrianMakse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Everything has stop/start and I think every one can be disabled. At the very high end, it's seamless, but it's noticeable on just about everything else.

    • @davidwayne9982
      @davidwayne9982 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@BrianMakse I don't care if it's seamless-- when it starts getting lots of wear and tear it WON"T be and could very well fail when needed MOST... I will get that obs plugin thing that disables it permanently.. ShOULD be outlawed...