2024 Mazda CX-50 TURBO Review | RUGGED Looks, Fun to DRIVE

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I have a CX50 in the same color but non-turbo premium plus. This December will be two years that I’ve had it. And the more I drive it and the longer I have it the more I love it! it actually drives better the longer I have it also, and it feels very well built! It’s also rattle-free and creak-free still! Which I think is pretty impressive!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Nice! Thanks as always for watching and weighing in. Everyone should love their ride and sounds like the CX-50 is serving you well. All the best and happy motoring.

[@RealKevGotEm]

I had mine 8 months and I hate it. I have a 2023 preferred plus. Worst mazda ever. Rattles and the transmission is horrible

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@RealKevGotEm December of this year will be two years I've had mine, and still no rattles, very solid! I feel I got a well-made one!

[@RealKevGotEm]

@@eleanormassaro5195 mine is like crazy now

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@RealKevGotEm Wow! Sorry to hear that. Every once in a while, unfortunately, you can get a lemon in there. Have you looked in a lemon law for it?

[@russelllow2854]

After 8 consecutive years of leasing 3 CX-5s (the last one being a ‘21 Signature), I decided to switch to a CX-50 Turbo Premium. (And I just don’t care for the body-colored cladding of the latest 5s, while the black cladding on the 50 looks great to me.) There’s no question in my mind that the 50 is a significant upgrade over the 5 - it drives more effortlessly and the ride is better. I do miss the 360-camera view of the 5 Signature (it’s available in the 50 Premium Plus, which my dealer did not have at the time I got the 50). But overall, it’s a wonderful car.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. The turbo premium is a sweet spot trim level value wise. Mazda should have those cameras as standard. But not totally necessary give the size and visibility of the 50. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@Mx5pro]

I own 23 cx-50 turbo gt and when I showed up to work this car everyone kept giving me compliments 😂

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

It is a looker! Congrats on a great car and thanks for watching and commenting. All the best and happy motoring.

[@LAzii1117]

What color is your CX-50?

[@davekroh5166]

You must have got a red one then, instead of the amphibian road kill rotting in the mud, that zircon sand seems to have been inspired by. 😅. Myself, my wife, and my daughter all think it is the ugliest car colour we have seen in years. But Mazda, and obviously enough customers like it well enough to have created a new trim around it for other Mazda models …. “Carbon Edition” in USA, named “Suna” in Canada. My wife is happy with any Mazda colour, as long as it is Soul Red. LOL.

[@sparks2429]

I was dead set on a CX5 until I drove one. It was very well built and definitly more premium in terms of materials, but I just felt a little cramped in it. While on paper the CX5 has more cargo space, some of that Is unusable space lost to the bubble shape. The CX50 has a longer cargo area which is completely usable. No wheel wells getting in the way. I guess it all depends on what you value. If you're someone who's just looking for a nice reliable crossover the cx5 is the way to go, but I've got big dogs, long boards/snow boards, mountain bikes, etc that will all fit in the cx50 mich easier than they would fit in the cx5.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and making some great points. Good point on the longer but lower cargo area that makes it more useful overall. Thanks again and happy morning.

[@yelloandy]

That’s a really good observation about the 50’s and 5’s cargo space difference. I have a 5 for almost 4 years and want to have a bit more cargo and back seat room space. I watched a whole lot of 50 reviews and everyone mostly quotes numbers that the 5 has a bit more cargo. Now we know it’s in the extra space is in the bubble, and slightly higher roof.

[@normal_176]

I'm picking up my '24 CX50 GT turbo with Terra Cotta interior tomorrow. 💪

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congrats and have fun! Keep in touch with how you like it. All the best and happy motoring!

[@davekroh5166]

I do LOVE the terracotta interior colour option on the CX-50, even more so that you can pair it with bright Soul Red exterior paint. For me that is the one aesthetic I prefer on the CX-50 vs the ultra dark brown Napa leather seats on the 2024 CX-5 Soul Red I just purchased. I had hoped the CX-70 was going to be just slightly bigger than the CX-5. The CX-70 was “big” disappointment, pun intended. We live in an urban area… size matters.

[@henryfabianvideo]

CX 50 for me

[@dystopia-usa]

The joint Toyota/Mazda plant in AL that builds both the CX-50 & Corolla Cross has thus far had pretty inconsistent build quality from what I have read, so inspect your prospective purchase very carefully.

[@RealKevGotEm]

I have a 2023 and I hate it

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Why? ​@@RealKevGotEm

[@c4hI0fo2p]

Thanks for the review. I have a ‘24 CX30 and absolutely love it but I’m thinking about getting a CX50 perhaps when the ‘25 releases, depending on the changes they might make. I throughly love the way the CX50 looks.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Nice! Thanks for watching and commenting. We have a review of a turbo cx-30 coming out soon and I really liked the non-turbo also. If you need the room then a cx-50 makes sense. There is a hybrid coming in the 50 so keep that in mind also. The 30 is a very endearing car. The more we drove and hung out with it the more we liked it. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@davekroh5166]

Loved the three yes 3 CX-30s we have owned. The sportiest drive of all the Mazda SUVs. But we wanted more room again so purchased our 2nd CX-5 of the same generation (2024 vs 2018). The CX-50 feels like a larger car, and outside and cargo room it very much is. But for passenger space inside, except for rear legroom it is actually slightly less than a CX-30. Check the official interior measurements. Hip room for one, the CX-30 has1/2 inch more than the CX-50.

[@carenthusiast4984]

When I test drove it I found it more responsive even though it’s the same numbers. The dealer told me turbos are different. One has twin scroll and the other has dynamic pressure. The 50 definitely feels like it has faster acceleration.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching. I do mention the turbos in the video and agree the 50 feels a little more linear and responsive in its throttle tuning. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@RealKevGotEm]

The Mazda turbo is one of the

[@davekroh5166]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive The CX-5 turbo is MUCH faster than the CX-50 turbo, by a full second zero to sixty. CX-5 has tested as low as 6.1 seconds, while the best I have seen the CX-50 do is in the lower mid 7s. Makes sense with lower gearing, and slightly fuel mileage penalty. I have driven both turbo and non turbo CX-50 multiple times. At first I thought I liked the CX-50. But after climbing out of a CX-50 and immediately into a CX-5 when testing both back to back, I was shocked how superior the CX-5 felt immediately after driving a CX-50. I suspect what makes the CX-50 seem faster to you is the “go cart” effect of feeling lower to the ground, and the fact the more clunky ride of the CX-50 doesn’t mask the feeling of speed as well as the much more luxurious and refined interior of the CX-5, especially the signature trim.

[@davekroh5166]

Just bought a 2024 CX-5 signature after trying it back to back with a CX-50 turbo. Our 7th Mazda in 10 years. I literally had a visceral reaction to the CX-50 of “what a piece of crap” compared to the vastly superior refinement, much better drive, far more luxurious inside, with much better quality materials, and significantly faster than the CX-50. The CX-50 reminds me of our 2015 Honda Accord which both my wife and I hated. It was a poster child for cost cutting and death by a thousand cuts. To me it’s no wonder the CX-5, despite being much older design, continues to outsell the CX-50 3 to 1. Vastly superior quality, still has superior independent suspension, the 40/20/40 split is priceless for practicality. Now that the CX-5 also has touch screen wireless Apple CarPlay and shows the Apple Maps directions in the windshield heads up display, the only thing I liked better on the CX-50 is now equivalent on the CX-5. Also, I am so tired of ugly black cladding trying to make cars look rugged. The fake vents on the CX-50 exterior are another abomination. The all body colour, smooth, elegant design of the CX-5 exudes class, while the CX-50 is desperate for attention with tacky design elements all over. For me, no contest. The second CX-5 I have purchased, the first being a top trim non turbo 2018. Had a couple of CX-30s in top trim. Despite the older design the CX -5 signature is a level above in luxury even compared to a turbo CX-30.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. As a long time Mazda owner you have a great insight on these two cars. I am on the same page with the things you point out but only against the CX-5 does the CX-50 show some flaws. Against other competition the CX-50 is very good and the interior is still better than most. My scoring at the end of this video is fairly objective. I like them both and do prefer the premium solid feel and playful handling of the 5 more. Road tripping though I do like the more relaxed lower rpm cruisin nature of the 50. Mazda has two great products here and gives people a choice. Acceleration wise we measured very similar 0-60 times as have most journalists. The gearing is slightly different but the cars do weigh about the same. Thanks again for watching and enjoy your new CX-5.

[@davidpinilla5150]

Lol I am the exact opposite, I love the look of the 50 over the 5. I feel like the 5 looked dated, especially the interior. But everyone has their own tastes

[@juancarlocatahina804]

lmao cx 50 is faster than the 5 get your facts right

[@davekroh5166]

⁠@@juancarlocatahina804it’s always entertaining when people who think they are smart, make fools of themselves……. Every single comparison I have ever read or watched cites the CX-5 as faster…. Not dramatically faster but always faster. I have owned 7 brand new Mazdas since 2018. I have more long term experience with various models than just about anyone and know the details of all models better than most salespersons. If you like the CX-50 go for it. Everyone has their own priorities. To me, it’s an example of Mazda cost cutting and a worrisome direction for the brand. I drove them back to back and was surprised how superior the CX-5 felt to me. I had previously driven a CX-50 by itself and thought it was decent. The CX-5 is also more roomy inside while more compact outside. Far superior urban vehicle. CX-50 does get better towing capacity with turbo if that is a concern. That’s about it. To me the CX-50 is a deliberate downmarket model meant to appeal to people who like slumming it in a Subaru. I used to own a top trim Outback 3.0L. I much prefer the Mazda though the outback is not too bad. The Forester drives like unrefined crap. I have found Mazda AWD to be far superior to Subaru AWD in the winter in on road conditions. I’m really hoping they don’t turn the next generation CX-5 into the same cost cutting disaster that is the CX-50. Cheaper materials, loss Of independent rear suspension, No more 40/20/40 folding seats, ugly black cladding, fake black plastic vents….. Would have bought a CX-70 if it was not such a “BiG” disappointment … way too large

[@Rissybear]

Just test drove both this weekend. Thought 50 was great and better than the CX 5 to me. The salesman had to convince me to drive it because of the plastic cladding 😂 the materials are great, better then the 5, and the drive was more planted I would say more sport like.. having a Macan GTS.. this was pretty fun and I would own it.. considering it 😊 I do think for the price of the turbo premium plus you are getting close to BMW territory .. however I do think it’s a great choice for people that want to stay away from the German luxury brands with a little more reliability. The CX5 is horribly bumpy drive, I felt thrown around and about to lose a kidney.. and I am in a Macan with 21” wheels. 😂 The only thing I can say I dislike about the 50 is the plastic cladding and the Bose is not as good as Harmon Kardon in the Crosstrek and BMW, and definitely not my Burmester 😂

[@aussie8114]

Should take a tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure before a test drive. At 36 the ride is good.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Agree the price of this top trim turbo is getting a little steep. Curious about the CX-5 ride though. The wheel base is shorter and it is a little bouncy but also should have been more compliant. As @aussie8114 mentioned I am also wondering about tire pressure as I have also found cars on the lot still at their high transport pressures. Test drove a Mazda CX-30 once with that problem and it was also a kidney crusher. And Mazda has softened the CX-50 a little bit in 2024 as ride stiffness was a major customer comment. I really like the ride comfort of the Meridian version with its higher sidewall offroad centric tires. But some great compliments coming from a Macan owner as that is the sporty crossover benchmark. Thanks again for watching and happy motoring.

[@aussie8114]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive When I picked up my CX5 last year they had not corrected the pressure from shipping even though they were using it as a demo for 2 weeks. All tyres were close to 50 psi.

[@RealKevGotEm]

@@aussie8114same

[@RealKevGotEm]

You like this? Ughh. I have a 2023 model preferred plus and I hate it. The transmission is sluggish, slow and cheap junk

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Man im so torn. Dont know which one to get. The cx 5 to me is looking dated. It reminds me too much of a Rav4 or CRV. But then again im hearing stories about build quality ftom the cx 50. Hmmmmm. Maybe ill get the CX 70. Lol

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching! The 70 Is definitely the nicest but it’s pricey and alot larger. I am not sure about the being worried about the 50s build quality. We have been in four or five of them and they were solid. Of course only the complaints get shared on the internet and it’s really about contrasting it to the 5’s impeccable build quality. The CX-5 may be looking dated but it is still really good. There is a CX-50 hybrid coming out soon.

[@diydrivenGA]

Is Japan built > USA built still a thing? Also I'd rather not have the ISTOP. Marginal gains of increased possibility of issues down the line.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and for commenting. I don’t think so. Toyota has been building for decades in the states so sure the joint plant in Alabama with Mazda will be just fine. I only point it out because Mazda fans seem to be interested in the whole Japan, Mexico, USA build location topic. Yea, I agree. The istop/stop start is really only used by manufacturers to maximize their city mileage on the EPA test loop. For most people they won’t really notice much savings. Thanks again for watching and happy motoring!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Binaural high quality sound. Grab your headphones. Why isn't the newer ​⁠ CX-50 outselling the CX-5? A lot has to do with manufacturing capability and availability, but alot has to do with just how good the older CX-5 still is. Come along for a thorough deep dive into this 2024 CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus. We have over 256 horsepower on tap with over 320 lb-feet of torque. If you are shopping in the premium crossover category Mazda has given you a cheaper alternative to BMW, Acura, Mercedes, and Audi.

[@johnsanford3596]

The fuel economy diff between the turbo and naturally aspirated isn't really that much. The PRICE difference is stupid high. There are more than a dozen cars with turbos under $30k! Mazda is milking it.

[@stephenfishman4133]

Hybrids show total hp i.e. electric motor and gas motor. Is all of this hp available like the turbo version?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and for the question. Not totally sure I understand your question though. As you state hybrids will show total combined horsepower, and it is all available. It’s harder to quantify at what engine rpm you get the total combined power. But hybrids are more about the electric motor’s torque assist which is nice at low gas engine speeds. Let me know if that helps.

[@stephenfishman4133]

What I meant by hp being all available was when starting from a stop or passing will both options give me the same power when I need it?

[@Seraphim401]

Can anyone explain why the CX-50 doesn't have independent rear suspension?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

The CX-50, CX-30, and the 3 all share the Small Product Group platform which has a torsion beam rear. There is a huge debate on whether this was for cost cutting, or as Mazda claims, the torsion beam dynamics better match the overall characteristics they were shooting for which is less body motions and a quieter cabin due to less parts. The truth is probably in between. I would agree the torsion beam should be quieter as there are less joints and parts but impacts can be harsher than with an independent rear suspension. For most folks the type of rear suspension should not be a deal breaker as Mazda has done a good job with overall handling and ride comfort. Another reason is packaging and space. As this platform is fairly small and also must accommodate all wheel drive the torsion beam takes up less space and is lighter. Again, Mazda probably could have accommodated an independent suspension if really pressed. So cost was probably the main driver but overall, Mazda has received high marks on how this platform handles.

[@sandroscielzo9964]

I've read somewhere that a reason Mazda opted for the torsion beam was to increase off road and towing capability

[@bigal6684]

Simply put, it's cheaper to produce. It enables Mazda to put money into other areas of the car and 97% of the time it has no negative effect. You could argue that it tracks straighter. My preference, however, is absolutely for independent rear. (because 3%)

[@davekroh5166]

I have owned multiple CX-5s, CX-30s and Mazda 3, all current generation. On smooth roads no problem. The biggest difference is going over bumps at highway speed. The inferior cheap torsion beam cars, the rear end has a mind of its own, almost scary. Sometimes the back end feels like it is trying to a lane change of its own. The CX-5 independent suspension handles rough pavement at highway speeds in a much more controlled, confident manner.

[@angusp5515]

CX-5 feels better built and more quiet and a little luxurious over the CX-50. Also the CX-5 feels quicker. CX-50 is loud and has a lot of road noise in comparison and cheap plastics inside

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching . We did not notice anything significant noise wise at 70 mph. Maybe a half a dB. But probably more road noise and less wind noise with the CX-50. Full throttle acceleration also measured lower in the 50. I will probably do a short vid comparing the two in high quality sound. Some more hard plastics in the 50 but still very good compared to the competition.

[@majed6956]

CX-50 - Alabama CX-5 - Japan That will tell you which one is better.

[@RealKevGotEm]

100% I hate my 50

[@maxxbenzz7842]

​@Reawhy?lKevGotEm

[@ugabuga1361]

I just wish they got rid of that center vent for the passenger. Literally going with a cx5 or cx70/90 instead because of that

[@eleanormassaro5195]

That’s a shame because you’re missing out on a very nice car!

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching! And I agree with @eleanormassaro that I would not let that be a deal breaker. I do like the cX-5 interior better but the 50’s is also really good. All the best and happy motoring.

[@bill7481]

With these two, it comes down to preference. I prefer the exterior look of the CX-50, but I prefer the interior of the CX-5, Its design is more aesthetically pleasing, and the materials are better throughout its cabin. The rear doors get the same materials as the front doors. Overall it seems like more thought and money went into the CX-5.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and weighing in. Agreed on the asthetic and materials. The Cx-5 does have the advantage of years of tweaking. The CX-50 is on par materials with its platform mates the Mazda 3 and CX-30. Which is still pretty good compared to the competition. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@aussie8114]

Left hand drive only so it’s not an option in any country that drives on the correct side.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Ha ha. Yes that is right this CX-50 is North American only. Thanks for watching!

[@davekroh5166]

As a Canadian who has done a lot of driving in southern England…. There is a reason they call it the “right” side….. lol…. Thankfully in London the sidewalks all have “LOOK LEFT” painted at every pedestrian road crossing. I found being a pedestrian a more difficult adjustment than driving a car, when going back and forth to Canada every couple weeks. In the car, I just followed the other cars. I did wind up on driving on the “right” side by mistake at times on country roads in rural England, when there were no other cars to copy. Most amazing driving thing I saw in London was a full size American pickup towing a 35 foot “5th wheel” house trailer (Caravan) through the narrow streets of central London. That took skill ! I did really enjoy the fact that back then 20 years ago, it was easy to get a manual transmission rental car. Much more fun.

[@JeffStrain-rm5ui]

I have the CX50 I love mine drove the 5 did not like it at all

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you love your CX-50! Enjoy and happy motoring.