Mazda CX-5 or CX-50? | Which Would I Buy? 

I chose the CX-5. I sure hope Mazda doesn’t replace the CX-5 going forward. I get the appeal of the CX-50, but the CX-5 is such a refined and proven platform. I hope Mazda just keeps refining it and maybe offering a hybrid version in the future. It’s going to be Iconic like the RAV4 and CR-V.

I'll take CX-5

I’ll go with the CX 5 because it has more of an elegant look.

Jonathan I currently drive a CX5 signature. I have owned 3 cx5 's and two 2 were turbos. I love the ride of the 5 and see no reason to move to the 50 unless the cx 5 is discontinued.

I appreciate the timing of this video, as I'm actually in the market and comparing these exact two cars currently. I keep hearing cx50 owners talk about the lack of comfort in the seats and increased road noise, so I'm keeping track too.

Myself driving a cx50 long term but occasionally driving and previous owner of a cx5, what I appreciate immensely over the CX5, making me choose the cx50 all the way is 1. The wide body drive, isn’t “tippy” on the road, always hugging and ready to corner at high speed. Even way better than some sedans, which blows my mind.. 2 Bose sub speakers being removed from the frontdoors and placed in the foot well, way deeper, richer bass without losing any notes in the high mid and lows thanks to separating these speakers individually, 3 pano roof/meaner look/ head turner everywhere you go especially in zircon sand. Love the CX5 so much, when I get in and drive one it just always brings me back but the CX50 just has this driving behaviour that feels like no suv could possible have and yet this one is the has it. Man I am always in sport and manual mode ripping this car into curbs, on the highway, down winding roads 1 year and 30,000km later and it’s still extremely addicting and fun, when you know how to drive it properly. Don’t think I can ever let the CX-50 go and that’s the feeling I’ve never had from any of Mazdas before no matter how much I loved them

I own a 21 CX5 GTR and a 23 cx50 premium plus and the CX5 is much more refined in every way. The cx5 build quality is more in line with BMW and Audi while the cx50 is no different than Toyota, Honda or Hyundai. When I shut the door of the cx50 it makes a hollow sound and it feels like the door handle could break off. The ride quality is unrefined and interior quality feels cheaper than the CX5. And it’s a lot more expensive for an equivalent model of a CX5. My wife loves the looks of the cx50 so that’s what she drives.

For me, I like the longer console in the CX 50, the panoramic sunroof, and, at the time, the wireless CarPlay connect, and I like the fact that it has hood struts for the hood. When I was test driving the CX5 and the CX 50, I found the back part of the seats very hard on the CX5. Yes, the bottom part of the seat on the CX 50 is kind of firm, but the back part I can get to perfectly contour to my back. On my first road trip in my CX 50 I went to the mountains of North Georgia and got to cross some streams and stuff and I had that feeling just like you were saying, Jonathan, about feeling I could go anywhere in my CX50!😁. And, yes, I do feel like sometimes I wish I had gotten the turbo versus the non-turbo.🤷‍♀️

Thanks, for the videos. As the owner of 2 CX-5's in our family, a 2015 GT and 2019 Signature, I really prefer the CX-5. We like some of the features and the design of the CX-5 that the CX-50 doesn't have, such as the 40/20/40 rear seats and the cargo cover that goes up with the hatch. Also I prefer the interior and exterior design and IRS. They both have been very reliable. I'd love to see them add a hybrid in the next redesign and bring it to the USA. I wish Mazda well with the CX-90/CXD-70 but I'm not interested in them. I prefer the CX-5/CX-50/CX-30 AWD/FWD based product mix. Thanks, again😎

Love our CX5 and love all your videos. But I must say my favorite part of this video is the last 5 seconds when the woman in the RV behind you waves her hands in frustration as you aren't moving quick enough for her!

Love your videos Jonathan! I will be ready to buy in 25 and you helped me make the switch from a life long honda guy. Tired of the CVT and tiny turbos! I am leaning to the cx50 but the road noise thing is reminding me of honda. But I did hear that the large rubber area of the 17” wheels really makes the difference in the CX 50. Supposedly those 20” low profiles are horrible with noise! I am looking at the preferred trim. Top trims way too pricey. Thoughts and experience with the 17’s and road noise.? This is significant for me because Honda’s are infamous for tire and road noise. Thanks !!!

I have owned both and they each have their loveable aspects, as you've pointed out. Now driving the CX-50 for the past 19 months. You didn't mention the panoramic moon roof which is super nice and how much easier it is to get kayaks, skiis, luggage on and off the roof. I live in the mountains and the CX-50 is better driving over broken dirt/gravel roads for long distances. The CX-5 is a bit dated in design but a nicer looking city/grocery/kids to school kind of car. It is also more refined while the CX-50 is still getting some minor kinks ironed out. I still would pick the CX-50 as better for my own needs.

Thanks for the honest review. I'm going to test drive both in non-turbo models next month, as I think that it is time to replace my 2011 Chevy Impala. This would be my first non-GM vehicle. I think it will come down to which one my dog likes better and how my golf clubs fit in the back.

Interested in the updates on the Nov builds. Any idea when they will be showing up? Would be interested in your opinions on the updates.

Don't get a turbo. Oil consumption prb is fatal but as car gets older u do not want the cost / expense etc... will be significant.

I bought the 2023 CX-5 in June. The more premium looks is what I was looking for plus the AWD for the rough driving days. I've had a '89 Nissan Pathfinder and a 2006 Toyota 4Runner (still have) and only went truly off road 20% of the time or less. For me, it's a daily driver so why not choose the better looking option. If you go off road more then choose the CX-50

Thanks you for your very important video

COP OUT!!! 🙂 I appreciate this comparison, Jonathan. Sounds like we can't go wrong either way. Will be test driving both shortly and will choose one or the other probably in the MArch timeframe.

I just order one nice Mazda CX5 Homura... its beautiful, very nice engine and all quality techonology and equipment...can't wait Jan.24 to get it 😁

I’m debating between the Mazda Cx5 n Cx50 and another RAV4 I did test drive the Cx5 it drove really nice! I do Uber and Lyft so I need the space n have a cabin in the mountains so I’m in the pickle to which between the three suvs that I’m deciding on

You forgot to mention the cargo space is much lengthier in the CX-50. Plus it is more planted specially while driving at curves which inspires confidence.

Owner of a 2020 CX-5 Grand Touring Premium Package and I would definitely say CX-5 or CX-50. Made in Japan. With the Premium Package, mine is basically a Grand Touring Reserve with no turbo.

Leaning on getting the CX50 because of the wider stance. I also like vehicles with wider tires like BMW Mercedes. I have a CX9 and just like the cx5, the cup holders are way out of place. The physical buttons (climate control) are really nice and designed well.

I've got both at home. Both with n/a engines. I like seating position/visibility better in CX5. For anything else, I prefer CX50.

Well I am 6'-2" and found myself tying to move the seat back in the CX-9 during the test drive. The CX-5 would undoubtedly have the same issue. The CX-50 meridian in the show room had enough room for me and the interior was nicer than the CX-9. I would take the CX-50 because I fit and it's not a plain Jane from yesteryear but I would want the comfortable seats and smooth quite ride as well. If the CX-5 eventually gets phased out they will need a premium ride package for the CX-50 IMO.

Replaced Torsion beam with independent suspension might be a better choice for CX50

I'm a city boy so I'll keep my CX-5. If I was in a rural setting I think I'd go for the CX-50.

I am planning to buy CX 50 Premium Plus Non-Turbo 2024 in Canada it is call CX 50 GT Non-Turbo. How is the road noise Behind Passenger Rear Seat, my child non verbal and really hates road sound. How is rear passenger seat road noise vs Honda CRV Hybrid 2024?

After 4.5 years in two CX-5s, and now one year in a CX-50 (all non-turbo) I have to concur with Jonathan with his comments. I do find that the cheaper side windows on the CX-50 allow more noise than those of the CX-5. I do like the greater length and width of the CX-50, especially for cargo space. I also find that there is less body roll in the CX-50. As for quality, I had regular issues with the forward camera system in my 2018 CX-5, where I would notifications that there was an error, and would go offline, something which has not happened with either the 2020 CX-5 or the CX-50.

If cost wasn’t a factor, I would take cx-50 over the cx-5. It’s just looks upscale compared to the cx-5. The ruggedness is plus too.

I chose the CX50 base model. something about it I like more, I don't know what that is though. Also, I'm not a fan of GDI and turbo as it tends to wear the engines out faster. I buy my vehicles for longevity.

I recently test drove both and chose the CX5. It felt more buttoned down with a higher quality feel. Also in testing the 50, I gunned it off or a right hand turn and when I straightened it out, I felt torque steer through the steering wheel under acceleration.

I went with a CX-5 Signature instead for the comfort and luxury. The CX-50 didn't give me the same amount of features price-wise. The stitching in the CX-50 down the middle annoys me, the interior pieces also seem to have more play and rattle more. The panoramic moonroof is overrated because it only opens a tiny amount. IMO, Mazda missed their chance at a hybrid that would be a hot sell. At that price range, however, for someone going off-roading, they would probably consider a Bronco or Wrangler instead. Mazda could have completely changed the game if they offered some sort of hybrid drivetrain with removable body panels like the new Bronco or Wrangler. This gives them reliability of Mazda with the features that Jeep have monopolized for so long. C'mon Mazda.

CX5 for its refinemment. CX50 for spontaneous adventure.

I like the CX-50’s face, but that’s it. The tech it boasts is just unnecessary luxury crap that I can effortlessly do without. Just like me and 99% of other buys can do without this fake trend of off-roading. Its wider, longer body would be great if that translated to significantly more storage or seating space, but it doesn’t. It’s just bigger with no real benefit. And that plastic cladding is so overdone it hurts to look at The CX-5 is the clear winner for me which is a shame because I was rooting for the CX-50 from the start

I went to my Mazda dealer to test drive a CX-30 turbo. It was very fun to drive but the interior was way too confining for me and the outside visibility was poor. The sales person invited me to look at their larger models. I loved the look of the CX-50 both inside and out. I sat in one but didn't even bother to test drive it. The driver's seat bottom was terribly uncomfortable for me. Had it not been for that, I would probably have bought one. The CX-5 had comfortable seats but it strikes me as a model that is likely to be discontinued soon. Living with tethered CarPlay in 2024? Not a chance. I'll stick with My Subaru Crosstrek for now and hope that Mazda fixes the seats on the CX-50 in the future. I see plenty of people complain about them online.

I like the CX-5 a lot but it does feel slightly dated in the keyless entry buttons on the handles (instead of touch like on the CX-50) for example and the center console being of a cheaper plastic. The CX-50 on the other hand has a much better center console but the door panels aren’t as nice as the CX-5. It’s tough tbh I wish they would just bring the CX-60 Id buy that

CX50 not built in Japan and has issues since it’s only been out one year. Horrible stop/start is a deal breaker for me. The turbo 50 has that annoyance and the non turbo model 5 has it. Even though it can be turned off I don’t want a vehicle with a more expensive battery and more complex engineering to accommodate constant engine shut off.

Cx5 built in Japan! Enough said.

I own a CX5 and test drove CX50 and found the CX50 to be shockingly noisy. The CX50 looked absolutely amazing in soul red with cross bars--very rugged looking. But let's not kid ourselves. The CX50 does not have significantly more offroad chops than the CX5. If you love your CX50 then you bought the right car and more power to you. I love my CX5.

Well, I purchased the 2024 CX5 signature, and regret it. It has a constant whine that is annoying and the speaker in the a pillar rattles. I've taken in it twice, still same disappointing results..I'm waiting to hear back from Mazda. I had a Mazda 6 signature the was much more quiet and was built better...I was very happy with it but needed an AWD. The 6 was a much better car in my opinion with better materials and I regret trading it for the CX5. I thought the 5 was more comfortable than the 50. My 6 had the same turbo engine....maybe a different vendor that is what I'm attempting to find out. I was so satisfied with the Mazda 6 signature and very disappointed in the CX5, I'm wondering if it had a rough transfer here from Japan, they told me the clips in the a pillars were worn out and cracked, how could that be it's brand new?

Concerned the CX50 reliability won’t match the CX5 built in Japan. Remains to be seen I think

Was waiting for the verdict either cx5 or cx50😢 then he can't decide on either or? Can I have the cx55 than? 😁

Absolutely CX5 for me better quality interior and exterior will not be out of style.

Can you go wrong with either... of course not!

If I could--- ONE OF EACH... :)

CX5 to me!

I have had 4 cx5 I have a 2023 cx5 Turbo I got to test drive cx50 To low for me I like the drive way better in the cx5 I got to test drive a cx90 also Now that's better than Both of them Just can't afford it

I need the towing capacity, so my next vehicle will be the CX-50

I’m so sad cause the CX 5 is outdated I like the 50 size and design but it really sucks. The 5 is “nicer” cause it seems more premium than basic in the 50. I have a 50. So I recommend it? Maybe now if the 2024 issues were fixed but if not then NO I DO NOT RECOMMEND

For me the CX5 I'm not into that rugged look nor the stiff ride of the cx50

Just put some AT tires on a CX-5 and call it a day.

CX-5 with CX-90 power train options or hurry up with CX-70 & don't make it as long as CX-90 w/more ext colors & interior colors w/no plastic fender flares & a just RWD only offer. CX-70 wld then be #1 seller, out selling Lexus, Honda & Toyota. Plus IMO 84% of people will not go off road ever in their Mazda & even most people in south never need AWD, thus reducing weight & increasing mpg avg. Need a p/u also to compete w/Ford Maverick & other competitors all coming soon.

Mazda should have a car called CX-55 in the line up😅

You’re not wrong about feeling like driving a truck. That’s what I like about it, more mature and masculine than the prissy CX 5

50 looks 1000x better. The 5 has more feminine lines.

Mazda is unlikely to develop a new platform for the CX-5. They are going to squeeze the current CX-5 as long as they can. When they can't do it anymore, they will probably bring a CX-60 or CX-55 to replace the current CX-5. CX-70 is going to be a 2-row CX-90.

Read my lips...CX-5!

The CX-30 replaced the CX-3. The CX-50 did not replace the CX-5. The CX-90 replaced this past year the CX-9. Why? Because the CX-5 despite its age (7th year of production) is by far the best selling Mazda in the USA. As of November in 2023 they have sold just over 145,000 CX-5s. The second best selling CX-30 has 65,000 sold. They don't dare discontinue the top selling car as the CX-50 is not even the second best selling car. Not unless they want to kill their sales. So next year there will be a new CX-5 and it will not be discontinued. It is even getting one of the Toyota hybrid powertrain systems. They are going to continue to support that model as long as it sells, and they may discontinue the CX-50 instead.

Great video brother until the ending, not cool. 🤬

Both, need a hybrid option.

NO- no turbo.. they wear the engines out too quickly. I'll get the CX-50 and install a SUPERCHARGER in it-- it won't hurt the engine and will give a better boost consistently-- and NOT effect the mpgs as much.. and will NOT cause oil to burn hotter and many other advantages...

7 year old cx5 looks better than 1 year old cx50

Cx 5 model is been on market for more than 5 years now is like you buying 2018 on 2024