2023 Mazda CX-50 vs CX-5 Review - Which is BETTER? 

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As a CX5 owner, I would keep my CX5! Best car I owned ever! Reliable, cost friendly, good in the snow, nice family car with 2 kiddos! Damn now I own a puppy and I might want to consider to change it...

I recently test drove both vehicles back to back (both turbos). I really preferred the more aggressive look of the CX-50 going into the dealership. However, after sitting in both, I found that the lower roofline of the CX-50 made the interior cabin seem smaller than the CX-5. ( I am 6 feet tall, so this may not be an issue for most). I also found the seats in the CX-50 to be uncomfortable, the issue being that raised stitching that goes down the middle. It was really annoying! Lastly, my impression was that the CX-5 was more nimble and fun to drive. So no surprise, I ended up purchasing the CX-5 Signature. Thanks for this really helpful review!

Mazda never disappoints (Except for the MX30 EV)

My husband just leased a cx 50 and he used to have a 2019 cx 5. The cx 50 has great handling, looks and acceleration, BUT i did notice there is significantly more cabin noise than in the cx 5. In the cx 5 i can have a conversation on the highway going over 85 whereas in the cx 50 you have to raise your voice. Also the suspension in the cx 50 is way firmer, bumps are felt a lot more. Cx 5 has a very smooth feel, driving over bumps you don't feel them as much.

Haven't even finished watching the full video yet and it's already the most entertaining and informative car review I've ever watched on this god forsaken platform. Nice job!

Just so you guys know. All CX-5s have that trunk lock button as well. It's the same shape as the the ones on the door but it's hidden where the license plate is located. Right next to the trunk open button is on the outside of the vehicle.

Great review 👍 I'm a CX5 owner based on your reviews in 2019 and I'm happy with the car. If I had to pick one in 2022 I'd go CX-50, but only if I can manage sitting on licorice.

This video is so flawless OMG! the shots, music everything: reminds me of my dad's Bongo's from 2002, 1999 & 2015 (yes he had 3 of 'em ;) And also Bongo was his very 1st ever vehicle. While his other friends had Brwonie, Bongo, Civic etc. Wow those days!!! I'm so proud of him & how he became since then to now! 😍😍😌😌

I have a 2019 CX5 and love it. I was a loyal Honda owner for the previous decade, but their transition to CVTs made me switch. Even if Honda went back to normal transmissions, I would stick with Mazda. Even though the CX50 got the nod in this review, I think I would still stick with the CX5. I may miss out on the performance enhancements, but cosmetically, it's just a much more classy looking vehicle.

Amazing review and comparison as always guys!! 🔥❤️ Love Mazda to the core! The true underdogs in this auto industry! Proud owner of my 2019 Mazda 3 sport gt! One thing I’ve noticed though is having smart key entry with the actual button vs sensors on the handles does work better and has less or no intervenes. With the button it works every time. With the sensor, if cars dirty and salt or ice covers the handle or if it freezes bad like how it can be in the Canadian winters here, it may not always work. Or if you got thick gloves or gloves in general on and you place your hand on the handle it may not always sense it right. (Had that happen few times too) Have plenty of decisions now for when I trade in to a crossover! Thank you both for your amazing video! Can’t wait for the next one! 🔥🙌🏾

You guys are hilarious! This is the most fun video you've ever done!! In fact, this is probably the most fun car review video that I've ever seen ANYONE do! Keep up the good work! YAY!!!

LOVE THESE COMPARISON EPISODE FELLAS! LOVE FROM AUSTRALIA!!

As a happy owner of a top end 2019 CX5 I'd definitely consider the CX50 for the towing capacity as we would like to get a small camper trailer and also for the continued familiarity behind the drivers seat which I really do enjoy.

Wow, this was the best car review/car comparison I've ever watched! It was so informative and entertaining at the same time. I love how both of you were truly helping review both cars as you accepted defeat in the areas that your car lacked a bit more than the other option (even though both cars are pretty great in my opinion). I currently have a Mazda CX-5 2016 with 100,000 miles. It has held up SUPERBLY, even with my recklessness towards it (like neglecting oil changes and what not 😅😬). I think for the upgrade, I'm going to shoot for a CX-50 2023. Love the more sporty look, yet with the same reliability and extra features like touchscreen infotainment system and panoramic moon roof. Thanks for the great review!!! 🤙🏿

great video. Deciding between ordering these two vehicles and you have helped me make up my mind (CX-50 for me). Thank you!

I have a 2016 CX5 and absolutely love it! It drives, handles, rides and fit perfectly. And that's all I need. I'm never taking my car off road and the height is purfect. You make your chose which fits you and life style

I still like the looks of the CX-5 more, but the width (girth) of the CX-50 probably helps it stay steady in corners. Wouldn't mind either.

Your video editing is top notch!! I love your reviews!🥰

Great review! Just what I was looking for. I spec'd out a CX5 Turbo vs CX50 Turbo w/convenience package and the price was almost the same (trying to compare same priced builds). With the CX-50 you get the panoramic moon roof vs standard moon roof, 20'' wheels vs 19'' wheels, heated side mirrors, a bit more cargo space, higher towing limit, a wider wheel base, and fake engine noise. With the CX-5 you get a more premium interior, power folding side mirrors, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and Bose premium Audio. I'd lean more toward the CX-5 as a daily commuter due to the more upscale feel of the vehicle. The fake engine noise in the CX50 is particularly annoying.

Despite having an older design, the CX-5 has several areas where the interior is higher quality and more of a luxury car.

Great review. I’m currently driving a CX5 for a loaner car while my Mazda3 is getting serviced. I’m liking it but I do like the aggressive, more modern tech stuff on the CX50. I’m going to test drive a CX50 once the markups are gone and if there’s finance offers from Mazda themselves. Thanks for the review comparison gentlemen!

I really like this style of reviews. Y’all are so funny. 😂 Thank you for the handy information. 🙏

Great review as always, guys. I'm curious, in Off Road mode, is AWD full-time on the CX50, or is it computer controlled "on-demand" like the CX5? I drive a CX5 and love it, but have always wished that Mazda would give the driver the option of TRUE on-demand AWD...

I really like this format of videos. The comparison style helps people cut a lot if time.

CX 50 looks a lot more rugged than the CX 5. I’m currently in a CX30 and I love it. I would definitely consider the CX50 as my next daily!

Love your new B ROLL... nice work guys (longtime watcher)

Great video guys. Loved it. Watched 10s of videos to find the difference between cx5 and 50 , your video is the best

“They force you to full headlight mode..” pretty sure there’s a work around for this. Car settings > turn off daytime running lights > turn light knob to parking lights and boom-cool headlights during the day. They’ll even turn on your headlights in darker settings. I do this with my 2021 Mazda3 Turbo and the headlights in the day look SICK.

We just put in an order last week - Polymetal grey turbo let’s go!

You guy's are great! Keep up the entertaining reviews.

I am a CX5 owner 2017 and it is my second CX5 and 4th Mazda. I love the plastic gladding because I think it make my SUV look tough and/or scoocum! Looking to perhaps replace it this year so I just might check out the CX50. Thanks for the great info

Love you guys! Wish this was a regular head to head video though.

In as many yrs as you guys have been doing Straight Pipes, this is probably your best interview. EXCELLENT, and very informative!! And I like the concept of comparing two family members that are so closely related. Great Job guys !!

I am loving these car court comparisons and the Daily Driving segments. Thanks guys! Super helpful.

Mazda is on a roll I hope they keep coming up with new models with hybrid and electric vehicles and you guys keep up the good work 👍👍

For years I've wanted a newer car and the CX-5 was high on my list, but I did want a bit more space, so I'm waiting for that CX-70...Really like this video, and the presentation style

I just bought the CX 5. Loving it so much. Love the luxury feel and performances. It’s very quiet and gives smooth ride.

Only the straight pipes can make me watch a review about crossovers. Good work boys

Great video guys

I really like how Mazda design their cars from inside out. The infortainment system is designed with great UI/UX, better than other opponents.

i looked at both when shopping and ultimately went with the CX-5. I really liked the CX-50 more girthy masculine look but what sealed the deal was that I am 6'2" (long torso) and the CX-50 has a lower sloping roofline so I just barely had enough head room when adjusting the seats to its lowest placement. I could feel my hair grazing the top. so annoying. CX-5 still had additional head room without adjusting the seat to its lowest position. Leg room is or about the same in both. IMHO, i am fine without the touch screen and grew to like it better just using the knob. Its less distracting. In additon, No fingerprints or smudges on the touch screen which can be clearly seen with sunlight glare. After learning the command center dial, I learned to appreciate it. it was just easier than reaching out to the touch screen while driving and after a bit, can use the dial without looking at the buttons around it. If they had both the dial and touchscreen available, i would still be using the dial. Tall drivers should go with the Cx-5. The turbo engine is better if you have a bit of a lead foot and overtaking cars on the pass.

Man I just LOVE, your videos!!!!!!! Dope content guys!

Thank you for bringing up the cup holders! I had a CX-5 and it was baffling the way that it was designed. The screen isn't a touchscreen and cups blocked off access to the only way to control the infotainment.

I definitely prefer the looks of the CX5, why I picked up the 22 CX5 CE which has the most superior seats of all the CX 5-50s 😌, there are a few things I’d like to see move to the 23 CX5 from the 50 though mainly the panoramic sunroof, get rid of the piano black, and the 360 camera system.

Considered both, already had a CX-5. Bought another and don't regret it. If I wanted to go bigger I'd just get a CX-9

Great episode!

Bought my first Mazda CX 5 in 2012 as a 2013 model. Loaded including all wheel drive. Was under powdered with the only engine available 2 liter. Just under 200000 trouble free miles I traded it in on a loaded 2019 CX5 without all wheel drive now in Fl. in 2019. The 2.5 liter makes a world of difference Just wished the interior was about 5 inches longer. This new model seems like they have been listening to owners of the CX5

Love all of the small, thoughtful upgrades and additions they made to the CX-50

LOVING that CX-50 design!

I like the car review court presentation, great review as always. I prefer the body painted cladding of the CX-5, but need a touch screen in the car.

An intelligent approach reviewing the CX-50 against the known CX-5. Gives a good perspective on the car's strengths and weaknesses for those that know the CX-5. Too bad the CX-50 won't be sold outside of Nth America - a great looking car.

I just put down a deposit on a CX5 that I hope to get around July or Aug of 2022. I looked at both the CX5 and CX50 but went with the CX5 because I felt that the differences weren't big enough to warrant spending the extra money to get things like leather seats. The CX5 offers leather seats in the Preferred trim level starting at $29k where as you have to pay at least $34k for leather seats in the CX50. I will also say that I have heard quite a few times that the Mazdas built in Japan are of better quality than the ones built in the US.

I'm going to take what is probably the less popular stance and say I think the CX-5 looks worse with the color matched cladding. Maybe it's just a trick of the light or would look different in person, but it looks like the cladding and body panels aren't even quite the same shade of white. Or maybe the cladding is slightly matte and the body is the normal clear coat gloss. If they do have a different finish then I would also worry that over time the cladding will start to wear and look even more different.

Very good comparaison! Thanks

I just got my 2022 Mazda CX-5 Signature and I love it. I've had it 3 weeks and I am enjoying it.

In my opinion, the CX-50 looks much nicer. The plastic cladding gives it a more aggressive look. This CX-5 (this trim level) just looks too bland and "white".

I've been researching the 'CX-5, but after comparing it to the CX50, I think I'm sold on the CX-50. I like the wider look and handling. Can't wait to make my purchase.

Car court is a fun format! Cool video

Great Review I couldn't decide which which car I want to buy!

As far as crossovers are concerned, I really like the looks and overall vibe of the CX50. Shame about the seats and the "butt licorice", though. The rental white paint on the CX5 is not doing it any favors here. What I'd like to see is a genuine, real-world test of the AWD system in the CX50 and how well it stacks up to something like a Subaru Outback.

Would like to know which one had better fuel mileage in your review when comparing Great video as always

You can lock the CX-5 trunk from the outside. There is another lock/unlock button located on the handle, to the far right from the open/close button.

I honestly dig the plastic, since I go camping/hiking/off-road trails. Looking at new cars, I always have to think about maybe wrapping the body near the wheel wells. Worry about bushes and stuff scratching it, etc.

Cool video guys! I think I'd have to get the cx50. Especially when compared together I think it just looks more aggressive

Jacob, you have an amazing watch collection! Super class 👌🏻 GMT II, datejust

I LOVE my Mazda 6… but my one beef with it is that the cup holders are behind the infotainment wheel. So when I have a water bottle I have to reach around it. Glad you guys pointed it out. Mazda rules 🤘🤘

You always have great music at the beginning of the videos 😎

As current owner of a CX50, the review is bang on. Coming from CX9 (2017), I noticed the following: the overhead display quality has improved significantly previously it used to disappear once I put sunglasses. The 360 camera is perfect as it is impossible to see the front of the car. Actually, I was scared about the seats but they are ok much wider than the CX5 but harder than the CX9. Things that no one is mentioning is what written on the door label ''made by Mazda-Toyota corporation'' which is a very interesting selling point. My main disappointment is the fuel economy 8.8L/100KM for highway and almost 11 city is too much. One more thing, the wipers are heated, so for Canadian winter it is perfect the downside it will cost more to replace LOL. One fun fact, on a long drive expect some notification telling you to take a brake LOL

I put a down payment of a 2022 CX-5 Carbon Edition in January and just took delivery this weekend. I've driven it all of 3 times so I'm still fresh but I absolutely love it. Full disclosure I got my CX-5 much cheaper than that Signature Trim but I'm loving the Carbon Edition. When I saw the press release for the CX-50 I was a little sad as it does look awesome. I have no complaints though.

They are both very nice, and I really appreciate the great in-depth review. I’m keeping my 2016 CX-9 signature. It’s still just too good to get rid of. Cheers.

I really wanted to get the Cx5 back in 2018 but ended up getting Santa Fe sport 2.0t for 2 reasons. One it was bigger and more spacious , while Cx5 nailed the handling for an suv the power in the vehicle was not that great. They didn’t have a turbo in it. I was happy when the turbo came but didn’t solve the weight issue but the cs50 is exactly what I wanted in the car.

I loved this video! You guys are hilarious! But, dang, the new CX 50 is almost as long as my 2010 RX! The CX5 that still looks beautiful would fit a lot easier in my small garage!🤷‍♀️

Perfect! I had to see this before I picked. I did tested both, love the no CVT although 8speed would be more fuel efficient imo . I chose the CX50 because of the touchscreen on Apple CarPlay and the looks. But men these seats are hard 😂 . I drove a QX55 and think those are the best seats but the CX5 is right there in the compact SUV territory. Like they said, sit on both before you pick and because the difference is huge. I just hope they actually lose padding and get comfier in the long run….. A NOTE: Both of these wireless charger have issues. The coils get hot too quickly and the phone practically won’t charge. I m 90% sure this will be a recall ….

Love the review! 😀👍

Damn... That intro was amazing lol thanks for the great comparison shots in the beginning!

The 2017 CX-5 I drove had those same seats with the annoying stitching in the middle. I always thought the CX-5 needed wheel arches to complete the good looks. But, I also would love an option in the CX-50 to have it without the cladding. Also, the sunroof in the CX-5 I drove had a really annoying buffering noise when it was open and driving around 35 to 40 mph that was a deal breaker for me. The CX-50 has a larger sunroof. So, it might not happen in that car? So, get a different seat option and have an option without body cladding, and I would get the CX-50.

Just bought my first Mazda today! Loving my CX 50 Premium Plus!

"..and mine was built in Japan!" @8:58 LOL that silence was loud! Great review as always guys!

Aside from being entertained with every single video, I'm now interested in Yuri's fashion choices, and I want to know where to get that Teddy sweater!!

I'm strongly considering putting an order in for a turbo CX-50 😍 I just don't like the fake vents and that stitching down the middle of the seats, looks great but likely to rip. I might go with the CX-5, the only knock against it's design is the A-shape C pillar in comparison to the parallel C pillar of the CX-50

CX-5 is the best car I've loved ever since it's launched in 2017 but with the new CX-50 in this new color I'm kind of loving this new rugged looking vehicle plus the terracotta interior it is very appealing to me now. But I know you can't be wrong either of this two.👍👍👍🏎🏎🏎

Love your review. Thank you. I purchased my cx 5 gt won’t arrive until end of October.

Loved the intro!

Awesome review , I’m own the 2014 CX5 and I love it , the 50 seems good but the seat is a shame , I hate the stitches bc it could causes snagged fabric and collect dust . I might go with the CX5 instead. Thank you for the great video , exactly what I need to know ❤️🤩👍

Love my cx5 turbo. Definitely changed my opinion on mazdas

when Jacob talks like that, he looks like the Daredevil character Foggy Nelson 😆. Thanks for the video guys. You re awesome

That was a great review thank you I'm wanting to upgrade to the big boy though the cx9 but when's the new one coming out

CX-5 carbon edition is hard to beat, though the front of the CX-50 does look better and beefier

It's a bit unfortunate the CX-5 continues to just get refreshes and not a full update, although I can understand why Mazda needed to do this as they don't have infinite development capacity. The CX-50 looks better although the cladding is a bit excessive and the interior is more attractive, although frankly you'd only notice when looking side by side. I used to have a 2017 CX-5 and it was an excellent car, and I suspect the current gen and the CX-50 are both excellent choices. I would guess a new CX-5 out in the next ~2-3 years though.

Great review. These guys are hilarious. I am leaning towards the CX50 as I do a ton of skiing and like the roof rails. I am not a fan of the 20" wheels.

Love that Plymouth Prowler promotion going on. Such a fun car to ride in.

Not sure if I would ditch my CX5 turbo for the CX50 just yet. Maybe the upcoming CX70.

Personally not a fan of the "defend my car to the death" aspect of these reviews. I'd rather have your unbiased opinions on each vehicle than hear stuff you don't necessarily believe in. It's tougher to get an understanding of each vehicle when you guys are offering conflicting perspectives on most comparisons.

Love both vehicles ,,, love your reviews

I almost bought a new 2021.5 CX-5 last year Signature Ed. But the seats were not comfortable enough for me. So I did buy a used RX-350 as that vehicle was more comfortable, (less fun to drive of course). But since I'm in the market again. With this review of the CX-50 saying once again that the seats are still an issue, I will not be cross shopping this.. I very much hope that the CX-70 doesn't suffer from this same problem.. as that would now be the size of vehicle I'm looking at.

Love the look of both, drove the CX-5 as a rental for nearly a month and loved it but felt it looked and was just a bit too small for me (6’4” here). The CX-50 looks perfect!

CX-5 wins, hands down for me. Perfect size and agile/fun to drive. Wouldn’t trade it for the CX-50 or CX-30, even if they gave me over book. It’s sooo much better looking and a super well balanced vehicle. Love your reviews!

I love the front facia of these new Mazdas

Loved the video! You guys made me laugh a lot lol