I’ve seen some renderings of CX50s with big wagon-style wheels, but has anyone actually done this? How complicated is it to lower one?
There aren’t many lowering kits for the CX50 since it’s more of an off-road vehicle, so demand is probably low. But you could consider putting on beefier tires with a smaller black wheel setup. That would give it a more overlander look and make it appear slightly lowered.
@Milo
Funny enough, I already have a set of Enkei T6S 18x8.5 wheels ready to go. Just need to get some tires.
Why lower it? That goes against what the CX50 is made for. If you want a lower ride, why not get a Mazda 3?
Edit: It’s supposed to be their off-road vehicle, and now you want to change it completely? Makes no sense. 
Edit: Some people really love making SUVs look silly. But hey, it’s your car. Maybe grab some plastic stick-on vents while you’re at it.
@Ren
Most people aren’t using it as an off-road vehicle anyway; it’s more like a grocery getter. But that’s a whole other topic.
Blair said:
@Ren
Most people aren’t using it as an off-road vehicle anyway; it’s more like a grocery getter. But that’s a whole other topic.
Exactly. When I saw the size of the rear diff, I realized this is more of a car for gravel roads, not muddy forest trails.
@Ren
Why does this always come up whenever someone talks about modifying their Mazda SUV? We get it—the Mazda 3 exists. Some of us just want to make what we already own stand out.
@Ren
Call me a clown if you want, but if Mazda really wanted this to be a proper off-road vehicle, they’d have given it a bigger rear diff, more ground clearance, and better approach/departure angles.
Anyway, I’ve always liked the Forester STI, and since Subaru doesn’t make those anymore, this feels like the closest option.
@Brett
You’re turning it into a clown car, but hey, it’s your call.
But…why?
Quill said:
But…why?
Because the rear diff is too small for any serious off-roading. Plus, I think a lowered ride height would give it a unique, sporty vibe—kind of like the old Forester STI.
I think I saw a video of someone lifting one, but I haven’t seen anyone go for a lowered CX50 or CX5.
@Brett
That could work, but lowering it that much will probably make the ride stiffer since you’ll lose some suspension travel.
Marlow said:
@Brett
That could work, but lowering it that much will probably make the ride stiffer since you’ll lose some suspension travel.
Maybe, but with the right combination of tires, shocks, and spring weights, I think it can still ride comfortably. The stock suspension is already firm, so I don’t think it’ll get much worse. Plus, I’ve got those Enkei wheels ready, so I can use tires with a decent sidewall for comfort.
@Brett
Yeah, it really depends on what you’re going for. If you’re aiming for a sportier feel, it might turn out great.