5 Reasons to Buy a 2023 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is a fun, ruggedish SUV with proven powertrains. Despite that, I have mixed feelings on the car so today I'll explain what I mean. The CX-50 takes on the likes of the Honda Passport, Subaru Outback, Toyota Venza along with compact crossovers too.

Thank you, Royal South Mazda for letting me test drive the CX-50 for today's review!

CX-50 full review
@drivingsports Off-road test
CX-50 vs Outback

[pobsterj]

I just traded my rav4 for the cx50. I missed having fun when driving and the cx50 fits the bill. Mines not turbo but it’s peppy, and I love the steering and ride. It feels good all around.

[ralphg]

I literally just bought one today. Love it

[girlperson]

I purchased the CX-50 Select model with the naturally aspirated engine. I love the car but yes, at lower speeds the transmission hunts a lot. I always laugh because it seems to me the car wants to go faster so it hunts for transmission shifting. I love the interior and all the cargo room in the rear (I lowered the two back seats). The car comes with the 17 inch tires which ride a lot better than the 20 inch version. Safety features and crash data at the IIHS give it a top rating with the added congratulations of earning the IIHS's PLUS award. Like I said, I love the car.

[supertruckertom]

Saw an older CX5 in Odessa TX with AWD 2.5 NA with over 250k miles on it. The lady does grub hub deliveries to the remote oil rigs in the Permian Basin desert.
Most miles on dirt or gravel and rough pavement.

[RahShanProductionsMTU]

Cx50 looks cool I might want to get one of those. Wish it was better mpg but it’s alright.

[RealKevGotEm]

I like the body shape of the CX 50 but wish the CX 5 was like it. I don’t like the cladding and don’t like the rear suspension

[jeffmorse]

The ride probably suffers in a lot of the trims since they come with 20" wheels and low profile tires. Basically almost all the turbo trims and the premium plus naturally aspirated models. The 17" wheels and tires like the preferred plus in the video you're standing beside might be a little more comfortable.

[jj]

I'll wait for the model right before the refreshed model

[mackbell]

I like the rugged looks of the CX-50 over the CX-5, but IMO, the CX-50 drives like a yacht and lists during turns, whereas the CX-5 is tight and nimble. I've only done a few test drives with them both and am waiting for the dealer market price adjustments to disappear before pulling the trigger on a CX-5.

[RizHail]

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?

[alengreen]

I think that this midsize SUV is perfect for the American market because the interior is not modern like other new SUV´s, it has a lot of analog buttons and a analog gauge cluster where a lot of Americans like. And the car has a old tech. 6 speed Autom. and it has not a modern engine with Hybrid system where also a lot of Americans not like.

[SgtKillmorez]

I bought a CX-50, but am not entirely convinced after owning for a month either. I wish it felt as premium as the CX-5 considering it's a lot more expensive than one, and had a similar ride quality, with the CX5 not being that comfortable in the first place. It doesn't have acoustic glass which my wife's CX5 has, and it is undoubtedly firm, to the point of feeling like a sports car. They should have made this upscale like the CX5 and marketed it as an off roading luxury car rather than compare to broncos and dedicated rock crawlers. They should have put on acoustic glass, made it a tad bit softer with the suspension, and I think it would have been perfect. I don't feel the interior is really lacking honestly, not the engine. I do however, enjoy the looks which is probably the number one seller, the seats fold flat which is nice for car camping, has a pano roof which I also love and my son loves it, it feels solid and planted on the road, I don't mind the heavy steering since it's more stable, it's got a reliable engine and transmission from the CX5, and it just looks freaking good, plus the interior is simple without any fuss. The CX50 could have been executed better and every time I drive it I think of acoustic glass and softer ride. Basically I wish it was a CX5 in every way besides how it looks lool, and if CX5's came with pano roofs.

[SupraDRFT]

I didn’t realize the guy from fitment industries grew taller and did regular car reviews too

[dcartellone]

With everything nowadays being turbos. It’s nice to have a n/a engine being offered. If your not considered about numbers, I think this is the way too go.

[crafty]

Is the seam in the middle of the front seats noticable or bothersome on the backside?

[LoveLikeaHurricane]

It’s this or the passport. Passport has better AWD, suspension. But Cx-50 provides good value and elegance.

[dg]

I was underwhelmed when I drove it. Personally I'd rather get a better off roader like the Bronco Sport

[Timpala]

I thought this was made or assembled in Mexico?

[chriskeele]

The poorly placed cup holders and cramped driver's seat have me leaning toward an Outback instead. I test drove the CX-50 and had to fully lower the seat, plus pull out the steering wheel all the way, just to get in without contorting my legs.

[MaxFromSydney]

Maybe the CX-50’s greatest achievement will be to sell more Outbacks, Foresters and CX-5s?