I’ve had two RAV4 Hybrids (2021 and 2023), but both got totaled in accidents that weren’t my fault. I decided to try something new and went for the CX50 Hybrid. I was a bit worried since it’s a first-year model, but the Toyota Hybrid system in it eased my mind. After a test drive, I bought it. Here’s how it’s been:
What I Like
- Interior Quality: The CX50 feels way more upscale than the RAV4. The materials, button placement, and overall design are impressive. It feels like an upgrade for about the same price.
- Infotainment System: I hated that I couldn’t turn off the RAV4’s screen at night. In the CX50, you can turn it off or reduce it to just a clock. The manual controls are easy to use, and the screen placement is thoughtful.
- Smooth Drive: I’ve driven it over 1,500 miles already, including road trips. The handling, acceleration, and comfort are great. It’s much smoother over bumps compared to the RAV4, which felt like it was just meant for basic driving.
What I Don’t Like
- Hood Glare: The hood has a reflective section that catches the sun and blinds me while driving. I’ve had to block it with my hand, which is dangerous. I’m looking for a black vinyl to cover it because it’s really frustrating.
- Noisy Moonroof: There’s a constant whistling sound, even with the sunroof closed. It’s so loud that it feels like a window is cracked open. I expected better soundproofing for the price.
- Cruise Control Issues: The radar cruise control is terrible on curves. It brakes and accelerates erratically, even on mild turns, making it useless in my area (mountains). There’s no way to switch to regular cruise control either, which is disappointing.
Other small gripes include some of the safety features, which seem to encourage bad driving habits, and the loud backup sound.
Overall, I want to love this car because it does so many things well. But the hood glare, cruise control problems, and moonroof noise make it hard to fully recommend. If Mazda fixes these issues, it’d be a 10/10. For now, I’d rate it a 6/10.