Mazda CX-50 All the Way or the New Subaru Forester? The $50k SUV Challenge.

Mazda CX-50 All the Way or the New Subaru Forester? The $50k SUV Challenge.
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/ @samcarlegion

[@FadyKassar]

The trunk not opening is not his fault. I own cx50 and happens to me occasionally. Something wrong with the programming of this car so many glitches.

[@SamCarLegion]

Good to know

[@chrisnah6540]

It happens to me too. Not often enough to be a real issue though

[@Moesworld485]

Being made in America now

[@parthmache4733]

@@SamCarLegion you may have put the key in low power mode so it doesnt recognize the key

[@balgoth18]

I think you got the cx50 engine numbers mixed up. You have the NA and tutbo on non premium numbers 187/227... the turbo actually gets 250 hp or 256 on premium

[@SamCarLegion]

You maybe right

[@Jefferson-603]

@@balgoth18 incorrect the turbo gets 227 horsepower on regular gas and 256 on premium.

[@kvetcha]

@@Jefferson-603 He was correct but it was worded oddly

[@Jefferson-603]

@@balgoth18 thanks for not liking my comments Sam appreciate it I'll stop watching your videos. You half dont know what you're talking about most of the time anyway.

[@vicp8772]

Cx5 would probably be my choice, made in japan, and turbo option, dont need the full size. Or a 24 forester at reduced price

[@henryfabianvideo]

I buy a CX 50 back in March and is one of the best car buys for me to date 👍

[@wildbill6366]

Why does the Subaru Forester give me Ford Explorer vibes?? Did you say 4 cylinders and a CVT transmission??..oh Lawd noooo.. Mazda all the way on this one.. plus a much nicer interior. And better looking..😅

[@robertfaithfull777]

Sam, you should make sure you check your engine numbers, your incorrect w/ the hp and torque numbers, see MAZDA numbers below; Skyactiv-G 2.5 T with Twin Scroll Turbocharger, i-Stop, 256 hp & 320 lb-ft torque with 93 octane fuel, and 227 hp & 310 lb-ft torque with 87 octane fuel

[@SamCarLegion]

Just a misunderstanding

[@scottlathrop66]

*you're*

[@TheFlyrodder68]

Mazda CX-50. I love the look and design of this SUV.

[@Jazzie_Fizzle]

That "new" forester looks archaic

[@henrycharleswilliamnguyen7076]

I own a CX-50 GT turbo in Soul Red and work at Subaru 🤣 after 2 years with Subaru, I can confidently say I wouldn’t own one. I also found it hilarious they kept the symmetrical AWD badge on the redesigned Forester as during the seminar for the introduction of the new Forester the rep told us they have switched the AWD system to a 60 front 40 rear… just like majority of AWD systems from other manufacturers. Still a decent AWD system but, not unique. I also love my CX-50 and find the design to be appealing, fit and finish to be nice, and not as busy with the various materials and textures; cohesive.

[@no1lineman]

Full time vs part time is the difference.

[@Vangelis.]

Petition for Mazda to bring CX-50 to Europe, although I can't afford it.😅

[@arnoldm889]

CVT makes the subaru an instant no.

[@luckemi]

For 10 years noobs complain about it. For 10 years they are the best CVTs in the business. The 3.6R engine had a cvt paired to it and you could floor it every day and no issues for years. You are just a parrot copying a phrase. Cvt this cvt that. Makes 0 difference.

[@sylenzyostampa]

@@arnoldm889 you know s..t about subi cvt

[@jgadiaz]

If it was a mazda cvt I would stay away. Cvts from Subaru and honda are great.

[@Austin-cg7be]

@@jgadiazMazda doesnt even use CVTs and Mazda and Subaru are both partly under Toyota now. We replace Honda CVTs daily at my store. Best CVTs on the market Toyota and Subaru BY FAR

[@jgadiaz]

@@Austin-cg7be I know mazda doesn't make cvts thats why I said i'd stay from one. So far the Honda cvts I've driven are very good. Nissan on the other hand... Yikes

[@handytbutler7380]

been in the car business selling all different makes, I will say the mazda is underappreciated and if you look at the seat quality, cabin noise and all around vehicle the mazda is hands down better than subaru. i hear people keep saying subaru is so great. Let me tell you this, i have seen more people get their subaru to 100k miles on it and it cost them a fortune to keep it on the road. i have had people drive mazda really long term with no issues. I believe mazda is the best in the market at this time when it comes down to dollar to dollar. mazdas are made in japan still and they also concentrate on building the car around the driver not building around an engine. if you buy a vehicle every three years then it doesnt matter what you buy they will all work just fine but if you buy a car to drive into the ground you cant go wrong with mazda. Many people swear by honda, well a friend of mine works at a honda dealer and hes replacing engines daily. Toyota makes and outstanding engine BUT it has the cheapest interior ive ever seen. showed a customer a hybrid camry, worst seats ive ever sat in. Toyota makes a tin box with a great engine. I look at a vehicle for longevity, cabin noise, ride quality, and safety. Mazda has all of that. Mazda also has more repeat customers than any others they just dont do the advertising like the rest.

[@ohcanadaeh]

Mazda CX50 and the CX5 are not designed to compete with SUV's like CRV, RAV4, Rouge and Forester. These SUV's are for soccer moms, families and they are generally for consumers that are looking for better fuel efficiency and space rather than style, handling and driving dynamics offered by Mazda SUV's.

[@SamCarLegion]

Mazda has great handling

[@alexferrara9287]

This 👌. That said, Mazda REALLY messed up with the marketing in the CX-50 😩. They should’ve never claimed it was an off-roader ..

[@anirbano]

Well said

[@TheSergio1021]

This sounds like you really dont know anything about the CX-50 😂

[@jimlindman7256]

Forester is assembled in Japan, CX-50 in U.S. HP is confused between naturally aspirated and turbo on the Mazda.

[@JohnJordan-m8w]

Your horsepower numbers for the CX50 are wrong. It’s 187 for the non turbo, 227 for the turbo on regular gas and 256 for the turbo on premium gas.

[@mdatpe]

Ps I am getting 9.6 ltrs on average in my cx50 turbo

[@luckemi]

Have the Forester had the CX5 (not CX50). The Forester is an upgrade in every way. Much More spacious , much better seats, better AWD, better music, better power, safer. It is honestly one class up from the Mazda. The CX50 looks better; but if they used the same seats, it’s an automatic NO. The CX5 seats were the most narrow and uncomfortable seats ever. I couldn’t wait to get out of the lease. The Forester for the same money is a better car.

[@MohamedShoeb-hz5re]

The Subaru interior looks like an old retro arcade though, reminds me of super Nintendo

[@souls3029]

Did you hit your head, which part of the subaru is an upgrade from mazda

[@casval-pj5tb]

So gf bought a new cx50 her mom a new forester both 2025. Ive driven subarus that were from the 1970's all the way to 2024. Ive also driven old mazdas from the 80's all the way up to 2024. I also work on everything, everything. Ill say this, the new forester is more spacious than the cx50. For a family of 4 that would be more than adequate. The cx50 isn't so good with a car seat in the rear. Im also 6ft3in tall. Both the cx50 and forester are nice, but the forester even being my size feels like I'm in a fish bowl. The 4wheel drive in the forester is no better than it is in the cx50. And on the contrary the cx50 feels more grounded while the forester seems like you're riding in a culvert. The cx50 is far more sleek, sexy and overall faster. I love older subarus, the new wilderness edition sold me on looks but like many have said subarus move and continued hold onto the cvt is something I don't like either from a longevity and maint standpoint. This is coming from a place where old GL wagons had over 300k and running strong. The subaru is a very good car. Would I buy it or the cx50. Me personally I feel like the cx50 does what manufacturers like MINI do, or did atleast and that was design a car that was extremely fun to drive while getting mid 30's and above mpg's. Im not into mazdas choice to go to cylinder deactivation, however this should help with atleast 2 of the cylinders not getting coked with emissions reburn junk. An oil catch can for either car is very important at the very least, that's not debatable for anything you plan on driving over 100k. Each car has thier purpose, obviously subaru is tapping into a market of the trendy kids my age late 20's and early 30's looking to stop doing drugs and skiing and want something that'll carry groceries and kids. The cx50 is good at being what it is, and the subaru is good at being what it's trying to be. Both economical. And I know subaru has better deals for oil changes and maint items. Warranty on the cvt will suck if it ever hits you. So drive it with respect. Infotainment systems are starting to finally grow on me, i do enjoy the 50's setup more than the big hug thing the subaru has. I also had the opportunity to drive the new ram rebel, which had a huge touch screen as well and I hated it. I like buttons and switches in a cockpit.

[@luckemi]

@@casval-pj5tb nice write up. Though I disagree about the CVT. Coming from a Lexus, Mazda and VW, I used to own a 3.6R Subaru Legacy and I would floor it every single time. It was su much fun. The CVT really took the abuse and had 0 issues with it. What I had issues with and where Subaru fails is entertainment. The fact that the current gen went to a large touch screen is terrible, as Subaru never was and never will be a company that has good touch screen interface. The Mazda runs circles around it; in fact I think it’s the best in this segment. It’s simple black and white, has a rotary wheel and volume wheel at your shifter. Once you get used to it; nothing beats it. It’s better than Lexus, Acura or anything else I tried, really. Also, saying that Mazda’s AWD is just as good as Subaru, is pure nonsense. Other than Audis Quattro, nothing comes even close. My Mazda was the only AWD car I’ve ever hydroplaned over water. 20 years ago my front wheel drive shitty car did that. Subaru is 50-50 front to back power distribution 100% of the time, while Mazda is FWD unless it sends power to the back. In ice, snow and rain, Subaru will be the safest and most capable car on the road. Forester has leaps and bounds better seats to CX5, which was my main issue, better sound system, better visibility, is more spacious, safer and has a better AWD. Despite having less HP it feels just as fast if not faster. Though, if you are young and in your 30’s you will be considered 50 in your Subaru. Outside of the WRX it’s an old people brand and consider it “gay”. lol Anyone who has kids will be safer in the Subaru Forester for less money or same money as the CX5. Though, the CX5 feels the same as the Lexus NX (which is much more expensive and takes premium gas). Mazda is still a good buy if you are 5.5’ or 5.6’ skinny man or woman. I always said the CX5 is made with Asian people in mind. The extremely narrow and uncomfortable seats attest to it. For everyone else taller or European/American build it will feel cramped. By that’s said, I am looking at getting the CX70 or 90 next to upgrade to a larger vehicle from my Forester. Either between that and the 2022 RX350

[@casval-pj5tb]

@@luckemi What is your longest going mileage wise with the subarus? Because like I've stated i do all my own work including timing chains and water pumps on subarus 2.5l engines which are notorious for killing themselves past 135k if not serviced. Ive seen a ton of 19 through 22 subarus with leaky valve covers with less than 50k on em. But I digress a small oil leak to me really doesn't matter, it doesn't but to most it does. The cvt is more of an inconvenience for those of us that plan on keeping and maintaining our vehicles past 150k. The power delivery in a cvt is odd, not my cup of tea but they are geared appropriately so my only real issues with cvt is the belts or chains. And access to these items. The subarus awd drive system operates on a vdc, a viscous diff coupler. You used to be able to hijack the signal in the older cars so you could throw a locker switch in them and defeat the symmetric awd system and use it when it was absolutely necessary. Otherwise the system runs "front wheel drive" for fuel economy until it senses a loss of traction at the rear. And throws a "shock load" on the vdc coupler when it senses loss of traction. Shock loads are never good for longevity. So even though subaru claims it's like an 80/20 while driving it's more of a 100/0 on dry highway. I see you edited the post to reflect a cx5. I have no experience with the cx5, but I do with the crosstrek, which is what would be in direct competition with the cx5. And it's a not fun car to drive in my opinion, ive had as equally scary experiences driving a brat on the highway as a crosstrek, the difference was a brat would outperform a cross trek in the dirt and mud. While the forester is competing with the cx50. Size, and application. Just a random tid bit. I still have my 03 forester with over 280k that I lifted put bigger tires on, and jeep bumpers. I'll probably never part with it, but the first 3.0 donor from 03-04 is find I'm swaping from the 2.5. Subaru shot themselves in the foot by getting rid of the sti. And just so you know, in my harsh opinion subaru should have continued with thier 3.6l and opted for more budget friendly turbo versions of the 2.5l. Most people I see nowadays that purchase subarus or toyotas for thier "legendary longevity" trade them in before they hit 100k😅. So much for having faith in the longevity. Im a subaru NUT. I love them and have driven many many of thier pleiades stamped grills, and fuji heavy industries components. But the newer ones are falling short. And the 2.5l from subaru is gutless, reliable until 135k, but gutless. You can't only have a ton of saftey features, on a fish bowl, with a good enough awd system for basic weather inconvenience and expect it to convince outsiders. I will say milage is different between the cx50 and forester. I didn't realize at first about the cylinder deactivation feature, so it makes sense, but up in flagstaff Arizona at 67mph on the highway the cx 50 will get a healthy 35mpg. The subaru doesn't even come close, atleast this one doesn't. One thing the forester did do this year, it has an extremely large and accessible panel for the recovery hook/loop to be placed just in case you get stuck. Subaru for the win there, because we want to push the limits of our subarus not look at brochures where they are covered in dust. Subaru and mazda did a surprising and excellent job at exposed drain plugs and fill points for the diffs, coolant, transmission ect. They both however lack the ability to grease joint points ect.. which everyone is doing and it blows. Do not buy the cx90 or 70 until they has out some of the space and confinement issues. Just to do the plugs on a 70 or 90 would be a god awful nightmare. And engine repairs are nothing like let's say a 6.7l powerstroke or newer duramax where you can barely get things out without removing the whole cab. On the 70 and 90 series you would have the rip the entire front end of the car apart to do major or in some cases minor service. But it is pretty isn't it, I like the front, the rear looks like a flat bottomed milf that needs some hot yoga. But I digress it's in a different class of vehicles that even subaru isn't even competing with. You made a great purchase, I'm not saying otherwise.

[@Enjoyablewalks]

Forrester is very sluggish.. don’t trust take it for Spin from your dealer…

[@hwdan3096]

Those CX-50 wheels are 18 inchers off of the Meridian Edition. I don't think it's a Meridian because it's missing some trim pieces exclusive to the Meridian. I do prefer those wheels to the 20's it should come with. If I got the CX-50 GT Turbo (and I almost did earlier this year), I'd look to swap them too (not worth the extra 5K CAD from the GT Turbo just to get the wheels).

[@MisterMister5893]

GT turbo upgrade is "only" $2500. I'm considering returning my Outback XT into a CX50. The turbo is an option only on the GT and the Meridian already comes equipped with the bigger engine.

[@Ch1797]

Hey Sam, woke up early on this beautiful Friday and was sad to see nothing was posted from you. I feel like the Friday races are always the best, but this was still entertaining. Thanks Sam!

[@fabianmolinari5566]

Mazda Mazda Mazda Mazda, forever Mazda

[@strgzr1175]

I saw many comments against the forester and many focus on exterior looks and bell and whistle on the Mazda but none one exited to take it to off road , so as Subaru fan I hope to see a wilderness edition on the new 2025 .. absolutely the Mazda looks amazing as a shopping and every day driving car .. but as off road I think still a little behind , or why my KZbin feed show only a few adventurers on the meridian package ? And lot on Subarus forester , crosstrek and outbacks… and the awesome place where you can reach with them ..😂

[@17MGTP]

While watching this I thought about all the cars I would drive right to the wrecking yard!

[@UIOP336]

Car reviewer cant open up a trunk…. Bro its not that hard to open that trunk.

[@SamCarLegion]

You would think

[@UIOP336]

I have one. They not that bad..

[@MisterMister5893]

@@UIOP336 What happened? Did he just not understand how to open it since it's a new car?

[@alexferrara9287]

Didn’t you say the CX-50 had a nice interior in previous videos? Could’ve sworn you mentioned they’re more in line with other higher end Japanese brands?

[@SamCarLegion]

Of course it does

[@e.fonseca7822]

I think both are great and whats better its that both are made in japan so Im pretty sure both willbe reliable. 🙏

[@garystar1592]

CX50 is made in Alabama, in the same plant as the Toyota Corolla Cross.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

Our Mazda has a safety feature , if the car is locked and you come up to it and press unlock only driver door unlocks , that is in case a girl is running to the car in panic being chased ...she hits unlock for her door but other doors stay locked for a reason ....

[@scottlathrop66]

Why does it have to be a girl?

[@wildbill6366]

I think most cars have that feature..😂😂😂

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@wildbill6366 Tell Sam .

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@scottlathrop66 Whimp.

[@Сергій-щ4и]

Subaru ❤❤❤

[@laplantemichel709]

Front seats are not comfortable seating hard i passed on the 2024 Mazda cx50 .They removed the stiching on the 2025 but seating is the same not good ,but nice car .

[@mdatpe]

8.7in vs 8.6in ground clearance doesn’t really make the Subaru “more” also imho it’s kind of ugly and how long has it looked like this basic form ?

[@albertplamondon175]

How can you compare a turbo engine vehicle to a non turbo. Comparing apples and oranges.

[@fr3ddy1461]

What would you pick between the CX50 and the CRV?

[@handytbutler7380]

CX 50 HANDS DOWN

[@blakespower]

honestly I dont see why anyone wants a sunroof I mean when I am wearing sunglasses the sun gets behind them if there is a hole on the roof

[@stevenlewis2490]

Thank you Sir!

[@scottmijin9463]

Now this is the video I’m looking for since I’m on the fence between the CX-50 and Forester 🙌🏻

[@TrojanRabbit521]

As I told my wife the Mazda looks better, even on build quality and Subaru for off road driving. The Subaru open feeling, ride quality and occasional need to go off road led us into the Forester. No complaints after a year of ownership actually very very happy.

[@MisterMister5893]

@@TrojanRabbit521 You're saying the Mazda has better build quality? I'm going to go on a limb here and say most Subaru buyers have looks very low on their list of priorities. As an Outback owner thinking of possibly going to the CX50, I like the Subaru that looks like a clown shoe. That said, the CX-5 is no beauty queen either. Looks like an egg. The 50 just slightly looks better with its haunches but that rear doesn't get me excited.

[@NavidNematzadeh]

You got all horse power and torque numbers wrong for the Mazda CX-50 with the Turbo engine: Regular gas 227 hp/ 310 lb.ft Premium gas 256 hp/ 320 lb.ft It takes a simple search online ! Funny you couldn't open the trunk either and called the car stupid 😄

[@s3nchou]

Im sure that subaru with all season will beat that mazda with off road tires in offroading.

[@alexferrara9287]

Mazda fucked up with the marketing on the CX-50. It’s actually better in corners and on the highway than the CX-5. Handling is stiffer and the ride feels planted. That where it beats everything in the segment/class. But due to better clearance and overall better AWD system, the Forester is the superior off-raider for sure.

[@rileydj8764]

The Turbo makes the CX-50 an instant no.

[@TheSergio1021]

There are NA options

[@YankeeMav]

lol those sneakers 👟 should be New Balance

[@SamCarLegion]

L O L

[@ericdolby1622]

What is a carlegion anyway?

[@SamCarLegion]

Car Legion - meaning a legion of cars, a lot of cars. For example: a legion of doctors, a legion of camera men etc.

[@ericdolby1622]

@@SamCarLegion 👍 got it.

[@jkrollin3967]

Forester rear seats recline back

[@yulianmarkevych2709]

Subaru always was better than Mazda ,no doubt

[@kerwinmaniaul9941]

put it in park.. trunk wont open if it's on drive

[@SamCarLegion]

Ahh, that's fair. I did try opening the trunk while running behind the Mazda because it was in drive.

[@pssita]

Used X3M/M40i or Comp….

[@Kjhgr01]

I would pick the one made in Japan, even if I am heterosexual.

[@LacDole]

🤪🤣🤣🤣

[@frankmarrteenoh6940]

😬😂😂

[@OmarZ77]

My weeaboness overpowers my heterosexuality

[@Rockybalboa541]

You switch teams if you buy a Subaru

[@Kjhgr01]

@@Rockybalboa541 😬🤣🤣

[@thatr34monster49]

Mazda all day..I am straight 😂

[@iBike2Live]

@@thatr34monster49 - even IF one was gay or lesbian the MAZDA is simply the superior of the two. It’s not even a close call.

[@aaronsmith903]

Your hp figures on the Cx-50 are wrong

[@RobM-e9k]

227hp on regular 256 on premium so you are incorrect!!!!

[@brandonstdenis2004]

CVT= Mazda WIN

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

you can get ventilated seats in the forester i n the premier trim which is the top trim,i think you can get them in limited trim to,same thing with heated rear seats

[@SamCarLegion]

I think it’s just USA

[@DD-lh4iy]

neither I’m with cx5. I feel relaxed just seeing made in Japan sign. On the other hand cx50 made in Alabama🤢

[@Jgjginkg244]

Subaru need to get rid of cheap iPad in the middle!! Be more creative. It’s such a lazy design!!

[@bladerunner_92]

LOL dude, mazda has 6 speed automatic gearbox, not a cvt 🤦u have no clue what u`r talking about

[@xxxpensive1415]

The CX50 is much bigger In person and sitting inside seems like your riding in a big truck ❤

[@renelopez2726]

Mazda

[@mauriciomorales8863]

I was a huge Subaru fan until they went on with the CVTs. Paddleshifters for a CVT? I’ve never understood the purpose of those simulated gears.

[@jgadiaz]

Did you try them or just talking based on your opinion? I have driven cvts with paddle shifters and they do the job even if simulated. People hate on cvts like they're all Nissan 😂

[@stephenwinter8892]

I have a 2019Mazda3 GS sport hatchback and I get the same treatment as you if I press the pushbutton starter the infotainment screen will say key fob isn't present even it's in my pocket dum dum greetings from oakville Ontario

[@cesardelaserna8445]

Forester is made in japan.

[@kurtgrundel4045]

I bought my forester because it was made in Japan. Shocked at what junk was allowed to leave those shores. Electronic failures, plastic interior components cracked, very strange noises coming out of the trans axle. Dumped it at end of warranty. Replaced it with Japanese cx5 … solid, reliable and far more fun to drive.

[@rileydj8764]

They look exactly the same (exterior)

[@no1lineman]

That's what I thought lol

[@rahimi4762]

50k for small SUVs from plebeian makes. WOW had the world changed!

[@SamCarLegion]

Life is expensive

[@OmarZ77]

It’s $50k CAD, so $36k USD.

[@SamCarLegion]

39k

[@craigster1234]

@@OmarZ77 To a Canadian... It's $50,000. We don't buy things in US dollars.

[@KO-sx9uy]

Outlander PHEV beats both

[@yohanneskurniawan4724]

put gear lever in P, to open trunk

[@SamCarLegion]

It was.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

I despise the dorkiness designing of any Subaru. Analog guages in 2024 are comical! 😂😂

[@duhduhlovo1670]

Mazda is kinda junky hate to say it but my inlaws have a Mazda 5 mini minivan and that ignition switch goes out more then girls go to night clubs every Friday night😂 and don't let me get started on the leaky battery peeing everywhere right next to the ecm😮‍💨. Who's idea was that.....and the interior is as bad as anything in chevys lineup. I'd rather sit on a patio bench made of wood. Go Subaru and that's hard to say 🤮just don't buy a turbo model and it will last 4ever😅

[@MohamedShoeb-hz5re]

Mazda 5 is quite old, Mazda since 2016 is something else

[@allanzylbert1306]

Reviewer might be better with a bicycle, non electric

[@allanzylbert1306]

Sorry you dont know how to open a trunk, maybe dont review cars