Is the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Meridian a better SUV than a Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
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- Опубліковано 3 січ 2024
- The Cx-50 Meridian Edition is a special trim from Mazda. On the outside you will find a unique color called Zircon Sand, cargo platform, special wheels and grill. On the inside you will find an upscle interior, sunroof and 10in infotainment screen. Under the hood is a 2.5L inline-4 turbocharged engine and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Meridian a better SUV than a Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
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I got the CX 50 delivered yesterday and I am loving it. Not the meridian but the premium plus model without GT. Man Mazdas make really good looking cars.
That is so fantastic to hear!
@RaitisRides thanks to you as I watched all your review of CX 50 and made the decision.
@@kiranraj282that is so fantastic!
Just picked up a premium plus yesterday as well! Took it on a 500 mile road trip today…. What an awesome car! I had a cx 5 turbo previously which was a blast. Was worried I would miss the turbo but I really didn’t at all!
I also have a premium plus nonturbo trim. I’ve had it for over a year. I love it!
The CX-50 doesn't compete with the Crosstrek Wilderness. It's an entire class above it. The CX-50 competes with the Outback Wilderness.
This guy is hilarious. Love the CX50. Joe is my favorite reviewer.
Thank you for covering this. I've had my 50 for over a year and I can't stay out of it. It's so fun to drive. Funny story.....one of my co-workers thought it was a Lexus at 1st glance. Lol
I would go with the Mazda CX-50 and I still say Zoom - Zoom ! Mazda is really becoming known for their quality and making good looking vehicles with luxury soft interiors. Good warranty also and some features nobody else has. Their SkyActive engines are excellent quality and you can use Premium or Regular Unleaded and it will give you more HP on Premium fuel.
The correct saying for a Mazda CX-50 is "Snooze - Snooze".
@@eskieman3948have you driven one?
I like the 50/50 touch. I use my 2018 mazda6 for ride share and the most annoying thing is using the wheel to manually input addresses on android auto with People waiting for me to move out of the way. 😂
@@eskieman3948wrong!
Been loving the uploads. Thanks again for giving us info/reviewss with some persona and interest.
Hey brother, great review as always. You and Lori are the best in the business. Bought one of these last April and couldn't be happier. Keep up the good work.
We appreciate you so very much! I am so glad to hear
Hey Joe, I just had to double check. Mine's a 2023, but it definitely has a 12 volt in the rear cargo section. It's on the right hand side near the pull handle. Perhaps, that's different in 24? Or maybe its an option? Not sure. Anyway, keep up the good work.@@RaitisRides
Test drove a Mazda3 last month and what you’re saying about Mazda is true. Great steering feel, really balanced feeling. Just wish these cars were a bit faster and they’d be perfect.
I love love this car. I can't afford this right now. And my corolla is still going strong. But once I'm done paying off all my student loans then I'm going to start saving for this baddie.
I love the meridian trim. The color, wheels, interior, it's all perfect.
Mazda is killing it. Toyota reliability with better styling.
YES, This beats any Subaru. Love mine!!!
Fantastic ti hear!
In a straight line, sure. Everywhere else, not a chance 😂 🤡
@@messmeister92you’re the clown lol Subaru’s are trash compared to these
The CVT alone makes Subaru lose by default. @@messmeister92
And driving a Subaru brings upon a certain stereotype which so happens to be true. And it’s not a good one.
Amazing review Joe.
very excited for the CX-70 reveal later this month, hopefully you will cover it?!
I will have it for you
I have a Crosstrek Wilderness and have taken it off road over some seriously challenging dirt, mud, snow and rocky roads. There is no way this Mazda could take anyone over the type of terrain that the Crosstrek Wilderness can take you. Why pay almost $10k more to be an off road poser! Go check out Raiti’s Crosstrek Wilderness video and just see how much fun he had. The Mazda Meridian is beautiful but it isn’t an off roader unless you only drive on groomed dirt roads. Save some money and go have fun in the Wilderness. We absolutely love ours.
No thanks. I don’t like driving ugly cars.
I agree with you,I have CT wilderness and I’m very happy with it
“When god gives you 10.5 inches you better use it”
-Raiti’s Rides
Quote of the year😭❤️
Great job! I always enjoy the informative yet comedic review. I test drove the Mazda CX 50 and it is all that you say it is from its beautiful interior, handling performance to its exterior rugged styling. However, I wasn’t too impressed with its fuel economy and I thought that the exterior wind and road noise was a little pronounced in the cabin. Additionally, I thought that the pricing was a little too steep for my personal liking.
Mazda over Subaru any day IMO. Mazda looks great and great review as always.
Spoken like a true clueless Mazda fanboi....
Never owned a Mazda and the few Subarus I have had have been crap
@@eskieman3948
Spoken like a guy who doesn't want his transmission spontaneously combusting mid-drive.
The CX50 does have a 12 volt in the back. It's on the driver side in the cubby area... I have one...😊
I really enjoy your reviews! I've been watching for some time now and can't believe I haven't subscribed. So, here's a big thumbs up and a sub from me. I'm cross shopping a '24 CR-V EX-L Hybrid and the CX-50 GT Turbo...... love the Ingot Blue colour. My head says CR-V hybrid, my heart says CX-50 GT Turbo. I have to make a damn decision soon though.......
Great review and analysis 😎👌
Yes of course Joe & thinking of driving one.
I think you would like this one
11:49 Your mom was really out here giving lessons on gloss black? Too much fun 😂😂😂
Thanks fir letting me share the laughs and the SUVs with you
You had me laughing at don’t stick your hot dog in there…. 😂🤣
@@karlf2378that’s freaking awesome!
I just got the CX-50 Select and absolutely love it. I have the Subaru Forester and Outback and they are great cars especially in the snow. I love the look of the CX-50 more and the drive is absolutely fantastic. I’m not sure if it will be better in the snow than the Subaru but with the AWD I’m sure it will do just fine.
Perfect timing I was just building one of these online
It was meant to be!
I have the TPP CX-50 very fun to drive.
@@KostaAugoustidisthat’s so awesome to hear
Thanks for the review, Joe. Any idea when the Toyota hybrid systems will come to Mazda??
How is the ride quality? Did they improve it enough from the 2023 model, or is it still too rough?
You didn’t mention audio system probably a bose but they missed an opportunity to have a meridan speakers in the meridan
Also the roof platform is a 900 option and you can blackout the roof rails with the apex package
The Meridian doesn’t get the Bose 12 speaker. It has the standard eight speaker system.
I’m a fan of soul red……..would look great with that Terra cotta interior 👌. I’m also a fan of Raiti’s rides !
You are really awesome Tom!
Thank you for that
Those colors would look funnnnky together
Damn this color is amazing. I like this a lot.
I wanna love the CX50 but that torsion beam rear axle is a glaring miss when my 2021 CX5 Carbon turbo has IRS. Plus the massive price hike is a tough one to swallow.
Hoping the CX70 will be what I want/need when it comes out. The CX90 is nice, but too big and way too salty in price.
I’m a Florida resident very close to you in the NPR area.
Great review! Can I make a request for a video on a 2024 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 LZ0 Duramax?
You got it my friend
Bought a 2023 last year. 🔥 Added some Black 🦏 wheels on.
I test drove one of these the other week - this exact spec in fact. Decent car, but I just can’t get past paying 43K for a torsion beam rear end
What do you think the price should be.
@@RaitisRidesI think overall the price is fine for what you get as far as features, just wish they put a better rear suspension set up if they’re going to charge that money. The older CX-5 has an IRS, so it really doesn’t make a lot of sense
@@RaitisRidesIt should be cheaper than the equivalent CX-5, not pricier. The vehicle that is built in Alabama (not Japan) has a cheaper suspension setup and some cheaper materials should be less money.
Why would Mazda use cheaper rear suspension? I cannot pay more for this than my cx 5 with turbo and independent rear suspension 😢
Mazda is definitely overpriced IMO. I tried to lease a CX-30 back in 2020 and it was just absolutely ridiculous what they wanted me to pay per month. And that was after a week of dealing. Waste of time.
Hi
Joe How Are You?
Pleasure To See You Always As Your Content Is Always Helpful And Quite Elaborated Am 1 Your Subscribers At Saudi Arabia🇸🇦
Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video real true 👍
Having experience with both, CX-50>>>Outback by a country mile for a couple reasons:
1. The interior built quality and the design are much superior.
2. The exterior styling and details are much more elegant.
3. For real world usage, the AWD system in CX-50 are basically equivalent to Outback.
4. CX-50 also seems to be slightly cheaper and better value for the money.
Thanks for sharing that ownership experience with us!
Nope
@@Gopinathk17 🤡
Thinking of trading in my Corolla for an Audi A4 or BMW 330i. I'm going to revisit your reviews on both to get some of your insights.
That’s a big change for sure. Let me know if you have any
Specific questions
Go 340 not 330.
Totally different vehicles in price alone, not to mention, the Crosstrek Wilderness can confidently navigate places the CX-50 dare not travel.
Crosstalk all the way
Love to see what it does in the woods . Look a Subaru videos it a real off road sub suv
Like back to dealership for repairs like my Crosstrek? 😂
@@pingpongballz5998this is why I switched from Subaru to Mazda
F cvts
Planning to buy in 2 months.Few months back, I did test drove and experienced the cx50 turbo. It has the connection to the driver. It drives great. Next time I took my wife for a test drive, she couldn't stop driving it. She even drove to the next town and she was going on 140kmph.😜 Don't realise the speed builds up so fast and the vehicle feels solid. There is a driver's fun involved. It's an amazing vehicle.❤
Even with a couple of things I don't like about the cx-50, the current 0% loan rates they've got going are making it particularly tempting to go take a look. And there's a non-turbo premium plus in the gorgeous red color sitting on my dealer's lot right now that has me drooling slightly. I was never a red car person until I recently saw mazda's red in person on a sunny day. I wish the non-turbo premium plus had the surround view camera that the turbo has though.
The 0% was for Cx5 only. CX50 was 1.9% at the store I went to, at least.
I have the premium plus nonturbo in the soul red crystal! It’s beautiful!
Reminds me of the Infinity FX45 but better looking.
AUTO UPDATE 1/4/24:
The 2025 Mazda CX70 debuts on January 30th at 11 AM ET
Yep this is true
@@RaitisRides Countdown is on Raiti 😎
@@chrisgelo1425this is going to be good
I love it, Does it comes in right hand drive.
I see the engine cover has 2 cup holders. Interesting.
It’s to warm two drinks
@@RaitisRides I’m sold.
Consider making the cargo capacity rating in balls for all your reviews!
Have the meridian took of the hood decal. Got it undercoated and paint corrected and PPFed. Great car driving dynamics are best in class by far. Not the biggest fan of the pedal feel on the gas. It’s a little off. Rides great, interior and clean and simple.
That is fantastic to hear!
The "pinned" pedal is one of the things I love most about Mazda! You can really get into it as opposed to the "floating" accelerators most manufacturers are now using.
Those are great tires, have them on my CX-9.
CX-50 has really grown on me, pretty much almost sold on waiting for the Hybrid version.
Why? Looking forward to replacing that battery cell?
@@anthonyc.4246 maybe I'm misinformed but wouldn't a 3-5k battery cell replacement be offset by way more fuel savings over the 10 year average lifespan?
@@GranTigerGamingMaybe, if it only cost 3-5k. But you're looking at 7-10k.
I would like to see a comparison between a CX-50 Turbo and Subaru Outback Onyx XT! I love both but zonk the Outback for the cvt, and worry about mpg on the Mazda turbo. The non turbo CX-50 is high on my list!
Cx50 hybrid is coming soon.
@Scott-mu4xw I've heard it's the same hybrid Toyota uses so that's not a bad thing! Hopefully it's not plug in hybrid though.
@@PatrickJTezakThat’s what I’m hearing too. Toyota owns a small percentage of Mazda.
I can't help it... Why this is being compared to a Crosstrek, when it's competition and much closer in size and specs to the Outback?
Things are getting crazy
Joe, yo sigo esperando que nos muestres una prueba de manejo de la nueva traverse 2024
It should be happening very soon. Fingers croseed
@@RaitisRides OK 🙏
@@Alexanderacosta832thanks
I owned this car for less than a year - absolutely could not get along with it. For $42k, you have to be kidding me. Lexus NX, Acura RDX very within reach. If want actual offroad capability, have to go Subaru Outback.
I test drove a cx50 premium plus, I liked the extra room it had over my 2023 Mazda 3 turbo but that base engine has no oomph.
For the most part it’s been pretty adequate for me. I came from a 275 hp six-cylinder engine on my previous vehicle. I just had to learn to get a little bit more heavier into the pedal with my CX 50.🤷♀️
Wouldn’t a better comparison be the Outback or forester. A Crosstrek is more Cx30 related
I was going to ask the same thing.
Ummmm.... you're right. It would be.
Couple of issues. I have a 2024 Meridian - per the VIN, but it did not come with the hood decal (glad about that as I like a full front end protective film wrap on my cars), or the brushed aluminium lower cladding bars on the doors. So, I paid the price of a of a GT Turbo - Premium Turbo in the U.S.. The interior and everything else is pure Meridian including the 18" wheels - reason is that Mazda's assembly plant in Alabama (shared with Toyota) ran out of Meridian trim parts. The black headlight trim has been eliminated from all Meridians in the 2024 model. This said, after two Porsche Cayennes, a Porsche Macau and a CX-5 Signature, I love the CX-50. Really quick car.
This has more power and a 6 speed automatic transmission which is great but I still prefer the Subaru.
Nothing wrong with that
Take an Outback Wilderness over this any day of the week, which is what you should be comparing this CX-50 Meridian to.
Outback has more room, more ground clearance, more overall capability with real off-road upgrades, equally as quick (likely faster actually), AND $6,000 less than Meridian here in Canada.
The Meridian is 53G, the Outback Wilderness 47G, and Crosstrek Wilderness 41G, so no idea why you're comparing it to a Crosstrek.
Where are you finding an Outback wilderness for 6k less than a CX50 Meridian? Because in the US, its $41k starting for a Meridian, and it’s around $42k starting an Outback wilderness with most being $43k+. Yes the lower trim outback’s are cheaper, and they’re also slower by a long shot bc they no longer get the turbo, same with the lower trim CX-50, but I’d argue any day that the 6spd auto in the Mazda will last you a lot longer and actually not have you hate the vehicle vs the CVT dumpster fire in the outback. And honestly speaking, I very much so like the looks of the Outback wilderness, I wanted one so badly. But I’ve got a friend that’s put 10k miles on hers and can’t wait to get rid of it, loves every aspect except for the CVT.
@SLOK20C2 dependability and what your preference to drive is are two different things. I haven't seen or heard much in a number of years about issues with Subaru's CVT. Yes, CVT's in general, but little about Subaru's version. Apparently they are built better and chain driven. Have that same CVT feel, but just better. Plus the Subaru does have the 8 set ratios that if you watch reviews, does a good job of resembling an auto when driven hard or in manual mode.
Raiti's Rides actually has 2 in-depth reviews of the Outback Wilderness on his page. One from not long ago and one from June '21, and he quite enjoy it. He made a few comments about the CVT, and he even said it's well done and not really an issue. Just a matter of getting used to it.
You are right in that it's not as engaging, but I think it's definitely suitable for the type of vehicle. Especially given the overall performance.
As for price, I can only speak of Canada. It's likely due to the fact that most import brands package everything that is an option in the US as standard equipment in the ones built for Canada. With the Meridian and Wilderness, your only option here is colour. Every option you can add in the US is standard here. Picking and choosing options within a given trim is only a domestic brand thing here.
The 2024’s got updated dampers, steering feel, and brake feel.
Agree with U, I had 2023 CX-50 nd replaced now with 2024 CX-50, it’s an great upgrade and feels good taking bumps and potholes now ❤❤❤
I also bought CX 50 premium plus with leather seats (non turbo version). For some reason I don't feel the leather seats are too comfortable and that ruins the ride quality for me, other than that it's a perfect car.
I wish they would just make the rear vents real, or just put in reflectors at least instead.
Great ideas!
love those wheels, yes definitely should have a forward facing camera. love the interior but not the infotainment. Mazda hasn't figured out a solid infotainment yet. A fully touch screen would be nice.
Why do you want a touch screen? Don't you have enough screens? It literally takes a day or two to have the Mazda dial system mastered. Touchscreens are even more dangerous and distracting. Just drive your car.
Look at Subarus huge touch screen, including HVAC. It's ugly and cheap looking.
🙏🙏🙏 keep doing your thing
You got it Jimmy!
COACH ~ I called Steven - Chris (because I'm old & forgetful lol) sorry about that guys. yeah > Burmeister my number one pick for stereo/speaker systems. plus I like Raiti's Rides (been here everyday since 2020) - tony
You are so awesome Tony! You are the best!
this vehicle is gorgeous but i’m not sure it matches the value that the crosstrek wilderness provides.
It’s been a while since I test drove a Crosstrek. I gotta think that the CX50 is bigger than a Crosstrek?
Would you say this model performed and handles better than the Kia Sportage 24 x line your reviewed a few months ago?
Oh yes 100%
Thank you, and one last question if you were given one of those two as a gift. Which one would you choose and why?
I'm appealing to your expertise and knowledge on these two models.
Don’t stick your hot dog in there, it’s going to hurt! 😀👏👏👏
I like my music and it is such a bummer the Bose system isn't available on the meridian. Same with Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. They put the crappy systems in the off road models. At least they should make them available as an option. Bummer.
Huge bummer, that’s one reason I won’t go CX-50 either. Alas, we have to install our own equipment!
The screen is on the higher side than most cars.using as a touch a little awkward actually.
Amazing little suv, love the way it drives, handle and looks, now Mazda did zonk! Themselves with this trim, it has less ground clearance than the premium turbo trim, which makes no sense, but overall beautiful and great overall value
I really like this Meridian but i wished they made those plastic things into more like a body color panels
Still not as bad as the Subaru!
@@RaitisRides i owned a subaru trust me i know, i made an appointment to test drive this Cx-50
@@chard101 that body cladding saved my CX 50 from getting scratched up when I was on a narrow gravel road up in the mountains of North Georgia
Thank goodness it has a place for my jungle juice.
I can live with the flat black here it looks tasteful but on the Subarus there is way too much
I totally agree with you
From a Subaru owner, I will agree! I’d rather wrap my subie in PPE! 😂 the CX-50 is a sexy car IMHO.
@@karlf2378I agree with you
It’s awesome but the ground clearance and cost are tough to swallow.
The ground clearance definitely needs a bump
Would be nice to have a "Texas edition" that comes with cooling seats!
Hey Joe, you always ask the question but you never answer it which one do you think is best?
im 6'3 when i test drove this car my head was touching the roof, and the seat was in the lowest setting. Mazda needs to get their act together, if you are going to sell cars in the west you cant use dimensions that accommodate the average hieght in Japan.
CX-5 should tick ur preference…CX-50 is a mixed bag of a crossover SUV…
Ironic that the CX-50 is built in Huntsville, AL
@@dsny121 To cut down the costs and increase the productivity by tie up with Toyota
6'4 here. The CX-50 is shorter. My 2017 CX-5 was taller and I had headroom left over. If you like the 50 but hate the headroom go with the 5. Also the 5 is still made in Japan to much more exacting standards than the 50 which is manufactured in the US.
Great car on paper, but not sure why the 0-60 time is so slow. Car is also OP by about $5-6k imo.
Comparing this to the crosstrek is reaching waaaay far. For price point you should compare the outback wilderness and this meridian doesnt come even close to the Outback wilderness.
Like it, but would still get a CX5 over it.
Way more expensive that CrossT wilderness.
Maybe compete with Outback wilderness. Both great cars
Weird, no HUD. Even my Mazda3 has it. Really looking forward to the straight six in the upcoming CX-70.
That’s is really bizarre! Stay tuned for sure
HUD is available, I don't know what package gets it but I test drove a Turbo this past weekend (not a Meridian) and it had it.
@@hwdan3096turbo premium and turbo premium plus have the HUD
I'm thinking of the cx70 phev if it has the 7500.00 credit
The HUD comes on the premium plus trims and the premium trim for the turbo model and the premium plus trim on the nonturbo
8.5” v. 9” ground clearance. The Crosstrek appears to stand much taller.
You are very correct!
lovely Car..
how about comparing oranges to oranges? the cx50 and crosstrek are entirely diff vehicles targeting different buyers
Mazda not collaborating with a suspension manufacturer to lift this car was a huge miss
I have seen some UA-cam videos of people getting their CX 50’s lifted
I still prefer the "funky" style with the extra ground clearance. Nice try.
I heard there are new tweaks for 2024
I have a Crosstrek Wilderness on order and this Mazda isn't ever close as a comparison. All Mazda did is take a standard CX-50 and put some all terrain tires on it along with the hood decals. Those bumpers will lead to extremely limited approach and departure angles and the look is very boring.
Scott you are going to absolutely love your Crosstrek Wilderness. We have one and have taken it off road over very challenging roads. It cuts through deep sand like a hot knife through butter, we have driven ours through snow, deep mud and seriously rocky roads. The ground clearance is amazing and with the lift that the front and back bumpers have it handles driving in and out of deep ruts with no problem at all. The on and off road ride is great and it has all the power anyone needs on or off road. Also Raiti did not mention if the Meridian roof rack could handle 700 lbs of static weight like the Wilderness. The options and possibilities of this little Wilderness car are amazing. This Mazda is just an expensive off road poser wannabe. Go check out Raiti’s Crosstrek Wilderness video and see how much fun he had and how much he said he loved our car. Have fun, be safe and get off road, you will be amazed.
And IMO, the cladding on the Crosstrek wilderness is atrocious. That said, I like the Crosstrek overall, as well as the CX-50. The Crosstrek Wilderness is the least competent of the Subaru Wilderness packages. I would go with the Sport. For Mazda, I would go with the CX-5 to get the true IRS. I just don't get trying to go upscale and reverting to a beam axle. I haven't had one of those since my POS 1990 Cavilair.
The look is not boring
WHOA! Hideous interior. I hope that there are other color options!
I love the terra-cotta interior. I wish it was available as an option on my non-turbo CX 50
Wrong comparison. It should be compared to the Subaru Outback Wilderness. Seats in the CX 50 much harder than the Subaru so uncomfortable for me( also mentioned by other car reviewers). Agree with better driving dynamics from Mazda.
I’m diggin that color but the flat black that needs to go it should been bodied colored
I know how you feel
@@RaitisRides yup
@@wardellwardheck yeah
@@RaitisRides 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
I thought CX50 used to compare with Subaru Forester
"When God gives you 10.25 inches....you USE all of those 10.25 inches....for your infotainment system. LMAO. Nice one, Raiti
I like it
They had a bunch of 2023 leftovers on the lots in the North East in April/May and were offering 0% for 63 months. At the time we had a 22 CX-5 Turbo so I didn’t pull the trigger. It’s more expensive yet had less features. Still better than a lot of the competition but too much $. This should be cheaper than the CX-5 since it’s built in Alabama and has the cheaper rear suspension and a little cheaper interior.
Thanks for sharing that great information
I currently own the Meridian since May 2023. I like everything about it except the seat belt reminder is just horrendously loud and obnoxious. I will probably replace it with the 2025 GMC Terrain when it comes out.
It wants you to be super safe. 😉
Just remember to buckle up before you start it and then you don’t hear it
I want one
Sounds good to me.
get it
I’d just take a Subaru outback wilderness for $2000 less and about equal in power.
There is no Bose subwoofer in top trim that's crazy
There is it's in the cargo area in the middle of the spare tire
This is not the top model this is just above the base turbo
@@gailenrique2804 Even the base CX-5 Turbo (Carbon) has way more features than the Meridian and it's $4K less
When i bought a CX5 financed by Chase i had to sign a part of the contract that i wouldnt take the vehicle off road
No, you didn't.
Yeah I did.@@sawyermartin4434