2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

[@sgrant9814]

Sorry i STRONGLY disagree. After years of using distracting touch screens, many often slow or balky, using the mazda set up is refreshing. No balkiness NO road distraction which is far more important . Try some patience and practice and you will be fine with it. And , no surprise the 50 handles flatter and is more planted than the 30...it is wider and heavier with wider tires.

[@BABing-pv5xq]

I agree. Clean and out of the way until you need it is how to do it.

[@patb5266]

100% agree, touchscreen is distracting and not as safe. I have an A4 and I'll take the MMI dial over a touchscreen anytime , I never have to take my eyes of the road and my hand is always closer to the wheel. This system looks very similar to the Audi system.

[@kk0123]

agree

[@sentinurse]

I had a CX-30 and traded it for a CX-50. Both Non-Turbos. The CX-30 is more sportier and faster when driving especially in corners. We need more space for our car so we looked at the CX-50. More space and more controlled and feels more planted when driving.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I have a CX 50 also, and this car takes curves like it’s on rails! So planted! Love it!

[@Mark-rl5xl]

Have a 2021 CX-30 premium in red, absolutely love the car. So far my only minor gripe are the piano black pillars, they show swirls and scratches in direct sunlight. Again very minor gripe. On long road trips is where it really shines for me. The radar cruise control with the HUD is awesome. You don’t have to take your eyes off the road to see speed and blind spot. The adaptive cruise control works wonders and saves me from an accident when someone cut in front of me when I was reaching for my coffee on the freeway. It auto-braked before I had time to react. Also personally I love the infotainment systems simplicity. Again you don’t really need to take your eyes off the road to navigate once you get used to it. I’m a gamer so maybe it’s easier for me lol Also, the cladding doesn’t look bad in person and in northern Wisconsin it should help prevent rust and chips from rock salt and gravel. Overall I love the car. Got it used like new for $22,000 with 27k miles, not bad imo

[@angelo747]

You can get any piano black trims wrapped... matte, satin, gloss, or any color / texture available

[@roses.9181]

I got my pillars 3M'd right when I got it! I saw that and KNEW it would be a disaster. So glad I did that. I've had mine for 4 years and it still looks mint.

[@jbm0866]

​@@angelo747 Yup, I wrapped the pillars of my Mazda 3 turbo hatch...and also the piano black on the center console. Wrap is much more scratch resistant, and can always be replaced if it starts looking ratty.

[@79BCL]

Thanks for those who are cross shopping between these two.

[@TOFAfilms]

Thank you Clifford! Your perception, taste, and experience around driving dynamics is second to none, and you really seem to care about providing a nuanced and thoughtful critique and comparison of these cars. Well done, sir!

[@lilzuplada1564]

CX 50 is the best looking Asian SUV right now. The looks are so refined.

[@jbm0866]

Agreed, I can't think of anything that looks better, and that includes the more expensive BMW X1/X2.

[@Daniel_BDB]

They look more aggressive and sporty. They are nice

[@TurkinaFaso]

Made in USA not Japan

[@glurp1er]

Funny that you call the CX-30 a "small" car, while in Europe I get criticized that it's too big. Anyway, I love driving it, but it's true that the visibility isn't the best (you'll often rely on the 360 camera) and that the rear sits are a bit cramped for adults (but perfect for kids).

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Great review. I own the 2024 Mazda CX-50 TPP (same color, but with the terracotta interior). This is my fourth Mazda and by far the best. The center screen is excellent, but took some time to get used to. Once it was mastered, I liked it more. A couple of minor gripes I have with mine: 1) iStop (start and stop) button has to be pushed every time if you want the car to keep the engine running during a stop 2) the 12v power outlet turns off when the car is off 3) the stock 20" wheels are fugly. I changed out the stock wheels with 18" custom offset all-black ones with Michelin Defender 18" tires. Road noise increased slightly, but the ride quality improved. The stock 20" Goodyears are alright, but not really an all-season multi-terrain type of tire. 4) the pano glass roof only goes back, like, 6"...which is weird. Lastly, the "surprising" really great stuff: 1) the heated seats get stoopid hot -- love that 2) the 360 camera system is top notch 3) the 320 ft lbs of torque is "all there". Stomp on it on the freeway and the next thing you know, you're doing 95+ with lots of steam left. 4) the Bose audio system with subwoofer is out of this world excellent...it is audiophile quality. I got mine for $43.3K and I "still" think it was a steal-deal. Hope this helps others...I am 55 and now get Mustang's pulling up to me that want to "play". Hahaaa!

[@jbm0866]

You did exactly the right thing stepping down to 18" wheels. In my opinion 20" wheels and low profile tires would be iffy even for a relatively maintained dirt road leading to a campsite much less an actual off road trail.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

@@jbm0866 Agree. I went with Michelin Defender M/S 255-55 R18. Slightly taller/wider vs the stock 20". The wheels have about 5/8" offset (poke out a little more). So, it sits more aggressively and looks/feels more capable. The ride is cream, but some road noise at highway speed. Mazda didn't do very much interior sound isolation...might add some.

[@jbm0866]

@@ChrisDIYerOklahoma 55 series tires seem far more appropriate for going off-road vs whatever was originally on the 20" wheel. (40?) I find the sound deadning on my turbo 3 to be more than adequate. Not exactly luxury car quiet, but probably the quiestest car I've ever owned all things considered. At most I hear a bit of tire roar over certain types of pavement, but in most cases the noise level is very low. If noise really bothers you then you could add some aftermarket sound deadening in strategic locations. If you dont feel like doing it yourself you could buy the material and take it to a shop (like stereo shop) that is familiar with sound deadening...they may even know the best spots to apply such things.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

@@jbm0866 -- RogerThat...thanks!

[@chronometa]

Which one is closest to a Prius 2017 so I can put my bike inside

[@JB-1184]

I narrowed this down with these 2 vehicles and after seeing this review I FINALLY seen the light.. Being 56 (acting like 20) I like power and some room in the back in case I buy a new TV or something? I prefer a higher road clearance from snow...I chose the CX-50 WITH TURBO. I wanted to get a truck but the trucks nowadays are not what they use to be and don't like 4 cylinders in a truck with 20 turbos in it. Yes I'm exaggeratting...It's Ridiculous though. Great review...Thanks for your help.

[@crisantogarcia6646]

Waiting for the Hybrid CX-50

[@MattGarcyaDC]

same

[@jbm0866]

If there isn't much performance loss vs the turbo, that will be the CX-50 to buy.

[@crisantogarcia6646]

@@jbm0866 already announced! My lady is looking for a hybrid suv and she likes the styling of the CX-50. Honestly she doesn’t need a turbo, she just wants to save money and gas and have a nice looking vehicle

[@juliandavis9711]

@@crisantogarcia6646They're out now! She getting one??

[@crisantogarcia6646]

@@juliandavis9711 thanks for the info! I signed up for Mazdas newsletter and haven’t gotten anything. I’ll have her look at it in person/drive it and see what she says.

[@davekelly6580]

I prefer voice activated, especially for the Navigation system.

[@rdb-pc4sp]

Car reviewer blues: too much churn in vehicles to take pause and understand the nuances of individual brands. I for one seek marques with control dials over touch screens, ie: much more efficient to use and avoids design limitations of jamming a screen out front and centre of the panel.

[@OldTimeRevolver]

I rewarded myself with a CX-50 Turbo premium in zircon sand/terracotta. This Mazda checks all the right boxes if you need utility but are a driving enthusiast. Always look forward to my next drive.

[@skybluemarshall]

Can the CX 50 be optioned with 18 inch wheels? I'm not a fan of thinner sidewall tires on an SUV.

[@dansands6363]

Yes

[@jetsonjoe]

I am leaning towards the Mazda CX-30 for a city driver by far...just the road clearance and for parking...two win wins...back seat..I do not care...would probably take out the seat if I could...but it is okay...

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Love my CX50! ❤I like all the Mazda line-up!

[@jbm0866]

Love the way the CX-50 looks inside and out, I can't think of anything else in the same size class that looks as good. Having said that, 20" wheels and low (ish) profile tires have no business being off-road, not even a mildly rutted dirt road leading to a campsite. So in the spec shown here the CX-50 is the ultimate sub compact poser mobile, but at least it's very good on road with plenty of power, sorted suspension and quick steering. But once again, are any of those things really useful on a mountain trail? Both of these cars are for all weather road use and not much more than that.

[@truth959]

Which one has softer suspension. I like a softer ride.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Both need a hybrid, CX-50 is getting one late this year but no word on a CX-30 hybrid. Even better would be a Spirit Racing CX-30 that's Made in Hiroshima, that would be an instant buy from me. People really liked the Kona N and a Spirit Racing CX-30 would be Mazda's version of a Kona N

[@jbm0866]

Any sort of sporty CX-30 variant would simply make it a Mazda 3 with a slightly different body and raised suspension. Come to think of it, that's what it already is😂

[@allanzylbert1306]

I have a CX30 inbthe Soul Red, great car, rides amazing and is so quiet. I do like the the CX50 and if I needed more room, that would be the choice

[@bangalagnab]

coming from a 2004 car, im really surprised how a lot of reviewers dislike non touch screen infotainment systems. do most drivers really fidget a lot with their screens while driving? i just set the music and map before i go, and just keep driving until i reach the destination

[@JS-qj2sg]

Great video on the mazda cx50 turbo and the mazda cx30 202, can you do a comparison with the Acura RDX AWD A-spec 2.0 turbo and the mazda cx50 turbo or cx5 turbo, looking forward for your respond and comparison thanks stay safe.

[@mohammedalgheryafi7784]

CX-50, anytime, all the time.

[@Vietothief]

Bless, hope hybrid version comes out

[@ManiacalMaster]

Should this be cx5 vs cx50

[@thismanagain]

They've done it already, he mentioned it in the end of the video.

[@JakeBayCity]

Cx50 all day

[@lnstarr]

While I LOVE the Soul Red color and ride of the CX-30, the paint chips VERY easily and the Infotainment center is FAR too complicated to use, especially while driving.

[@jbm0866]

I have a 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch and agree about the paint. It's a good quality paint job, but far too thin. Needs a couple extra coats from the factory. As for the infotainment, it took me a couple weeks but now I'm used to it and can do most everything I need (while driving) without looking at what my fingers are doing. You will get there eventually...the favorites button is your friend.😉

[@jaywho476]

So let's get this straight, the 30 is "definitely softer riding" but the 50 is "more compliant". Clear.

[@wendykrumm9867]

I drove both, 30 was a better handling fun drive.

[@jaywho476]

Thanks Wendy. He said though that both drive better than the other ;)😅

[@alecwhatshisname5170]

Softer=less harsh reaction to input. More compliant=faster to react to input They’re both positive points, but they’re mutually exclusive. I own the cx-30. Pretty good, but it is plush, once it settles into a corner it goes

[@blakespower]

someone buy me a car, I will never pay you back!

[@thismanagain]

I wish the CX50 was sold here in Saudi.

[@eyeofthescar6890]

The hood on the CX-30 looks better.

[@Charles-d4e3b]

CX5 , excuse me

[@ChristianGuy7000]

Why mazda name their car after camera, name..

[@tommymas1]

They're not even in same category or financial bracket. Sounds like a Mazda commercial. 🤷‍♂️

[@cliffcarreviews]

If you're willing to spend 38k on a CX-30 you're telling me a $45k CX-50 is not in reach? That's the point of this video. Model overlap. Trust me if this was a Mazda commercial I'd be filming this in Miami. -- Cliff

[@obhatti]

It's funny because these two are literally the ones I'm considering for my next vehicle. Trying to decide between a CX-30 GT non Turbo, or the CX-50 GS-L. And those prices might not be as far apart as you think.

[@TalismanPHX]

For the money, I'll take a Loaded CX-5 in soul red, please 😊

[@tommymas1]

@northrollingacres No, an extra 7k is not in reach for most people. That's like saying in you're considering getting the CX-50 for 45k, you may want to consider the CX-90 for 52k. What? 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@DMO831]

metric system is for losers

[@Dieu_regne]

What is cubic feet, nobody else in the world uses that. Please add a conversion graphic to litres as well for foreign viewers.

[@SkeletalMisunderstanding]

multiply by 28 to convert from Freedom Units to French Revolution Units

[@qnzman578]

​@@SkeletalMisunderstanding😂😂😂

[@raidersamson3356]

Guys, there is no need to keep reviewing Mazda SUV's they are all small and designed for single females.

[@JR-pr1xh]

😅

[@Mark-rl5xl]

What… you need a big manly truck to show all those single females how much you need to overcompensate? lol

[@calebwany8422]

I'm a guy and I wouldn't mind getting one. Fiat and Minis are the ones designed for them

[@stephendufresne9239]

As a guy, the Cx 90 / 70 with that inline six is appealing.

[@worrywart1311]

Half a dozen Mazda 3's in my apartment building are driven by guys.

[@RippinCigsandThrowinDarts]

Anyone that owns or even has just driven a cx50; did it feel a bit cramped to you? It did for me and I didn’t totally “hate” it, it drove well and was fairly comfortable but overall spacing just felt like I was in a shoebox. I’ll have to drive one again but that was my initial impression. Sort of let me down as I know this is a compact suv so expect it to be a little smaller but this felt too small I suppose. I’m gauging the cx50 and Kia shortage btw, trying to decide between the 2. Looking at rav4 as well but those are hard to come by where I’m at as everyone is buying them sight unseen or putting $$ down to reserve them…