It would help if you can set some facts straight- 1. The CX50 is based on the CX-30/Mazda 3 platform which is not the same as the CX5 Platform. So one of the key mechanical differences is that the 50 has a torsion beam rear vs. the 5's IRS (Independent rear suspension) that's why they likely ride differently as well. 2. You don't need to "Use the knob controls differently" with Android/Apple, or the knob at all. One of the new changes that the CX50 infotainment brought is that while using Android/Apple you can use it as a touchscreen ,even while moving.
Mazda has put an inferior rear suspension on this vehicle which will cost more than the CX-5. Uncomfortable seats, a cramped rear and an uncomfortable ride. I was Mazda fanboy 2 generations ago - no more.
I agree about the platform. Very disappointing that they are using the cheap torsion beam axle on uplevel models as well as the CX-30. That, as well as the 20 inch tires, could explain the harsher ride. Living in pothole city, Minneapolis, where there are many cold months which also makes the ride stiff, I much prefer the CX-5 system. (I also like the more subdued styling of the CX-5.)
Touchscreen only up to 25mph in android auto or carplay. No touchscreen in Mazda's native system. Ahhhh! Mazda frustrates , turning away buyers again. Just make touchscreen and knob. Make interiors more comfortable for humans larger then the 5'3, 110lb person. Don't cheap out on the interior quality, features, and suspension when going upmarket; Counter-Intelligent Mazda. CX50 sorry to say may turn out to be a lame duck. Cx5o the better vehicle, CX70 future better vehicle. Cx30 better than cx50 except for it's tiny rear compartment. Mazda should have made the Cx30 4" longer and 2" taller. Done and cheaper to engineer than cx50 lame duck.
@@dominickwilliams3504 dog the knob works fine, I don't get the hate for the knob. Just learn it and it is quick and easy, also I suspect most people just use voice for navigation and set their music and forget
Two weeks into driving one the seats feel great. The infotainment system is great once you learn it. Btw the system is what's been in mazda for years. It handles very well. Gas mileage could be better. I personally enjoy the vehicle and it's my fourth mazda.
The Mazda command knob is so much more efficient and safer. You don’t have to fumble around on a touch screen. People also seldom use a tuning knob once you get your favorites.
No, you have to fumble around with the control know located on the console, requiring taking your eyes off the road even further than a touch screen. Even if you claim that you can use the control knob without looking at it (very doubtful IMO) you still have to look at the menus in the touchscreen, so I dont see that it is any less distracting than using the touchscreen itself. Some are adamant to defend the Mazda system in internet forums, but it is almost universally panned by every road test I have seen. I may be old school, but the best solution, IMO, is to still have actual knobs for tuning and HVAC controls.
The CX-50 is not a CX-5. They are different vehicles and is competes with Outback, Bronco and such. There is always a learning curve in a new vehicle if you are not familiar with. Like anything with something new a different. It will be the same if you are familiar with Mazda and going to a Subaru which you never owned. I currently own a 2021 CX-5 and have test driven the new 2023 CX-50. There are many things in the CX-50 that are different than the CX-5. They both have pro’s and con’s depend on what works for you.
Exactly on point! I currently lease a 2020 CX-5 (my second one). In June 2023 the lease comes due, and I'm considering the CX-50 because it has a wider and longer cargo area compared to the CX-5. For me the added interior height of the CX-5 is less important to me than the extra length and width.
Love the discussion about press fleets. I'm a multi-decade subscriber to CR because of its dedication to safety, reliability, and durability, its consumer advocacy, and its uniform testing across brands and time. Partly because of CR, even average cars are amazing. Many of the specific review comments, for example on design, interiors, and infotainment, fall into the category of "try it and see if works for you." I recommend that potential buyers rent the car for a few days (if they are uncertain about it) and not rely on the dealer test drives for the same reasons that CR doesn't rely on press fleets.
You guys crack me up. CR is like, super-practical people with no aesthetic awareness and minimal interest in image or performance. This car is about one thing and one thing only - looking sporty. You sacrifice headroom, visibility, and rear suspension in the name of an SUV with a low roof and big rims. This is a 2023 Jetta GLI. It's for young, successful people who aren't worried about the last word in practicality, but want to be able to go pick stuff up or take a few friends out for the night. It looks great. What this really is, is a BMW X2 for people who don't have parents paying for their first car and their college loans. On that level it's a total success. As an actual car, it has a transmission that's at least 10 years away from being contemporary, it's a bit cramped for what it is, and the performance is compromised by engine tuning and lack of gears. The suspension is also slightly crude. Most won't notice on a test drive and will like the interior and the styling. I think it will sell.
Spot-on. I am none of the things you say will sell this vehicle, but I fully agree with your observations. The CX-5 makes much more sense than this CX-50. The CX-70 should make much more sense than the CX-5. I'm waiting...
The problem with most auto "journalism" whether print or online media is that it's all puff pieces and advertising. Watching or reading someone regurgitate car company approved talking points adds no value and isn't helpful or entertaining. "Journalists" that won't dare give an honest opinion about a model for fear of being blacklisted by the manufacturer is killing the industry
This review was painful to watch, the hosts are more interested in laughing at their own jokes "Durrr it's a Subaru" than providing an in-depth review. I can't believe people would pay for Consumer Reports.
The smug was pretty thick here, @Consumer Reports. Think of CX50 as a non-CVT Outback with more engaging handling, not another CX5. Every car manufacturer has a different approach to infotainment. So thankful Mazda is not treating it like an iPad. Keep your eyes on the road CR. SMH
When I first saw the Mazda CX-50 advertised on TV with a starting price of just $26,800 and the local dealer on that commercial my wife and I had to go see it. When we got to the dealership it was truly disappointing. I couldn't find one of them on the lot, so my wife asked the salesperson and he said that they only had one in the showroom. We went to look at it and it was a top trim CX-50 with a price of $47,000+. I asked where are the base models that I saw advertised at this dealership and he said that they only had this one. He didn't even mention about ordering one and said that the base models are not available now. It felt like a bait and switch scheme just to draw potential customers in. I probably won't go back. This negative experience left us feeling disappointed.
Sounds like you’ve been living under a rock by the way you complained about the dealership having just one. MSRP on a turbo premium will be around 44k not 47k.
I do not know what this lady is talking about lol, the Mazda CX-50 looks nothing like any Subaru, and looks much better than any other Subaru out there as well, so I would not call it a Subaru Wanabe. Keep in mind that the CX-50 is in it's 1st year of production, I'm sure there is a lot of room for improvement.
I drive both Subies and Mazdas........Different Animals entirely.........Outback for comfort.....Mazda for show.......And They look NOTHING alike to My eyes.............Paul
As an owner of 2 CX-5'S. Mine being a 2019 CX-5 Signature with over 52,000 trouble free miles, I prefer the CX-5 and some features it has over the CX-50. Such as the 40/20/40 split rear seats. I'm looking forward to seeing a Mazda hybrid version in the CX-50.
I still don’t get it…all 3 of you danced around the topic. Yes we heard you can get different trims in the cars you request from the manufacturer. But they know they are renting to a car or consumer magazine, (as it’s not available to rent to the public), therefore they would always give you a car that has been thoroughly gone over with a fine tooth comb, much like the test cars they give to the mainstream car magazine testers. So what’s the difference?
Yes, but those rented cars are NOT used for published test results. Those published results only come from cars that CR anonymously purchases. The rented cars are used ONLY for first impressions.
Before choosing a CX50 you should consider the following: 1. The GT’s 20” rims and standard Goodyears (Canada) cannot be considered an off-road tire. Hopefully it works in winter but you don’t have much tread depth. 2. This is no competitor to a Subaru product as there is no suspension travel, little ground clearance and a metric tonne-load of plastic under the Mazda (can you find the oil filter DIY’s) 3. Fussy interior: Beautiful sure but it marks so easily and that surface around the shifter is hard to clean and scratches easily. 4. How do you clean the heads-up display that sits in the well in the dash and do you find the display in the glass distorted or clear? 5. Don’t count on great mileage and oil change intervals seem to be more frequent. 6. Body: so many crevices to trap sand and salt over winter = early rust potential? Just wondering (had literally miles of weather strip components) 7. Rear storage: Disappointing! The problem is the roof height. If you travel with small family (4) you must consider bringing empty luggage to the dealership. You may find a CX5 works better as luggage can stand vertically back to back?Try it! Or reconsider other brands. Don’t simply rely on volume data. 8. Purchase experience: Maybe this is happening every where but freight and PDI seems greatly inflated and acting like a surcharge. 9. Ergonomics: Not bad. Glad to see some buttons but the stitching on the steering wheel isn’t smooth, spokes are awkward and grip width at the 9 and 3 position aren’t good. You might agree after 500 miles. 10. Chassis should be an inch or 2 taller to minimize height of tunnel. Isn’t this meant to be a better off-asphalt Mazda? 11. Seats. Be sure you are ok with the Mazda designed butt-floss. This is weird and should be changed mid-production. Seats are hard. Bolsters are very hard. 12. Look hard at the CX5 before you buy the 50. 13. Outward visibility is poor due to the tall door sills and low seating position. This is greatly annoying and further, the shape of the mirror looks nice but is less functional. I recommend looking at Subaru as outward visibility is fantastic.
Before choosing any Subaru you should consider the following: 1. Subaru offers no comparable without a CVT transmission. The constant engine drone alone (from their anemic, overworked engines) will make you want to return it three days into driving one 2. Subaru offers no comparable model with adequate power - 0-60 times (also think: merge, pass, hills) are slowest in class 3. Subaru engineers a ridiculous amount of understeer into their comparable-models handling dynamics - for "safety". This makes them slow to react and requires the AWD system to work overtime just to get them through a corner 4. The Subaru ride is also stiff and pogo (or hobby-horse) like, even with smaller wheels and higher-aspect tires (also read: smaller contact patches). Combined with the heavy understeer they are not confidence-inspiring vehicles to drive 5. Subaru scores lower on overall initial quality and long-term reliability than Mazda products
I drove a CX5 for over a year and a CX50 for over 3 weeks before deciding for it. These 3 are completely lost on their comments. They ride different and if you drive Mazda, the CX50 is the same interior feeling with the infotainment. The ride is different, although feels stronger and nimble than the CX5. They should try it longer before to have a "professional" opinion.
No wonder consumer reports is going down the tube. Please get your facts straight. Also, there was a saying: “If you don’t cannibalize yourself somebody else will” - Steve Jobs
I've had my Cx50 for about a month now. My third Mazda after 2 Mazda6. I will say the knob isn't a factor if you have a smartphone because it will connect to Android auto/Apple carplay automatically once the vehicle is on. And from there it's pretty much your phone taking all directional commands and text replies. If you're one who listens to the radio add your station to your favorites and be done with it. No more knob! That's no reason to lose out on a stellar car.
The CX-5 is a fine vehicle I've been driving my 2013 for 12 years and just want something different and considering it has only 83,000 miles it's still worth 10-11 K as a trade in not bad considering the MSRP was 28,600 in 2012. If I go with the CX-50 it will be the non turbo premium with 17 in tires like my CX-5. because tires like everything else tires have skyrocketed with 20 in going for 300.00 plus and 17 in going for 165-230. My only concern is the high door sills for me being able to open window and rest arm on the sill on a nice spring summer day and my wife at 5'2" being able to see the front fenders without lifting the seat and pushing her against the steering wheel. I've sat in one but my wife who drives the CX-5 a lot will have to see if she can get comfortable in it.
CR, I vehemently disagree with the suggestion that the majority of car reviews are done by genuine journalists upholding professional standards . Most car reviews are nothing more than sleazy corporate marketing disguised as reporting.
I agree with Carson. Professional reviewers tend to be overly critical because they drive so many different vehicles. What they can't do is talk about reliability, durability, repair costs, and own satisfaction. I'll add CarWow and StraightPipes to the list of great review channels.
Mazda will undoubtedly improve upon the 50 as time goes on. If they’re paying attention to customer feedback, they will implement some of the finer details that are found in the 5, such as a 40/20/40 folding back seat and a padded knee rest on the center console (but that’s never been an issue for me, and knee comfort was a really huge factor in deciding my purchase). The 50 isn’t a car that someone with a 5 would trade-up to, unless they really valued the new interior & exterior design or the 3500lb towing capacity.
It would def be nice if the automakers would provide more of the volume trims to the journalists. It's nice to know how that top end stereo sounds or that the adaptive suspension rides great, but if that's the trim your not buying, it really does no good.
I test drove Mazda CX-50 and CX-5 on Tuesday. Haven’t tried a Mazda for 15 or 20 years!? I’m in love with driving experience, overall premium feel and aesthetics of Mazda now. BUT huge problem for me with CX-50, that A pillar and driver side mirror is the biggest blind spot! Otherwise I really think it’s a gorgeous city dweller CUV. The CX-5 fits me better though. I currently drive a Subaru Forester and I’m considering an Outback but this caught my eye - CX-50 is gorgeous.
Yes same engines, but I think can be argued the CX50 & CX5 are quite different, and not b/c of marketing... if you put side by side, you'll notice styling difference, and they're on diff. platforms.... but I like CR's model of "renting" the cars to try out, gives a more objective review.
I test drove a CX 50. The seats were very firm and a disappointment. I am tall and did not feel like they were very supportive. Also, struggled with changing the radio station. Skip station was not picking up my desired station. Took 10 minutes plus to figure out how to adjust manual tune in the dial system. There should be a dial or a button on the wheel to adjust the station. That said, I enjoyed driving the vehicle, but might choose the CX5.
OMG, 'only slightly different' can you 'experts' get it right, the Mazda CX-50 is ALL new , there are NO commonly used parts apart from 2.5 Turbo Engine and Trans. The CX-50 is longer and wider than Mazda CX-5. CX-50 is made in Alabama in MTM (Mazda Toyota Manufacturing) all new plant jointly owned by Toyota. the CX-5 Made in Japan.
In YOUR experience-- how do the TURBOS hold up?? From talking to many master mechanics-- I think they cause the oil to get gummy, and wear the engines out sooner-- and are a strain because of the heat.. and then there is LAG.. AS to the controls-- NO ONE nedds to be fu...g with those while driving PERIOD.. they need to REMOVE all that crap- but at least it's DESIGNED to make you do the knob instead of looking at the screen while driving.. I towed for a long time and 87% of the accidents I worked were CAUSED by some stupid fool messing with a damn screen- either on dashboard or a damn phone while driving-- and after cleaning up several accidents where babies and small kids are KILLED by some IDIOT messing with a screen-- ALL of them should be OUTLAWED..
Subaru: CVT + weeeeaaak, droning engines Mazda: 6-speed + 325lbft - and they look 100x better This comparison gets an eye-roll - no shopper is caught between these two vehicles...
LOLLLLL. Would love to see a Subie w 300lbft and and actual gearbox (vs junk CVT). Would also like to drive a Subaru that has more cornering ability than a Volkswagen Bus. Pro-tip: if you NEED your all wheel drive just to keep you on the road in dry conditions it's not a well-engineered car. Mazda has just made Subaru irrelevant for all but their hardcore fan base...
I subscribed to CR this year and found that I disagreed on almost all their car reviews based on research I've done and youtube car journalists. Their top recommendations are having early engine failures, catching on fire and having class action law suits against them.
Have they fixed the thin paint on the soul red that basically peels off, the windshields that chips and crack easily, the air conditioner and heat you can only feel in 70 degree weather or have they refinished the rear calipers so they dont rust like they did on the front half of the car? - two 2017 CX5s owner
i think you guys harp on the wrong things about infotainment. You let subaru off scott free for having an infotianment system that takes a minute to boot up in the cold, but complained about it in volvos. If something isn't a problem when it is done habitually, then it really shouldn't be such an issue. I cannot remember the last time I tuned a radio in a car, life just isn't like that anymore. However I can tell you that long boot times are the worst because they never go away as are small on screen buttons and bad control logic.
I have found that top trim models are not worth the extra cost, but a middle trim vehicle like a Honda CRV EX-L to be very desirable at a better price. While the Touring model may have a few nice features they don't justify the extra $2,000,
Mazda infotainment is the worst on the planet-garbage central-I had a CX-30 got rid of it in 2 months-fuel efficiency garbage also-went back to Toyota-Mazda does not even offer a Hybrid in any model-horrible gas MPG in any category.
I had a CX-9. I think I kept it 4 months, only because the dealer messed the title up. Not only is that knob a crap way to do it, but it would be several minutes before it would even do anything. Several times only some satellite stations came in, a few times none. Plus the walk away door locks worked only if you did a specific exit ritual. And that spped sign thing would show 55 in a 35 zone if there was a sign for the freeway to your left on a right hand ramp and wouldn't change until it saw another sign. Plus a hood prop-rod at that price is just cheap.
Emily, comparing the CX-50 to an Outback is sacrilegious. The current Outback is not a pretty sight. On the other hand, I agree that the CX-5 is a better vehicle than the CX-50.
Let me know when the hybrid comes out! This is where Mazdas sale will pick up for sure even more. 55city & 59 highway?? Yay or nay? (( crickets… wait a few years ))
I want an all electric Forester or CX50...........Paul.........And do not tell Me about the Solterra......Dash and steering wheel setup is STUPID...............Paul
It's sad Mazda has the CX-60 in the Australia Market that is not even coming to the United States. Wow, I like Mazda!! I own a Subaru, and it would be nice to have something different with power.
why is it sad about CX-60?, the USA gets later this year the CX-70 Australia does not get the CX-70. Australia gets the CX-80 the USA does not, they get CX-90.
These people will expect the car to pick their nose for them in the near future, if not it's not a good choice for a longer distance commute. Jesus give us a break! I currently have a 2014 mazda 6 sport model basically a low end model and i still love everything about my car, and i prefer it's ride and comfort over my parents E class and SLK Mercedes. i can't understand how you guys have such high expectations. Comparing this mazda crossover with the outback is ridiculous, at least esthetically.
just because two vehicles both have plastic cladding doesn’t mean they look the same. the cx-50 and the outback look nothing alike besides the cladding.
I love Mazda vehicles, but that knob will keep me from owning one. My Sonatas & currently owned Accord are so simple to use & have great voice command accuracy.
LoL! When if feel rugged and looking for adventure, I put on my Star Wars Storm Trooper outfit. All that plastic makes me feel special. (My wife says I'm very special.)
Thought this was a review of the car but you get two minutes of the car and 19 minutes of ranting about something else. If want details or trims, specs, review of the car, this 21 minutes video will not help you
EV adoption is accelerating every year. Exponential not linear. The only limiting factor is batteries. The number of electric vehicles and types of vehicles and trucks is growing. Many people are holding off buying a new car or scooter until the electric vehicle they want becomes available. Electric vehicles are just better. No noise, no emissions, less fuel costs, less maintenance costs and amazing technology. Gasoline and diesel are OLD polluting technology. So last century.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..........Electric is here too stay.........Just like ultra high def flat screens........Tech is NOT going away.......When EV price drops another 10---15%............ICE will be history.........I want a new car..But waiting for better price and more options...........The new Equinox/Blazers are looking great...But They still need the newest LFP batteries from CATL to be perfect............Fire resistent...2000 full charges........Thats about a hundred Years for a ten mile a day driver like Me.........Paul
The cx50 and cx5 , DO NOT LOOK THE SAME. The interior of cx5 has better quality. Cx5 has better suspension. Better acceleration and mpg, being 400lbs lighter. Cx5 has more critical headroom as a family vehicle. Cx50 has Pana roof,YEAH! CX5 HAS ADJUSTABLE REAR Seats WITH COVERTED 40-20-40 SEATBACKS. ALL TOLD, MAZDA CX50 is actually a larger Cx30, with less quality interior. WHAT is Mazda thinking. Cx5o sales will ONLY be because of its looks. Otherwise the cx5 is much better and made in Japan. Mazda should have brought over the CX4. Cx50 may become a lame duck. CX70 should be infinitely better if anything like cx60
Mazdas turbos are the most reliable turbos engines in the business. Do some research my friend. My was #1 in reliability last year and number 2 this year. Go fiture
Never been impressed with Mazda vehicles. They seem to be more style than substance. Automakers need to wake up to the fact that with climate change and high gas prices investing in an overprice petrol-driven vehicle is quite a risk.
Oh yay, yet another Mazda crossover for their increasingly dull model line (even the current 3 is soulless). The CX-50 doesn't fill a void in their offerings, and it doesn't sound impressive even if it did. Mazda replaced 'zoom-zoom' with 'look at our pretty interiors.' How...exciting. I guess.
