The small changes between the two settings add up to a noticeable difference on the trail. I tested the CX-50's dirt prowess in both Normal and Off-Road modes. The transmission and brake-based traction-control system are also adjusted to optimize low-speed grip and the CX-50 can even detect when it's aimed uphill and adjust the idle speed in preparation for a climb.
It does so by making even more aggressive use of GVC to help the front wheels dig into looser substrates and by sending more torque to the rear end to help cornering stability. Off-Road mode - unique to the CX-50 - aims to replicate the traction and feel of tarmac when driving on dirt and gravel trails.
This setting also makes more aggressive use of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control handling technology. (The setting also prevents mid-corner downshifts that could upset the CX-50's balance or reduce exit speeds.) Sport mode is also more liberal with the all-wheel-drive torque split, sending more power to the rear when accelerating and totally cutting rear axle torque when cornering to reduce understeer. Normal is the default setting for balanced performance, while Sport mode wakes up the powertrain with improved throttle response and adjustments to the transmission programming to hold revs longer and higher into the powerband.
Without an adaptive suspension, the four modes don't really feel all that different from one another, but Mazda says that's by design - its philosophy towards drive modes is that the CX-50 should feel like the same vehicle with the same driving dynamics with the modes quietly compensating for different conditions. The CX-50's performance can be customized to the task via the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select or MI-Drive drive modes, which can be toggled between Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing modes with the flick of the small switch on the center console.
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