Man after all the reviews I have watched recently, you are the first to say that the CX50 and CX5 are not the same in regards to purchasing. I test drove a CX5 last year with the intent on buying but something has always felt off with it, especially the driver seat. I ended up leaving with a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo PP hatch instead. Fast forward to two weeks ago, I test drove the CX50 in the Turbo Premium Plus and instantly fell in love! The driving dynamics are amazing! It's so quick and nimble, steering is much more responsive and it just overall feels better. My dealership was nice enough to give me a loaner CX5 turbo signature last weekend so that I could have my windows tinted and have the pillars/roof wrapped in black a the place that does theirs, and man. That CX5 is way to soft and cushy. It drives great, but it doesn't drive like the CX50 and I couldn't wait to return it. Once I got my car back, I fell in love again. I love the CX50, thank you Mazda! Great review!
Nice review. One thing. No identity crisis here. The CX-50 offers smart off-road and premium interior experiences in a hybrid best of both worlds. It’s not an over the top off road option like a Jeep Wrangler and it’s not a full blown luxury SUV like Lexus or Mercedes offers. But at the price point, it gives you some of both. Another reviewer said Mazda’s take was the average consumer will spend 90% of the time in urban / suburban / highway driving and about 10% in off recreational road driving. That sounds about right and the design conveys that. Despite all the reviews I’ve read, I am not a fan of the CX-5 appearance. It’s too soft looking for my taste. I have a black 2003 Murano that has a more Rottweiler appearance as compared to the CX-5 Cocker Spaniel appearance. Both are nice dogs but I prefer the more aggressive look. The CX-50 is more like a 100 lbs German Boxer. It combines the muscle with the sleek appearance. That’s the sweet spot I am in the market for at this time and they nailed it. I’ve test driven both a non-turbo model and a top of the line turbo model. Both were impressive in performance, handling, highway acceleration, appearance and internal amenities. I only wish I’d driven the non-turbo on the twisty hills I took the turbo on for a better comparison. That was a blast and the ride along dealer agreed he would recommend that road to all his customers for test driving. Since I keep my vehicles for a decade or more, getting the latest tech with an all weather capable, off road capable SUV for road trips are part of my calculus. This will be a nice utilitarian compliment to my 2017 RF which has been a trouble free joy ride.
Probably one of the most informed and detailed review of the CX-50! so seriously, thankyou! I would say it that with the screen being just out of reach when driving, it not being a touch screen isn't an issue. Once you're used to the wheel interface you don't really miss the touch screen interaction, it's only an issue when swapping from a touch screen car to this. I also think a lot of people keep comparing the CX-50 to the 'wilderness' versions of the Forester and Outback. I don't agree with that. It's more comparable to the normal versions, the Meridian version would be a better comparison to the wilderness versions.
There is no such thing as an identity crisis as this is exactly what most drivers in the market today is now looking for. The mix of the premium characters along with the driving capabilities is what consumers have been asking for for years. Mazda is spot on with where they are aiming at since luxury brand identifiers will never look at a Mazda but value-centric buyers will compare this to a non-luxury brand offering or even a luxury brand offering and feel this is the best value across the board.
I just found your channel, and have watched your other videos on the 2023 CX-50. I currently lease a 2020 CX-5 FWD Touring with the non-turbo 2.5 four. This is my second CX-5, and my third Mazda. I went from a 2016 Mazda3 hatchback Touring to a 2018 CX-5 AWD Touring because the Mazda3 did not drive that well in Long Island snow. I replace the 2018 with the 2020 because the tires were getting close to replacement and I didn't want to spend money on tires with only 9 month left of the lease. As for going from AWD to FWD, I moved to Florida in late July 2018, and so I didn't feel that AWD was as necessary in Florida. As for the CX-50, I am seriously considering the CX-50 AWD Preferred in June 2023 (when the lease on the 2020 CX-5 ends). The reason is that I like the longer and wider cargo area in the CX-50. I'm not one of those people who leased the CX-5 because it was fancier or nicer than its competitors because I never even considered them when I leased the 2018, it was just a spur of the moment opportunity. So when I lease the CX-50 I won't be disappointed that it isn't the same as the CX-5. I also wonder if the seating in the CX-50 may actually be better on the lower trims without the leather (the leather being what is making the seats in your test vehicle seem stiff). The ride may also be better on the models with the 17" wheels as opposed to the ones with 20" wheels (more sidewall flex). Still, this was an excellent review. I have subscribed to your channel for further videos from you.
I just bought a CX50 four days ago. I test drove the nonturbo, the turbo and a turbo CX5. Interestingly I felt the seats were more comfy in the CX50 versus the CX5! They’re still stiffer than what was in my Lexus, but I’ve had no problem with them😁
Always enjoy your indepth review's. I personally am a Honda/Acura guy, but I must say Mazda is getting my attention. Still not crazy about the dial up infotainment thought. I was so happy you showed how wide the doors open. I will be sure to avoid parking next to a CX 50.
The touch screen is disabled when you start driving for safety. Also touch on the start stop feature that’s now new to Mazda. Good introduction video Sir
It's shocking to me how few Mazda vehicles I see in the Pacific Northwest, especially around Seattle. Mazda must do something/anything to raise it's profile among car shoppers. Mazda is in the most competitive segment of the car market and the brand needs to generate some buzz with new offerings. So what do shoppers want, off-road capable or just the appearance of off-roadability? At least the new CX-50 looks more brawny, compared to the CX-5. For Mazda's sake - I hope that's enough! Excellent review. 👍👍
Hey Mike, I think this one has torsion beam rear suspension whereas the CX-5 is independent. I’m surprised not many reviewers mention this. It shouldn’t handle as well as a CX- 5 at least on pavement anyway. Nice video!
Very well done! I have noticed the noise insulation is significantly worse in the cx50 compared to the cx5. The steering seems to have more play when going straight and the throttle response seems slower probably because of the added weight? The Bose system also is not as good as the one in the cx5.
You can enable the touchscreen to function at all times within the settings, and I can confirm that as an owner. You even acknowledged that, so not sure how you can knock that or call it out, knowing you have the ability to easily make it exactly what you're asking for.
@@Waapitii After your phone is connected to CarPlay (assuming iPhone) go to connection settings for that specific phone and you’ll see a setting at the very bottom that says “Touchscreen in Motion for All Devices”.
I am exactly the person who was considering CRV and RAV-4 until I saw the CX-50... Both seem so outdated compared to CX-50! Anyway, I am sure I am not the only one who cross shopped these models;-)
Meridian is not the only trim with 8.6 in of ground clearance… could be the rim sizes that give the car a bit of extra height. Meridian runs 18 with beefier tires, premium versions run a 20 rim with smaller profile tires Edit: as far as what I am able to observe without dedicated specs on the Meridian, the only “functional differences” of the vehicle are the rim/tire combo, a platform that can attach to the OEM crossbars, and an anti glare hood decal if you consider that functional or not (depends on vehicle use). Everything else is cosmetic, to include the additional silver garnish on the side cladding, and some headlight mascara… but who knows until the specs come out
I don't think the CX-50 is a competitor to the CX-5. It's competing against the Rav4, imo. But the tires should have a wider sidewall, imo, so it looks more off-roadish.
Very few CX-50’s will be driven off road. Just like most Outbacks are urban/suburban cruisers. Top line versions could be more plush and have body color cladding yet still have “rugged” variant. I’m waiting to see the upcoming CX-70, but rather impressed with Mazda’s latest.
I want to like this car but at 47k you need an all glass dash cockpit and that infotainment system needs to be flush mounted, not buried. Other than thay this is a really nice car.
Truly a beautiful car,,but even if I trade in my 2016 CX-5 sport, w/ 30,000, in perfect condition, I'll still end up w/ 72 mo financing, and I have great credit😎
I like the looks. It is probably going to be reliable. 20" tires are too big. Doubt anyone will really use this vehicle off road. Don't like the panoramic moonroof; almost no-one will ever use it.
Mazda made AWD standard for the CX-5 for 2022 so it’s the same drivetrain. Also same powertrains. Cargo space and interior room are almost identical so exterior dimensions have a minor impact; making ground clearance the only metric that has any real significance. Same infotainment system, interior layout (excluding trim pieces and button layout). Being built on a different platform would have been a bigger talking point if the CX-50 didn’t share so many similarities with the CX-5. It does enough to differentiate itself in the lineup through the driving dynamics, but let’s not act like it’s a drastically different vehicle than the CX-5 because it isn’t
Man after all the reviews I have watched recently, you are the first to say that the CX50 and CX5 are not the same in regards to purchasing. I test drove a CX5 last year with the intent on buying but something has always felt off with it, especially the driver seat. I ended up leaving with a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo PP hatch instead.
Fast forward to two weeks ago, I test drove the CX50 in the Turbo Premium Plus and instantly fell in love! The driving dynamics are amazing! It's so quick and nimble, steering is much more responsive and it just overall feels better.
My dealership was nice enough to give me a loaner CX5 turbo signature last weekend so that I could have my windows tinted and have the pillars/roof wrapped in black a the place that does theirs, and man. That CX5 is way to soft and cushy. It drives great, but it doesn't drive like the CX50 and I couldn't wait to return it. Once I got my car back, I fell in love again. I love the CX50, thank you Mazda!
Great review!
Nice review. One thing. No identity crisis here. The CX-50 offers smart off-road and premium interior experiences in a hybrid best of both worlds. It’s not an over the top off road option like a Jeep Wrangler and it’s not a full blown luxury SUV like Lexus or Mercedes offers. But at the price point, it gives you some of both. Another reviewer said Mazda’s take was the average consumer will spend 90% of the time in urban / suburban / highway driving and about 10% in off recreational road driving. That sounds about right and the design conveys that. Despite all the reviews I’ve read, I am not a fan of the CX-5 appearance. It’s too soft looking for my taste. I have a black 2003 Murano that has a more Rottweiler appearance as compared to the CX-5 Cocker Spaniel appearance. Both are nice dogs but I prefer the more aggressive look. The CX-50 is more like a 100 lbs German Boxer. It combines the muscle with the sleek appearance. That’s the sweet spot I am in the market for at this time and they nailed it. I’ve test driven both a non-turbo model and a top of the line turbo model. Both were impressive in performance, handling, highway acceleration, appearance and internal amenities. I only wish I’d driven the non-turbo on the twisty hills I took the turbo on for a better comparison. That was a blast and the ride along dealer agreed he would recommend that road to all his customers for test driving. Since I keep my vehicles for a decade or more, getting the latest tech with an all weather capable, off road capable SUV for road trips are part of my calculus. This will be a nice utilitarian compliment to my 2017 RF which has been a trouble free joy ride.
Probably one of the most informed and detailed review of the CX-50! so seriously, thankyou! I would say it that with the screen being just out of reach when driving, it not being a touch screen isn't an issue. Once you're used to the wheel interface you don't really miss the touch screen interaction, it's only an issue when swapping from a touch screen car to this. I also think a lot of people keep comparing the CX-50 to the 'wilderness' versions of the Forester and Outback. I don't agree with that. It's more comparable to the normal versions, the Meridian version would be a better comparison to the wilderness versions.
you just sold a Mazda CX-50 my friend.. excellent video
There is no such thing as an identity crisis as this is exactly what most drivers in the market today is now looking for. The mix of the premium characters along with the driving capabilities is what consumers have been asking for for years. Mazda is spot on with where they are aiming at since luxury brand identifiers will never look at a Mazda but value-centric buyers will compare this to a non-luxury brand offering or even a luxury brand offering and feel this is the best value across the board.
Thank you for putting so much time and effort to explain the difference
I think the closer comparison with this vehicle is the Subaru Outback Limited XT.
I just found your channel, and have watched your other videos on the 2023 CX-50. I currently lease a 2020 CX-5 FWD Touring with the non-turbo 2.5 four. This is my second CX-5, and my third Mazda. I went from a 2016 Mazda3 hatchback Touring to a 2018 CX-5 AWD Touring because the Mazda3 did not drive that well in Long Island snow. I replace the 2018 with the 2020 because the tires were getting close to replacement and I didn't want to spend money on tires with only 9 month left of the lease. As for going from AWD to FWD, I moved to Florida in late July 2018, and so I didn't feel that AWD was as necessary in Florida.
As for the CX-50, I am seriously considering the CX-50 AWD Preferred in June 2023 (when the lease on the 2020 CX-5 ends). The reason is that I like the longer and wider cargo area in the CX-50. I'm not one of those people who leased the CX-5 because it was fancier or nicer than its competitors because I never even considered them when I leased the 2018, it was just a spur of the moment opportunity. So when I lease the CX-50 I won't be disappointed that it isn't the same as the CX-5. I also wonder if the seating in the CX-50 may actually be better on the lower trims without the leather (the leather being what is making the seats in your test vehicle seem stiff). The ride may also be better on the models with the 17" wheels as opposed to the ones with 20" wheels (more sidewall flex).
Still, this was an excellent review. I have subscribed to your channel for further videos from you.
I just bought a CX50 four days ago. I test drove the nonturbo, the turbo and a turbo CX5. Interestingly I felt the seats were more comfy in the CX50 versus the CX5! They’re still stiffer than what was in my Lexus, but I’ve had no problem with them😁
A great review as always - unbiased approach as to the differences between this and the CX-5 to provide everyone with the best set of info possible!
Always enjoy your indepth review's. I personally am a Honda/Acura guy, but I must say Mazda is getting my attention. Still not crazy about the dial up infotainment thought. I was so happy you showed how wide the doors open. I will be sure to avoid parking next to a CX 50.
The touch screen is disabled when you start driving for safety. Also touch on the start stop feature that’s now new to Mazda. Good introduction video Sir
Have the cx5 grand Turing reserve turbo love it
It's shocking to me how few Mazda vehicles I see in the Pacific Northwest, especially around Seattle. Mazda must do something/anything to raise it's profile among car shoppers. Mazda is in the most competitive segment of the car market and the brand needs to generate some buzz with new offerings. So what do shoppers want, off-road capable or just the appearance of off-roadability? At least the new CX-50 looks more brawny, compared to the CX-5. For Mazda's sake - I hope that's enough! Excellent review. 👍👍
Well abandoning the Ford days was a great start.
i love my cx5
Hey Mike, I think this one has torsion beam rear suspension whereas the CX-5 is independent. I’m surprised not many reviewers mention this. It shouldn’t handle as well as a CX- 5 at least on pavement anyway. Nice video!
really hoping they upgrade the infotainment in future vehicles, I love my cx-30 but I want more tech
Very well done! I have noticed the noise insulation is significantly worse in the cx50 compared to the cx5. The steering seems to have more play when going straight and the throttle response seems slower probably because of the added weight? The Bose system also is not as good as the one in the cx5.
Very good to note - have to get behind the wheel of both now....
Surprising about the Bose system, as the CX50 has 12 speakers versus 10 in the CX5🤔
You can enable the touchscreen to function at all times within the settings, and I can confirm that as an owner. You even acknowledged that, so not sure how you can knock that or call it out, knowing you have the ability to easily make it exactly what you're asking for.
how do you do it? prob buying soon
@@Waapitii After your phone is connected to CarPlay (assuming iPhone) go to connection settings for that specific phone and you’ll see a setting at the very bottom that says “Touchscreen in Motion for All Devices”.
@@PopTart_64 thanks for the tip. I will have to try it out in my CX 50😁
I am exactly the person who was considering CRV and RAV-4 until I saw the CX-50... Both seem so outdated compared to CX-50! Anyway, I am sure I am not the only one who cross shopped these models;-)
Which one did u choose?
@@CrimsonRayne CX-50... Very happy with this car
Meridian is not the only trim with 8.6 in of ground clearance… could be the rim sizes that give the car a bit of extra height. Meridian runs 18 with beefier tires, premium versions run a 20 rim with smaller profile tires
Edit: as far as what I am able to observe without dedicated specs on the Meridian, the only “functional differences” of the vehicle are the rim/tire combo, a platform that can attach to the OEM crossbars, and an anti glare hood decal if you consider that functional or not (depends on vehicle use). Everything else is cosmetic, to include the additional silver garnish on the side cladding, and some headlight mascara… but who knows until the specs come out
Thanks for posting it! Was wondering if you’d recommend me trading my 2019 CX5 to the 2023 CX50
Yes do it I just got one and I love it! 💯🔥
I don't get why they don't plan on selling it in Europe. They'd find a lot of buyers in Germany.
23:40 you can enable touchscreen while driving in settings
Only for android auto & apple carplay. Not mazda's own homescreen.
It doesn't feel like a 'rugged' crossover... because it's not. 20" wheels are ridiculous.
I don't think the CX-50 is a competitor to the CX-5. It's competing against the Rav4, imo. But the tires should have a wider sidewall, imo, so it looks more off-roadish.
Very few CX-50’s will be driven off road. Just like most Outbacks are urban/suburban cruisers. Top line versions could be more plush and have body color cladding yet still have “rugged” variant. I’m waiting to see the upcoming CX-70, but rather impressed with Mazda’s latest.
Nice!
Is it rugged?
I want to like this car but at 47k you need an all glass dash cockpit and that infotainment system needs to be flush mounted, not buried. Other than thay this is a really nice car.
Truly a beautiful car,,but even if I trade in my 2016 CX-5 sport, w/ 30,000, in perfect condition, I'll still end up w/ 72 mo financing, and I have great credit😎
How much per month? Im assuming 300ish?
See now this I would drive. I’ve never liked Mazda designs as they were so blah and mini van adjacent. This looks dope though and I’m super impressed.
How does it compare to a Cherokee?
I like the looks. It is probably going to be reliable. 20" tires are too big. Doubt anyone will really use this vehicle off road. Don't like the panoramic moonroof; almost no-one will ever use it.
No autoreview should be 35 minutes long.....and then not to include offroad footage? 🤦♂️🤷♂️🙄
Good gosh. Dude loves his own voice
Yes, could have cut the word counts by half and still have the same message.
Unfortunately we can purchase a luxury vehicle for this cost. To many trims, seem only to increase prices.
Where is that? Enlighten us. AWD including most tech and comfort features included.
On paper they ARE NOT exactly the same LOL - different platform/different dimensions/different drivetrain....and on and on
Mazda made AWD standard for the CX-5 for 2022 so it’s the same drivetrain. Also same powertrains. Cargo space and interior room are almost identical so exterior dimensions have a minor impact; making ground clearance the only metric that has any real significance. Same infotainment system, interior layout (excluding trim pieces and button layout).
Being built on a different platform would have been a bigger talking point if the CX-50 didn’t share so many similarities with the CX-5. It does enough to differentiate itself in the lineup through the driving dynamics, but let’s not act like it’s a drastically different vehicle than the CX-5 because it isn’t
You think visibility is bad in the cx-50, don’t buy an old muscle car.
premium fuel for me is automatic deal breaker. especially in these inflationary times. bye. bye Mazda
It is not required
There's a NA 2.5 non turbo engine that puts out 187hp and 186ft lb torque runs on regular fuel. That's the base engine.
You can put 87 octane in the Turbo engine. It will make 227hp and the lb ft of torque will be 310.