I own the CX-50 Select which is one step above their base model with the naturally aspirated engine. With a bit over 7,000 miles on the clock, I've had no problems with the engine, transmission or accessories. I love the car. I'm looking forward to many years of (hopefully) trouble-free service.
@@MountainSalsa Not at all. Once the engine reaches about 3,000 to 3,500 miles the "tightness" of the engine is gone and it opens up and becomes a very fast and strong engine.
It makes me happy to see Brian doing these excellent reviews so similar to Alex. I have recently been looking at even more car review content as we are on the cusp of buying a new vehicle, and there are so many car reviewers that clearly don't fully inform themselves about the vehicles they are reviewing, but I have so much confidence in AoA Auto Buyer's Guide to do it right! Great job, Brian!
Driver in Honda at 11:19 is going the wrong direction down a one way street. Prince Street is one way until at the intersection of St. Asaph. I looked on Google Maps and there are clearly signs showing one way from that point on but obviously does not work for distracted drivers. Good review Alex.
I sat on one of these during a mall showcase a few weeks ago. Toyota, KIA, and Volvo were also there. This is definitely a tier above Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior quality. I had a 2021 RDX leased until a few months ago, when switched to 2023 Mercedes GLB. This Mazda felt on par with the Acura in interior quality. It felt just as luxurious. I also sat on a Volvo XC60, and that was nicer than the Mazda, but it was also pricier. For a “mainstream” brand, Mazda feels like it is on the higher end of things.
@@Wells306 I agree, but Toyota seems to be lagging behind everyone else in that space. Obviously, Mazda is now vying for that premium tier with their cars.
Thanks, for the in-depth review. I always look forward to your channels reviews. I also like the D.C. area locations. We own 2 Mazda CX-5's and I like the new CX-50 and look forward to seeing a hybrid version soon. In comparison, I still prefer the CX-5 Signature I have over the the CX-50 you tested and I hope they will bring the next generation CX-5 to the USA. I'm also looking forward to either you or Alex doing a full review of the CX-90 ASAP! Thanks, again.
I tested the CX-5 and CX-50 last week. Much better ergos in the 50, but the seat hurt my back. CX-5 seat was good, but nowhere to put my arms and cup holders in front of the screen controller blocking it from use of you have a beverage in the holder. Still shopping.
I have the turbo premium. The seats are stiff. The steering is also stiff, 2 hours or so into a long trip and my arm (I like to drive with 1 hand on long trips) is already starting to feel tired. I am used to having a grab handle in the middle of the door to pull the door in, none of the 4 doors has that. The AC button is all the way to the right side of the instrument panel, directly under the right side temperature knob. As a result, the temperature knob blocks the AC light indicator. The steering wheel is stitched. Because I have sweaty hands, I have to get a steering wheel cover to prevent getting the stitches wet. The CX50 forum is mostly saying downsizing the tires from the OEM 20s doesn't do much for the ride quality (it's stiff). Aside from these things, I like the car.
I used have a cx 5. This car built quality and drive agility is top notch but suspension and seat in overall driving comfort isn't great. Plus Still no touch screen that's very annoying too. I moved to mitsubishi outlander and pretty happy overall
I’m not normally a red car person but after seeing a cx-5 in soul red in person, I dare say that’s the most gorgeous color I’ve ever seen on a car. Very tempting.
I just don't understand what Mazda is thinking by waiting till 2025 to release a hybrid CX-50 and CX-5. All I want is a Made in Japan CX-30 hybrid. Not their mild hybrid weak sauce stuff, I want a powerful hybrid that gets good MPG and great power, don't even care if it's just a Toyota hybrid system. Just put the new Prius hybrid system into the CX-30 and call it a day.
It is too bad that we are in a Cold War ermm Great Power Competition 😂 that we won’t be able to fully receive the new Chinese battery technology. Hopefully, the future sodium batteries that China and Germany are working on together are cheap enough that you won’t need EV subsidies to buy the car. I fully expect the US to somehow tank the adoption of such technology in the US because, you know, Great Power Competition. We could always suspend IP protection like at the end of World War 2 and Operation Paperclips. Too bad that it seems like Japan might be destined to lose the battery war to China. They had promise in carbon isotope battery but it seems that Japan is again going to be late like how they lost the chip war to Korea and Taiwan.
They’re at the mercy of Toyota to provide it and right now Toyota can’t even keep up with the demand for they’re own vehicles. Why would they be in a hurry to provide Mazda with them?
I got a 23 cx 5 recently and planning on keeping it long term. I didn’t test drive a cx50 but I didn’t like the interior as much as the cx5 and space didn’t feel that different compared to some of the videos I’ve watched have claimed. I also was wary of getting a relatively new model in case there were any kinks that needed to be ironed out.
@@koukimonzta yes of course. But it also have not updated their design when all of its competitors already went through 2 to 4 updates. My 2013 CX5 still drives flawlessly and I don't see a noticeable difference with 2023 design.
Nice appetizer before the main course (2024 CX-70) for me. Hopefully Mazda can work out the kinks on their all-new 8-speed tranny before the CX-70 is released late this year. 👍
I love the wide, low stance of the CX-50, but you definitely pay for it in headroom. Two inches less than the CX-5, may be an issue for those above 6’0” tall.
Great video. I think Mazda made a huge mistake not offering a hybrid for this segment. Many buyers in the compact SUV market are only looking at some level of electrification.
I'm sure the e-rotary/ phev will make its way soon. They have to recoupe the R&D for the cx 90 3.3t V6 and phev + 8 speed transmission some how; my guess is the next generation 1 - 2 years away
Yuck I’m so glad Mazda isn’t jumping onto that hybrid mess. I don’t think people know why they want hybrid tbh. It’s just the trend of this decade apparently.
More than a year ago it was announced that Toyota would supply a hybrid powertrain for the new CX-50. Over that year Toyota has fallen farther and farther behind in supplying hybrid powertrains to their own products. It could be years before Toyota can catch up.
@@2004cyrus seriously? The increased gas mileage is one reason, more power is also a great benefit but the secret reason I discovered with my first hybrid is less maintenance cost. People know WHY they buy a hybrid vehicle, people who don’t buy hybrids don’t know why they should.
Mine has 3200 miles and already had an issue with steering wheel that makes clicking noise. I went to the dealer and they changed the steering column. And it’s already reported to carfax.
For those of you bemoaning the lack of an 8 speed tranny and hybrid, remember that Mazda is introducing both features in their new high-end models, the CX-60/70/80/90. Give Mazda some time to bring those features into their lower range of products.
Best to wait until the 2nd or 3rd model year on any new production/gen vehicles, to reduce chances of defects/problems. I can say that my Mexico-built 2022 Mazda CX-30 CE has been flawless thus far though after 16 months of ownership - which is its third production year for the USA. These days, I feel that Mazda is building better ICE vehicles than either Toyota or Honda. They have come a long way since they got Ford off their backs in 2008-2009 & became their own company again.
The format, content, and presentation of this review is the best package I’ve come by yet on cars. My second favorite is the carnut because he’s a veteran-mechanic and brings that angle to the review.
I enjoy your videos almost as much as Alex's and I can definitely see a lot of progress from your original videos. With that being said, an A for 24 MPG is crazy. The RAV4 and CR-V get much better mileage and that's not even considering the hybrid RAV4 and other hybrids in this class. I'd have to say 24 MPG = a C+ at the very best if not closer to a C- in this day. Maybe 10 years ago it was an A, but not anymore.
Toyotas hybrids are CVT. They have 8 speed in the gas only models, but those were problematic, and toyota had to deal with the lawsuit. Mazdas 6 speed might be old, but it is trustworthy and tuned.
@@gailenrique2804 well it's not actually CVT as far as other companies that use CVTs for one, and for two I'm not commenting and the 6 speed transmission, I'm purely talking about 24 combined MPG equaling an A score in this class.
Watched a review on the C-X50 last week with two on board, they liked the SUV overall but hated the harsh firm ride . As for looks I like the overall body style !
Like my cx5 no issues whatsoever almost 2 years driven every day as delivery driver in New York traffic had Honda and Toyota before didn’t last 2 years that’s why I got the Mazda very solid one more year on the lease if it continues to be trouble free I’ll stick to the Mazda
It might be longer than the CX-5 but that's wasted because of the long hood & 2" shorter height. Cargo room is actually less with the seats down vs the -5...
Still sufficient for most buyers, and many simply buy with their hearts more so than their heads and will allow the trade off to have the look and feel this CX-50 provides.
@@ALMX5DP Fair enough. I speak from the position of someone with a CX-5 though and would not consider this car an upgrade. I'm keenly interested in a CX-70 though since it would (hopefully) better fit a rear-facing infant seat and provide a more noticeable boost in space.
The default for the screen is to be inactive when you're driving, however once your paired your phone you can change that on the Bluetooth settings by selecting your phone and make the screen active all the time.
Nice review, Brian! I really like the look of the CX50 as well, just wish they'd offer a more premium, "Signature" trim, in addition to the off road vibe premium plus.
It is very good looking... The interior colors definitely do not go with the exterior color of this sample. Reminds me of German cars, which for years just had no clue what the color red is supposed to be.
I love mazda products. However, You are limited to their choices. When it comes to trim choices like interior or exterior colors, you cannot mix in match.
The only 2 compact Japanese SUVs that have a 3500 lb towing capacity is the CX-50 and the Subaru Outback XT, so those are the only 2 on my shortlist for my next vehicle at the moment. If I decide to go up to midsize SUVs, that would add some more though.
Funny, when I opened this an ad for the CX-5 played. That is STILL the better car, especially for urban/suburban use. I wish they'd put some of the resources they've spent on the 30/50/90 toward a true update/hybridization of that wonderful model. And btw, I live in a major city and have yet to see a CX-90 in the wild, and have only seen a handful of 50s.
It would be a big mistake if Mazda drops the CX5. I bought the carbon turbo for its compact size, it’s urban runabout capability. The turbo with 310lb torque is punchy in city duty while being small enough to fit in city spaces. I get 19-20 in the city(better than my V6 Honda). If Mazda dumps the CX5 I’ll be moving on to another brand. At that price, I’d rather pay a bit more and get a BMW X1, or Honda Passport. While the CX50 definitely looks better, it doesn’t have the handling a independent rear suspension offers. At that size, it’s a few inches short of a Honda Passport. I rather have a natural V6, modern 10 speed. I still rather have something compact with good performance, utility and mileage.
I think a 6 speed automatic is a perfect blend of usability in this size car. It’s not like you’re going to tow a lot with this anyway Besides a 6 speed automatic means faster response times when the throttle is pressed Plus even with a 4 wheel independent suspension like in my family’s 18 rav4, I can still sense that it crashes over bumps even with high profile tires. So I’m not really clear as to how much difference there really is between a multi link and a torsion beam Perhaps Alex should do a comparison video of the two
I think transmission tuning is the bigger factor. This won’t need to skip shift like some of the 8-10 speeds but if the others are calibrated well they can be just as responsive. And regarding the suspension differences it would be cool to see a comparison (maybe using a Maverick since it comes as both torsion beam and multi link rear depending on FWD or AWD, not sure if Mazda makes any models similarly). A true independent suspension should be better over more broken/uneven terrain as motion or force from one wheel isn’t transferred to the other when articulating. Most people don’t notice enough to care though so it’s become quite a common cost cutting measure.
Brian, For a CUV of this size, the second row headroom is awful. How did Mazda approve a reduction of 2 full inches compared to their own CX-5? 🤨In regard to the delayed hybrid option, Toyota is so ridiculously behind in supplying their own factories with hybrid components, they may NEVER be able to provide Mazda with those hybrid powertrains. 🤔
As a mazda cx30 owner i can tell u that the silver steering wheel controls are ver.y difficult to see even when lit at night .They are angled too far down and, esp for taller drivers, need to be angled up, or better yet, be made black with dark inlay for better visibility. As well, when the sun is at certain angles the silver button inlay are impossible to see
This would have been very attractive 10-15 years ago. A combined MPG of 24? YEEESH. Most people go for the hybrid crossovers these days. There is reason why the RAV4 CRV are the best sellers. A friend that drives a RAV4 hybrid daily gets almost 45 MPG.
Mazda will never win on paper but they make good cars. They have to stagger their new releases and I would not expect them to really compete in the EV/hybrid segment any time soon.
I love the look of Mazda and they make very nice, reliable cars. But they continue to struggle with interior space efficiency and fuel economy. When shopping for an all around car with AWD in 2022 it came down to the Kia twins (Sportage/Tucson) or Outback Touring 2.5. We opted for our 3rd OB. That said, we love out OB but after having several Tucson rentals, I sometimes think I shudda went with a Korean instead. 🤔
I’m considering buying either an OB or a Mazda CX5 or CX50. Could you say more about why you wish you had bought a Tucson instead, especially given that Subaru will retain its value at resale and KIAs still gave marginal trade values? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.
I have looked at both the CX-50 and the CX-5 and prefer the CX-5. The interior, touch points and controls feel higher quality to me. I also prefer the better headroom in the CX-5. I feel like I'm sitting too low in the CX-50. Mazda is definitely going after the Subaru Outback but between the two, if I were going for that style of wagon off-road capable vehicle, I would buy the Outback XT with more passenger room and cargo space.
@@michaelp.3485 They are probably trying to replace the CX-5 while maximizing profit at the same time. Also building the CX-50 in the US increases profit margin since they don't have to import them from Japan. They just left the CX-5 for 2023 model year to cover their bet while they transition to the CX-50 for their compact SUV category. Let's hope the keep the CX-5 for another year. Mazda probably sees Subaru as a main competitor for the same customers. Hence why they made their entire lineup AWD and introduced the CX-50 to go directly against the Outback.
It’s 2023 why does customers have to figure out how the infotainment system works, Mazda needs to stop being lazy, just make a easy to use infotainment system
Mazda puts driving and paying attention task first. The non touchscreen infotainment system is a learning curve, but once you get used to it, it's easy to get around without taking eyes off the road.
It’s interesting that the CX-50 interior is tighter than average. It makes me think this should really not be compared to the CX-5 at all. Should the CX-5 be compared to the CX-70 instead?
Can you make a video on dog friendly cars? My 2018 CX5 is awesome but NOT at all a good dog car the hair gets caught in everything. It's hard to clean. Recommendation video would be nice!
I really like the CX-50 but I don't like the lowered roof line. I want more soace than the CX-5 and I was hoping for a softer suspension for some off road driving.
Ford versus a Japanese car - well they don’t come in anywhere close to each other. Mazda will be smooth and refined and there is attention to detail. Not really comparable.
I dunno seems like most Mazdas are already dated with no full lcd cluster and 6 speed transmission and underpowered . This would have been cool back in 2013 maybe .
@@easternyellowjacket276 yup, I had a 2.0 cx5 and it had a max speed limit of around high 80 mphs maybe 90 on Texas toll way and that wasn’t governed that was power limited reving as high as it could. Lucky for me that’s the highest speed the law allows but that means I’m at 100 percent power trying to keep up with traffic not good for any machine .
This vehicle has THE ugliest interior design of any modern car I have seen. Absolutely no effort went into designing this interior. And yet the interiors of the CX-30 and Mazda3 look LEAGUES better!
CX 50 definitely gives off station wagon, retired old people look. It doesn't look alert at all. This could have been a great entry for Mazda hybrid that can compete with CRV and Rav4 hybrid in its safe design. CX5 just have that preppy, upright ready to go look. They just need to freshen it up, a bit.
This doesn't compete with the CX5....I had a CX5 and I like the cx50 better. It's just opinion. Get what you like and don't worry about what others think.
How do you give an "A" grade for fuel economy while saying that there are better choices for fuel economy. 24 mpg avg is not an "A" in this class......
Honest question: how is Mazda’s reliability within the last 5 yrs? I’ve always been interested in the brand, but don’t know anyone who drives one. They used to be with Ford, so I’m kinda weary of them.
I'm still driving my 2013 CX5 with low mileage of 83K and it's been oil tires and brakes and recently flushed the antifreeze and put in new plugs. No rust driving in the liquid calcium covered road of Pennsylania in the winter. I like the CX50 but it's made in Alabama and not Japan where they won't release vehicles with defects expecting dealer to fix.
To me Mazda is showing its complete lack of interest in the environment for lack of hybrid, no (real) electric cars old fashioned transmission and crappy gas mileage. Add on an antiquated infotainment system and lack of led screens and I’d say the company is hardly zoom zooming into the future .
60 percent of electricity in 2022 was produced by petroleum products. So when you charge your EV your using petroleum to change it. Also the disposal of those batteries. They can stick those EV vehicles where the sun doesn't shine.... You've been brainwashed..
Note with the Kia you get the wide news coverage that it is especially easy to steal as thousands of them are being stolen in the USA as it has no security chip in the key (the Korean's cut corners on car security). So if you want to save some money on a Kia and park it anywhere outside, there is a chance it will be stolen that is much higher than any other car on this list. Also note that Mazda has already stated that this version of the CX-5 is going to last until the model year 2025 when its replacement is coming (yes, it is going to continue as it is still Mazda's best selling car - better than the newer CX-50).
Mazda is copying BMW old infotainment systems for years now sooooooo why don’t they copying the new iDrive 8 infotainment system at least they will have something new in their vehicles
You must have some info that nobody else does regarding the imminent demise of the 5. I still maintain that they don’t have nearly enough capacity at the AL plant for the 50 to replace the 5 in the US..let alone globally. It’s too wide by Mazdas own admission to be sold in Europe. We will see what happens I guess.
My wife and I test drove the CX-50 and CX-30 back to back. The CX-50 was terrible in comparison to the CX-30. It was noisy, uncomfortable and felt much cheaper inside, whereas the CX-30 felt like a high quality near luxury experience.
I really like the look of this car and if/when the auto industry gets more realistic about pricing I might buy one. But “screams I want to go off the beaten path”… nope. NOthing about that car says that to me :)
