I love my current Mazda. After owning four Hondas, the Mazda is a noticeable step up in quality and driving dynamics. This cx50 is definitely on my next list.
The only downsides to this CX-50 despite its RAV4 hybrid power train is the rear torsion beam causing a stiffer ride, tighter interior and cargo space, and the lower resale value when compared to the CRV hybrid!
@@ztekzI own a 2019 Mazda 3 Premium and completely agree with you! If Mazda wants to be more upscale like they claim then they truly need to quit with that torsion beam crap. It’s not the end of the world per se, but you can definitely notice it when going over bumps or when coming from a car that has a multi-link rear suspension.
I'm with you Tom. The Mazda Red is a huge reason I would look to get this over a Rav4. Hard to believe you can't get a heated wheel. That is a huge miss and a must have for someone with cold hands all the time. Everyone's review came out at the same time. Your was the first I watched. Why? Because you are on point, keep pace, and let's face it the PacNW fall colors can't hurt right?
Tom, With the wonderful RAV4 Hybrid powertrain, the CX-50 would be much closer to 'perfection' if Mazda gave it the more generous rear seat headroom and superior rear suspension of their own CX-5.
5:39 the big windowed Forester (I’ve had 2) has great visibility but the downside is is like being in a greenhouse in the summer and the AC struggles in our increasingly hot summers. I have a 2025 Mazda CX-50 TPP now and am loving it.
Note that the Canadian model offers a lot more that the American model doesn’t get. Few Canadian reviewers display it. Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and the 360 “Birds Eye camera” comes standard on the top “GT” trim and options on other trims I think. 🙃 Definitely loving this cx-50 hybrid and I’d consider it after my Mazda 3 sport gt!
The late Dudley Moore explained in "Mickey and Maude" that Americans get that turn of phrase wrong. We say it backward, according to his character in that movie. It should be "You can't eat your cake and have it, too." As you noted in your CX50 review, the idea is that once eaten, it isn't still available. Your review of the Mazda was very informative and yes that Soul Red paint is fabulous.
My dad and his wife are moving from Florida to a condo in Chicago that was built in the 1920s with a parking garage made for cars of the same vintage. They have a 2021 Avalon Hybrid, but I might suggest the CX-50 to them if the Avalon proves too bulky to fit neatly in the space. The lack of a heated steering wheel could be a dealbreaker, though.
What’s nice about the hybrid CX 50 is you get a few more more color options on the interior versus the non-turbo versions which only get the black color interior
this seems like the better option to buy versus the rav4 hybrid, when USED, as youd get the reliable toyota hybrid powertrain, but for the steeper mazda depreciation discount
Great video Tom, as always you bring something special on your presentation. One thing that I have found on my research, it cost at least $200 more to insure for 6 months, considering my insurance company G.... i.e $400 more for a year. Plus, I believe it is better to have a driveshaft for AWD/4WD similar to the drivetrain they have in Landcruiser Hybrid. Just sharing my personal opinion. Anyone can disagree.
thanks for showing the cargo space using real world items. The only other reviewer i can think who does this is Alex on Autos (using roller bags). great way to show practical space.
@@DrivenCarReviewsand more universal. even similar roller bags can be slightly different sized. costco tp packs are always the same. i appreciate both measurements though!
I have a 2015 Mazda 3 that I bought right before Thanksgiving of 2014. I have over 350K miles on it, it has never stranded me and it has treated me VERY well for 10 years. I do not care if I have to lose some sporting dynamic switching from an ICE compact car to a hybrid compact SUV. This will be my next car.
Toyota has a long waiting period to get a RAV4 hybrid like up to a year maybe more in Canada so I’m wondering if the hybrid battery pack will be a factor in long wait times for the Mazda CX-50 hybrid? Also I thought the CX-50 was larger than the CX-5 and small second row room and trunk space was no longer a problem. What’s your take on the wide black fender protectors? I’m not a fan of them. Thanks for your video!
Forgot to meantion the Mazda uses a different battery chemistry (nickel-metal hydride) than the RAV (lithium-ion) but not sure how that will affect availability. I'd have to look at the specs to determine space but my only gripe with the CX is headroom in back. The fenders don't bother me at all. Personal choice I guess.
Tom, I have a 21 Venza Limited and it’s noisy on acceleration. The whine is noticeable and disturbing at times. Since the 50 uses the same power train, I’m wondering if the noise level is loud? Thanks.
Hmmm, it's been awhile since I drove the Venza but have to believe it's similar. But like I said, there are enthusiasts that won't like the hybrid dynamic. That might include the sound.
Ok, Tom, I needed more on the ride, which in my 2022 CX-5 is "good" but not great. It needs to be better (Hint: evaluate the ride from the front passenger side). Also, the seats are okay but not much more than that. IMO. I'll add that Mazdas are really reliable and we've owned four of them, so that should say something. We love to drive them all.
I bought a CX5 after finding the CX50 felt claustrophobic to me in comparison and more of a station wagon and lower to the ground. Maybe the increased ride height will make it feel different 👍😁
It has a wagon look but I know is very good. I saw the revised 2025 Kia Sportage, that also comes in hybrid form, and looks awesome, much more modern and distinctive. Perhaps a comparison should be made.
I considered the CX-50 last year when new car shopping... I just could not get past the ginormous wheel well cladding. Apparently we in the US need to plastic-clad everything like Saudi Arabia gold-plates everything... 🙄
Me too! It’s truly a beautiful vehicle and they seem to get 90% of everything right with it, but the ginormous cladding makes it look so cheap. You can even get rid of it on the top trim like you can on a CX-5 which really disappoints me :(
A fantastic vehicle overall. I wish the turn signal lights my Incorporated into the headlight assembly as I find these are too low in the bumper. When a Toyota RAV4 hybrid has a baby with a Mazda CX-5... this is what you get
Tom, I think I'm in the "balk" camp...I get Federalizarion is real and expensive but did Mazda really have to go electronically controlled cvt? what transmission is in the cx-70/90 phev and why couldn't it be used here? Just thinking out loud... 🤔
1:00 Why do we continue with this tired trope of "what's the ROI on the hybrid"? When we add a $2000 package of options to the base model or choose a mid-spec model to add convenience features, we don't calculate the ROI on the price difference. It's just dumb.
because it too difficult to figure out how the vehicle will make everyday use work for them. ROI is easier to calculate...like a 7yr ROI on buying a Prius over a Camry [ice] if using published milage figures and difference in cost. longer if gasoline is lower...buy what fits your needs/budget, then worry about longterm cost savings
I know that Toyota's have been using Mazda powertrains for years, but I hate that Mazda now uses a Toyota system. My dad has a Rav4 and it couldn't be more boring to drive. The 6 speed auto in my wife's CX-5 turbo is a joy, along with the 300+ lb ft of torque. All of that said, I hope this sells well for Mazda. I just really hope they update their infotainment soon. It may seem gimmicky, but large screens make things much more intuitive and safer. I can't tell you how many times we delay driving so we can get android auto to connect properly. It's always doing wonky stuff. Just give us a great standard UI and AA isn't needed.
The heated steering wheel is not an issue for me living in Florida. But still, it’s a shame that Mazda didn’t take the opportunity to add a few more amenities to the premium plus top trim for the hybrid.
The starting price of the CX-50 hybrid is just way too high. Pretty much any gas savings are obliterated. What we really need is a fairly priced CX-30 hybrid with either the Corolla Cross hybrid system or a Mazda system but either way, something around $30k is much more compelling and the CX-30 really needs more range.
Tom, you do the best reviews on UA-cam clear concise, and practical you give us all the information we need a little bit of fun. I’ll help you out with your fat bastard impersonation keep up the great work, dear Mazda please equip the hybrid exactly as you equipped the turbo premium plus while the car is a great value at the current price point. My wife likes the heated steering wheel, the heated outboard seats and the front and rear parking sensors and the higher quality camera with 360 view as a current customer and a turbo premium plus owner we’d like to save a little gas, but still drive the same Mazda your car handle great drive well provide a safe and secure feeling but so does the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV
I’d like to think Mazda sold their soul to Toyota by putting their engine (Mazda is all about their engines), so that they can sell more cars and invest, develop something what people truly want; RX-9 sports coupe.
As much as I love the rotary engine (my first car had one) Mazda really needs to let go of that (said the guy that experienced everything that could go wrong with one).
our car reviews are top-notch! 🚗🔥 Love how you dive into every detail-it makes understanding each model so easy. We have also launched a channel (Hipster-Comicures), introducing super handy gadgets for car owners, perfect for enhancing the driving experience. As well as other useful products. L👀k it up . Keep up the awesome work!
I love my current Mazda. After owning four Hondas, the Mazda is a noticeable step up in quality and driving dynamics. This cx50 is definitely on my next list.
The only downsides to this CX-50 despite its RAV4 hybrid power train is the rear torsion beam causing a stiffer ride, tighter interior and cargo space, and the lower resale value when compared to the CRV hybrid!
@@ztekzI own a 2019 Mazda 3 Premium and completely agree with you! If Mazda wants to be more upscale like they claim then they truly need to quit with that torsion beam crap. It’s not the end of the world per se, but you can definitely notice it when going over bumps or when coming from a car that has a multi-link rear suspension.
I have a CE Turbo CX5 now and I would consider this as my next vehicle.
I just saw 4 other reviews of this vehicle. Filming and opinions of your review rank much higher than those. Thanks Tom, sperb as always
You have fine taste Vazztudio. Just pointing that out.
“Sperb” is not a word, but I agree with you that Tom puts out some VERY high quality content. Nicely done!
@@DrivenCarReviews😂😂😂
I haven't heard a negative at all, have you
I'm with you Tom. The Mazda Red is a huge reason I would look to get this over a Rav4. Hard to believe you can't get a heated wheel. That is a huge miss and a must have for someone with cold hands all the time. Everyone's review came out at the same time. Your was the first I watched. Why? Because you are on point, keep pace, and let's face it the PacNW fall colors can't hurt right?
Absolutely love the videos you present, old school classic with a modern HD quality! Keep up the great work! 🎉
Bro, Starbucks should give you discount for the coffees ha ha ha! Had fun watching this. Hope you review a TURBO PREMIUM trim soon. Thanks bro!
Tom, With the wonderful RAV4 Hybrid powertrain, the CX-50 would be much closer to 'perfection' if Mazda gave it the more generous rear seat headroom and
superior rear suspension of their own CX-5.
CX-5 Hybrid is supposedly planned for 2026 model year, with an all-Mazda hybrid system. We'll see.
5:39 the big windowed Forester (I’ve had 2) has great visibility but the downside is is like being in a greenhouse in the summer and the AC struggles in our increasingly hot summers. I have a 2025 Mazda CX-50 TPP now and am loving it.
Note that the Canadian model offers a lot more that the American model doesn’t get. Few Canadian reviewers display it. Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and the 360 “Birds Eye camera” comes standard on the top “GT” trim and options on other trims I think. 🙃
Definitely loving this cx-50 hybrid and I’d consider it after my Mazda 3 sport gt!
Also more money even taking into account Canadian $
The late Dudley Moore explained in "Mickey and Maude" that Americans get that turn of phrase wrong. We say it backward, according to his character in that movie. It should be "You can't eat your cake and have it, too." As you noted in your CX50 review, the idea is that once eaten, it isn't still available. Your review of the Mazda was very informative and yes that Soul Red paint is fabulous.
I was just quoted an out the door price of $47,965 for a cx 50 hybrid. $10k markup!!! Mazda is driving me into the arm of Toyota for a RAV 4!!!
What trim?
My dad and his wife are moving from Florida to a condo in Chicago that was built in the 1920s with a parking garage made for cars of the same vintage. They have a 2021 Avalon Hybrid, but I might suggest the CX-50 to them if the Avalon proves too bulky to fit neatly in the space. The lack of a heated steering wheel could be a dealbreaker, though.
Hopefully Mazda can remedy that in the 2026 hybrid models. Heated steering wheel is not an issue for me as I live in Florida.😁
Great review as always.
Love the Soul Red; not enthusiastic about dark-only interiors.
What’s nice about the hybrid CX 50 is you get a few more more color options on the interior versus the non-turbo versions which only get the black color interior
this seems like the better option to buy versus the rav4 hybrid, when USED, as youd get the reliable toyota hybrid powertrain, but for the steeper mazda depreciation discount
Great video Tom, as always you bring something special on your presentation. One thing that I have found on my research, it cost at least $200 more to insure for 6 months, considering my insurance company G.... i.e $400 more for a year. Plus, I believe it is better to have a driveshaft for AWD/4WD similar to the drivetrain they have in Landcruiser Hybrid. Just sharing my personal opinion. Anyone can disagree.
thanks for showing the cargo space using real world items. The only other reviewer i can think who does this is Alex on Autos (using roller bags). great way to show practical space.
TP is more humorous than suitcases. Just saying...
@@DrivenCarReviewsand more universal. even similar roller bags can be slightly different sized. costco tp packs are always the same. i appreciate both measurements though!
I have a 2015 Mazda 3 that I bought right before Thanksgiving of 2014. I have over 350K miles on it, it has never stranded me and it has treated me VERY well for 10 years.
I do not care if I have to lose some sporting dynamic switching from an ICE compact car to a hybrid compact SUV. This will be my next car.
I’ve been waiting for this!
Dealers " it's a Toyota hybrid so we want 5K over MSRP" and that's if you get on the wait-list.
Hopefully not!
it will probably be $7k-$9k markup, cuz made in Alabama
Toyota has a long waiting period to get a RAV4 hybrid like up to a year maybe more in Canada so I’m wondering if the hybrid battery pack will be a factor in long wait times for the Mazda CX-50 hybrid? Also I thought the CX-50 was larger than the CX-5 and small second row room and trunk space was no longer a problem. What’s your take on the wide black fender protectors? I’m not a fan of them. Thanks for your video!
Forgot to meantion the Mazda uses a different battery chemistry (nickel-metal hydride) than the RAV (lithium-ion) but not sure how that will affect availability. I'd have to look at the specs to determine space but my only gripe with the CX is headroom in back. The fenders don't bother me at all. Personal choice I guess.
@ Thank you for your very prompt reply Tom.
Tom, I have a 21 Venza Limited and it’s noisy on acceleration. The whine is noticeable and disturbing at times. Since the 50 uses the same power train, I’m wondering if the noise level is loud? Thanks.
Hmmm, it's been awhile since I drove the Venza but have to believe it's similar. But like I said, there are enthusiasts that won't like the hybrid dynamic. That might include the sound.
Ok, Tom, I needed more on the ride, which in my 2022 CX-5 is "good" but not great. It needs to be better (Hint: evaluate the ride from the front passenger side).
Also, the seats are okay but not much more than that. IMO.
I'll add that Mazdas are really reliable and we've owned four of them, so that should say something. We love to drive them all.
I bought a CX5 after finding the CX50 felt claustrophobic to me in comparison and more of a station wagon and lower to the ground. Maybe the increased ride height will make it feel different 👍😁
Heated steering wheel available?
Boo!
Hi Tom, which one would you prefer; 2018 Lexus NX 300 at 72K miles (17 grand) or 2016 Lexus ES 350 at 76K miles (18 grand)?
It has a wagon look but I know is very good. I saw the revised 2025 Kia Sportage, that also comes in hybrid form, and looks awesome, much more modern and distinctive. Perhaps a comparison should be made.
I considered the CX-50 last year when new car shopping... I just could not get past the ginormous wheel well cladding. Apparently we in the US need to plastic-clad everything like Saudi Arabia gold-plates everything... 🙄
Me too! It’s truly a beautiful vehicle and they seem to get 90% of everything right with it, but the ginormous cladding makes it look so cheap. You can even get rid of it on the top trim like you can on a CX-5 which really disappoints me :(
Nice review.
A fantastic vehicle overall. I wish the turn signal lights my Incorporated into the headlight assembly as I find these are too low in the bumper. When a Toyota RAV4 hybrid has a baby with a Mazda CX-5... this is what you get
Needs an all digital dash.
Tom, I think I'm in the "balk" camp...I get Federalizarion is real and expensive but did Mazda really have to go electronically controlled cvt? what transmission is in the cx-70/90 phev and why couldn't it be used here? Just thinking out loud... 🤔
I still prefer my Tucson hybrid for the size (headroom) and regular transmission and am super happy with it. About time Mazda offered a hybrid.
I saw it for 35k at local Mazda but I m not sure if they will mark up rav4
Interior quality of Mazda with engine reliability from Toyota, seems the best of both worlds
Will the cx 5 and 30 go hybrid?
I love the cx50 but I’ve to know what the next gen cx5 is gonna look like.
I love Al-Gore-Rythyms, an inconvenient truth 😅
Now to decide what color I want hmm
1:00 Why do we continue with this tired trope of "what's the ROI on the hybrid"? When we add a $2000 package of options to the base model or choose a mid-spec model to add convenience features, we don't calculate the ROI on the price difference. It's just dumb.
because it too difficult to figure out how the vehicle will make everyday use work for them. ROI is easier to calculate...like a 7yr ROI on buying a Prius over a Camry [ice] if using published milage figures and difference in cost. longer if gasoline is lower...buy what fits your needs/budget, then worry about longterm cost savings
Mazda has always a great interior.
So Tom, it looks like you’ve never reviewed a Kia Seltos. Could you go find a loaded AWD 2025 and give one of your takes on it please?
I did at the launch years ago. I like it with the turbo engine.
@@DrivenCarReviewsCool. Next, how about snagging a new Nissan Kicks SR AWD. Love your channel.
I know that Toyota's have been using Mazda powertrains for years, but I hate that Mazda now uses a Toyota system. My dad has a Rav4 and it couldn't be more boring to drive. The 6 speed auto in my wife's CX-5 turbo is a joy, along with the 300+ lb ft of torque. All of that said, I hope this sells well for Mazda. I just really hope they update their infotainment soon. It may seem gimmicky, but large screens make things much more intuitive and safer. I can't tell you how many times we delay driving so we can get android auto to connect properly. It's always doing wonky stuff. Just give us a great standard UI and AA isn't needed.
The only Mazda I care for is the ez 6. When that coming here?
Probably a Chinese exclusive.
This car would have been perfect but the inability to add heated steering, 360 camera, and heated rear seats are deal breakers for me 😭
I get it. And considering Mazda's upmarket aspirations, they are curious omissions.
@@DrivenCarReviewsEspecially curious as these elements are all available in Canada. 😢
The heated steering wheel is not an issue for me living in Florida. But still, it’s a shame that Mazda didn’t take the opportunity to add a few more amenities to the premium plus top trim for the hybrid.
Love the fat bastard quote 😂
We tend to think of the phrase backward. Of course you want to eat your cake if you have it, but you can't still have it once you've eaten it.
An efficient hybrid system with Mazdas tuning and even a spare tire in 2024 on a hybrid. What more could you want as a buyer?
A heated steering wheel for one.
More style, less plastic cladding.
I think this is for people who want a nicer rav4 hybrid but not paying lexus pricing
That middle stitching on the seats doesn’t look good for the long haul.
Mazda CX-5 needs an exterior redesign badly. Not sure why they keep neglecting their best selling vehicle
The starting price of the CX-50 hybrid is just way too high. Pretty much any gas savings are obliterated. What we really need is a fairly priced CX-30 hybrid with either the Corolla Cross hybrid system or a Mazda system but either way, something around $30k is much more compelling and the CX-30 really needs more range.
Doesn’t the hybrid CX 50 preferred trim start 33,000 or thereabouts?
Tom, you do the best reviews on UA-cam clear concise, and practical you give us all the information we need a little bit of fun. I’ll help you out with your fat bastard impersonation keep up the great work, dear Mazda please equip the hybrid exactly as you equipped the turbo premium plus while the car is a great value at the current price point. My wife likes the heated steering wheel, the heated outboard seats and the front and rear parking sensors and the higher quality camera with 360 view as a current customer and a turbo premium plus owner we’d like to save a little gas, but still drive the same Mazda your car handle great drive well provide a safe and secure feeling but so does the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV
I had to talk my wife into the package with a heated steering wheel when we bought her Volt. Now she won't buy a vehicle without one.
@ same here hey you and your partner do phenomenal job on these reviews. I truly respect and appreciate all of your hard work thank you.
I am definitely not going with Kia or Escape hybrid. I had Kia one for few months but fit and finish left a lot to be desired.
Thank you for mentioning the lack of a heated steering wheel twice. Mazda is way too stingy with this option on their models.
That’s available here in Cda!
The Meridian trim is NOT the highest trim. It is the lowest trim on the TURBO engine model.
Toyota reliability combined with Mazda style and fun factor? Sign me u-- *moths come out of wallet*..... either way I like it.
0:49 out of focus
Who calls Toyota the Big T?
I’d like to think Mazda sold their soul to Toyota by putting their engine (Mazda is all about their engines), so that they can sell more cars and invest, develop something what people truly want; RX-9 sports coupe.
As much as I love the rotary engine (my first car had one) Mazda really needs to let go of that (said the guy that experienced everything that could go wrong with one).
But a lot of people are interested in hybrids, particularly over EV’s
@@DrivenCarReviews I loved my Mazda RX 7. Mine was a 1988 FC body RX model. I drove it for almost 6 years, but I didn’t have any issues with it.
No available heated steering wheel or 360 camera 👎🏼
Too little too late compared to their Japanese peers.
Wrong!
The CX-50 is almost Subaru-level ugly, with squared-off wheel arches and plastic cladding. I wish Mazda implanted the hybrid powertrain into the CX-5.
I mean, the original CX-50 was designed and targeted towards Subaru-type people who wanted a Mazda instead 🤷♂️🤣
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think the CX 50 is a good looking vehicle!
Subaru’s are insanely ugly
Mazda missed the mark again. Time to ditch hybrids and at a minimum make PHEVs with at least 50 miles of all EV range.
Nope, not interested at this time in a PHEV or an EV. If I was gonna dip my toe into any kind of electrification, it would certainly be a hybrid.
@@eleanormassaro5195 Great. I nor anyone in my family will ever again own a fossil fuel powered car.
@ Good for you!
There is a $10k price increase from Rav4 hybrid to the plug in version
@@doziershaw9765$9k. get one now with $7500 credit and difference is only $2000
Toyota’s ECVT is not drivers car.
It’s for passive Corolla like sedated drivers. Mazda is going back in times.
our car reviews are top-notch! 🚗🔥 Love how you dive into every detail-it makes understanding each model so easy. We have also launched a channel (Hipster-Comicures), introducing super handy gadgets for car owners, perfect for enhancing the driving experience. As well as other useful products. L👀k it up . Keep up the awesome work!