We Drove This Vehicle 6,000 Kilometres Through The Canadian Maritimes, Here’s How it Went

Embark on a journey through three Maritimes Provinces with the Mazda CX-50.

February 4, 2026

By Shivana Maharaj

City Style and Living Magazine Winter 2025 We Drove This Vehicle 6,000 Kilometres Through The Canadian Maritimes, Here's How it Went Blue Skies near Hopewell Rocks — The vehicle near Hopewell Rocks / K&S Media

It was an inaugural trip to the East Coast for some passengers, which of course meant lots of impromptu photo stops. (“Is that a moose crossing sign? Never seen one before.” “Oh, my goodness, the sunset this evening needs to be recorded”). The Mazda CX-50 easily obliged these constant requests with easy braking and our driver appreciated the low front seats which were easy to enter and exit in a hurry.

The Details

Boasting 29.2 cubic feet of trunk space with all seats in place, we were able to comfortably fit 3 medium suitcases, 1 small suitcase, and 3-4 bags with room to load the odd large water bottle, muddy shoes or a box of fresh lobster. The well-designed cabin felt comfortable for long drives though the driver’s seat could be a little more padded.

City Style and Living Magazine Winter 2025 We Drove This Vehicle 6,000 Kilometres Through The Canadian Maritimes, Here's How it Went Horse by red barn in Prince Edward Island — A horse by a red barn in Prince Edward Island / K&S Media

City Style and Living Magazine Winter 2025 We Drove This Vehicle 6,000 Kilometres Through The Canadian Maritimes, Here's How it Went Closeup of Mazda grill — A vehicle detail closeup / K&S Media

On The Road

PEI’s ‘country roads’ were no feat for this hybrid – with its responsive steering – navigating curvy roads felt secure and stable, even when there were no street signs and no one in sight. Driving aids like blind-spot warning were helpful when passing tractors and adaptive cruise control was helpful in unfamiliar territory especially tight parking spaces at hotels.

With Indian summer weather through the fall, some days reached the upper 20 degrees, and passengers in the back loved the rear air vents, to increase or decrease cool air according to their own preference.

City Style and Living Magazine Winter 2025 We Drove This Vehicle 6,000 Kilometres Through The Canadian Maritimes, Here's How it Went Steering Wheel closeup and winding Road Oxalis restaurant Dartmouth Nova Scotia. — Dinner at Oxalis restaurant Dartmouth Nova Scotia/ K&S Media

Highlights

And what’s a good road trip without great music? The infotainment system was easy to use (with wireless connectivity), plus four USB-C ports throughout the cabin meant that everyone in tow could listen to their own tunes, or zone out playing a game on their Ipad, without losing power. Additionally, Mazda’s built-in navigation system is very clear and easy to use, with prompt instructions that accurately show the car’s orientation on the road, and didn’t result in many wrong turns aside from remote addresses. Voice commands are also available.