Hey everyone, I’ve had my CX-50 for a few months now and thought I’d share my experience so far. Feel free to ask me anything.
My girlfriend and I spent about six months researching and test-driving cars before picking this one. We also looked at the CR-V, Escape, RAV4, CX-30, and CX-5.
Looks: 10/10
The CX-50 has a great design and really stands out from other crossovers. It feels more like a rugged wagon than a typical SUV. I still catch myself smiling when I see it in the garage.
Comfort: 7/10
The seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives. I’m 5’10” and find the front row spacious, and my girlfriend, who’s 5’0”, likes that she can raise her seat high enough to see over the hood—something she struggled with in the RAV4 and even a bit with the CX-5.
But the ride isn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. The suspension feels rough on bumpy roads, which makes the CX-50 less comfortable than the CX-5. Road noise is also a letdown—likely due to the cheaper Goodyear tires and less sound insulation.
Performance: 7/10
I went with the non-turbo engine for lower costs and better reliability. While some call it sluggish, I find it plenty capable for highway passing and city driving. The steering is fantastic and gives you a strong connection to the road—classic Mazda.
The AWD system has been great in rain, and I’m curious to see how it handles snow during our annual freeze in Tennessee. However, the transmission tuning is frustrating. It downshifts quickly when you let off the gas, and low-speed driving feels jerky. I’m hoping it improves as it adapts to my driving.
Value: 9/10
For the price, the CX-50 offers a lot. Compared to the CR-V and RAV4, it’s cheaper and provides more features. The build quality and reliability also feel better than some lower-cost competitors. Plus, you can find it for thousands under MSRP.
Value vs CX-5: 6/10
When you compare the CX-50 to the CX-5, the corners Mazda cut are noticeable. The CX-5 Preferred trim has a power moonroof, power passenger seat, leatherette seats, memory positions, more soundproofing, and a better suspension. The CX-50 Preferred lacks those but costs more. The interior materials also feel cheaper than the CX-5. I wanted the CX-5, but my girlfriend preferred the CX-50’s look and seating position.
Would I buy another? Maybe. I’m not fully sold on replacing my second car with another CX-50. Time will tell!
Misc Annoyances:
- Backup camera lines don’t move with the wheels.
- Tailgate can’t be opened from inside without unlocking all the doors.
- No remote start on the fob—it’s app-only.
- Lane-keeping assist feels outdated with ping-pong-style corrections.
- Wireless charger doesn’t work well.
- Cupholders aren’t positioned well for larger bottles.