What I Love and Hate About the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo

Here's what I found after driving the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature AWD for a week. Specifically, let's discuss whether I'd recommend this or the CX-50 Turbo.
/ zygrene
#mazda #cx5 #turbo

[@johnf8216]

Down side to the CX50. It:s not made in Japan like the CX5. Alot more plastics throughout the cabin. Does not feel the same.

[@bearstephens6722]

I’ve driven a 23 CX-5 and a CX-50. I couldn’t agree more. The CX-5 is far more superior. The controls have a much higher quality, much higher quality materials, build quality is far more superior, and even panel gaps are much tighter and consistent. Anyone who knows cars, knows panel gaps are a true indicator of a vehicle’s build quality, especially with the rear hatch. If the CX-50 were built in Japan, with similar materials and build quality, RWD layout, and IRS…Mazda would have had a successor to the CX-5. The CX-50 reminds me of a slightly larger competitor to the Toyota CH-R or Honda HRV. It’s a decent vehicle and is finding its place in the automotive world, but def not superior to the CX-5.

[@johnf8216]

@@bearstephens6722 well said

[@Painting_Inspiration]

The CX5 is also the last Mazda (except for the Miata) to have independent rear suspension whereas the CX50 has a torsion beam in the rear. So the CX50 definitely will not handle anywhere near the CX5 when pushed to limits.

[@Anderwist]

I drove both cx5 and cx50... I made my choice for cx5 turbo. Even cx50 is a newer model and supposed to be a better car the interior feels much more cheaper than cx5. All materials look the same but if you touch them they are different. Also if to turn off all music and fans and drive in silent cabin cx50 feels more empty and makes some acoustic discomfort. That's just my personal point of view. And I drove and owned a lot of German cars and can really compare the comfort

[@RobnPhx1]

I tested and reviewed both the CX-5 turbo and the CX-50 turbo. Hands down it was the CX-5 for me. Sometimes the intangibles that are difficult to articulate are the very things that sway us one way or the other. I just found the 5 to be a better feel than the 50. Then again, I tend to be more of an analog sort of guy living in a digital world. I like both SUV's, but the 5 tends to hit that perfect feel good spot for me. I bought the 5 turbo.

[@seekthetruths22]

How is the gas mileage on it?

[@oldatarigamer]

One thing that has been driving me nuts about my CX-5 Turbo is the HUD shroud reflects in the windshield. If Mazda used a different or more matte finish, it would really help reduce that reflection. Other nits are the MPG, non-wireless CarPlay, and the front seats. Still, I picked the CX-5 despite those nits because the CX-5 is made in Japan and I preferred the smaller size and handling.

[@joecho3357]

I like CX-50 but don't understand why they want more money for something with Tortion Beam. That's the reason why I'd get CX5 instead.

[@Online_ToughGuy]

I think Mazda has the best interiors of any non luxury make.

[@ericschmitz357]

Excellent presentation. Like most of the other comments I prefer the CX-5 over the CX-50: as a taller driver the cx-5 is more comfortable in the seating position..the cockpit design and legroom feels more cramped (narrow) in the cx50. The seats are less comfortable in the cx50 and the center stitching seems to poke upward...the headroom and top of the windshield feels too low in the cx50; as a taller driver this is a dealbreaker - the cx-5 has headroom.

[@kyguy105]

The shortcut buttons by the dial gets to music, home, and navigation with just one touch. Once you are accustom to that it's quick and easy.

[@0lalal11]

I’ve been driving both cx50 and cx5 back to back. Sorry but all the features you’ve mentioned- cx5 still much better. Driving, torque and seats- better in cx5. Cx50 has panoramic sunroof and touchscreen- those are benefits, true. But the rest - nope. I would not give up fun of driving and acceleration with cx5 to this features.

[@0lalal11]

Forgot to mention that I own another cx5. New one is much more fun then mine, because of turbo. But cx50 is so heavy so turbo just give it a power not to be slow😞

[@matsudakodo]

The acceleration is the same. There is a difference in handling, with the CX-5 being better to daily drive and the CX-50 staying flatter in hard corners. Seats are a little more forgiving in the 5. Don't really care about the sunroof or touch screen.

[@suzanneratcliff6016]

We went and looked at both the CX5 and CX50, I was expecting to get the CX 50. It did not have enough head room for my husband, his head was right at the top with the seats lowered. The CX 5 was much roomier for him so the obvious choice for us. Still getting used to the dial, and I wish the armrest was longer. But I love this car!

[@tcuda9469]

Same here. I drove the CX50 & CX5 turbos back to back. The CX5 was SUBSTANTIALLY quieter AND it absorbed all the road imperfections MUCH better. Whereas with the CX50, I could feel every tiny bump and crack in the road through the seat. I LOVE the looks of the CX50, but I figured the thrill would fade after a few months of being jolted by typical roads.

[@falee2959]

same like me, I texted drive the cx5 2023 and Toyota rave 4 xle 2023 , so when I was sitting inside the rave 4 driver seat same like your husband my head almost to the top , but in cx5 , it was so comfortable really enjoyed it ,next time text drive cx50 ,let see it’s like rave 4

[@bck0001]

Test drove the CX5 and CX50, wanted to like the CX50 but the CX5 is superior…feels much more refined. CX50 has a rock hard seat, super firm steering mixed with brakes that lacked feel. CX50 also had a lot more wind noise on the highway around 50-60mph, and a weird acoustic rumble (cylinder deactivation? (Non-turbo).

[@stephenpowstinger733]

I’ve read other people with the same turnoff to the CX-50.

[@adamp2384]

I bought a c5 turbo and love it, didn’t get the signature because. I am not a fan of brown interior and it just works, so so quiet on highway and not a rattle or creak anywhere, only complaint is Mazda needs to redo the LED headlights , not as bright or good as my previous matrix LED car

[@rebeccabowen101]

I bought a 2023 CX5 Turbo a few months ago and I can't wait to get rid of it. The more I drive it, the more I don't like it. The whole entertainment system is annoying after a while. It takes FOREVER to cool down even with cooling seats. A gas gauge (warning) in the heads up display would be very helpful, since that's where you are looking. I've come close to running out of gas too many times. I'm going to have to turn off the heads up display just to force me to look down at the dash more often. A push fuel door would be great versus having to pull a latch in the car and twist off the cap. The slanted phone charger is worthless. As soon as you hit a small bump, your phones moves and the connection is lost. I know these are minor complaints, but they do contribute to the driving experience. I can say that I love how it drives and it's very comfortable.

[@ricepony33]

2024 CX-70 will be one to watch. In-line 6 with 48v mild hybrid. May the lease be with you!

[@GA-wq8xq]

The CX5 turbo is better equipped than the comparably priced turbo CX50. Bose stereo, ventilated seats, heads up display to name just a few.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

You get those on the CX 52, although you’ll pay a couple thousand more

[@GA-wq8xq]

@@eleanormassaro5195 yes but you pay $3000 more for the same spec.

[@johnborges5938]

Of course there's no accounting for taste, but personally I find the CX-5 to be much better looking than the very ordinary-looking CX-50. Give it a few years, when the "new" has worn off both, and the CX-5 will still be the more elegant of the 2.

[@PapaToddN]

There are physical preset buttons right next to the dial to jump from music to navigation. Why not mention any of these buttons? Hold onto the home button and it jumps from Mazda connect to Android Auto/Apple Carplay. Why would you need to touch the screen? I don't get it. Rotating the dial is so quick and easy. Barely take your eyes off the screen if u need to go deeper into the menus vs having to reach and sword fight the screen. I guess people love fingerprints.

[@lindafrancis64]

I liked your comparisons of both these vehicles. I did drive them back to back. The CX50 had a very cheap looking interior and the ride was not as smooth as the CX5. I ended up buying the CX5 turbo signature and havent looked back.

[@ns123]

Great review and comparison, I test drove both back to back, and ended up going for cx-5 signature 2024, power wise both felt similar (turbo) but CX-5 seems more polished and very well put together and felt CX-50 was little bit firm ride, it was a close call though and I could have been happy with either, one more reason for choosing cx-5 was it is bit easier to get in and out for taller drivers.

[@jbeechuk]

Disagree completely about the CX-50. The hideous thick black cladding is super-ugly. It also has fake vents in the back bumper that look silly.

[@bigjay1970]

Don't forget about the horrible and I just mean horrible leather strip running down the learher seat. I don't know how anybody can tolerate that in a light dressed outfit. I tried to like it a matter of fact in the showroom and a test drive and we couldn't get past it! The base models which they're so far and few between does have a strip going down the seat but it's not leather it's just part of the pattern and is much better.🤔🤪

[@dylanhughes5944]

@@bigjay1970 lol but muh dual zone climate

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@bigjay1970 it has not been a problem for me in my month of driving my CX 50!

[@codelessunlimited7701]

The touch screen is a really dumb idea. Had a touch screen on CRV, very dangerous and distracts the driver. Mazda must keep its untouchable screen. If your music player app is set up, all it takes is to just lower or increase the volume to automatically play the music player on the screen.

[@johnf8216]

I agree with you. I actually love the dial

[@michaelp.3485]

The only ones who complain about the lack of a touchscreen are distracted drivers who play with touchscreens more than they should while driving.

[@mikebeale1685]

While I agree with you that a new cx5 falls a bit short of the cx50, used low mileage cx5s with the turbo can be found in the mid to high $20k range. At that price it’s a really interesting vehicle.

[@Zygrene]

Great point. There's barely a used market for the CX-50 at the moment

[@WatchMyvids2233]

Can you review a 2017 Forester xt, thanks!

[@thunderjenkins920]

I don't know why people complain about the rotary dail its easy to use . unless you're not tech savvy.

[@Striker50_]

You have to turn it too much, when something could be one press and that's it. Especially in carplay

[@jimmy5634]

@@Striker50_wow…you have to turn it too much😂

[@Striker50_]

@@jimmy5634 Try doing that everyday in Los Angeles where everywhere you go is in traffic. You take your eyes off the road a lot

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I 100% agree with you on this review. I have always loved the CX five, but when I went to go test drive the CX 50, I test drove a non-turbo CX 50, a turbo CX 50 and a turbo CX five. And I just kept coming back to really liking the CX 50. So I bought a premium plus non-turbo CX 50 a month ago! I’m really enjoying driving it!

[@michaelp.3485]

Have fun when it breaks down, while the Japanese built CX5s pass you on the side of the road.

[@theredsalmon612]

@@michaelp.3485 I mean I prefer the cx5 but come the fuck on bro lol

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@tman6599 I'm not convinced about the viability long-term of turbos. I sometimes wish I had gone with the turbo, but I'm too leery with turbos

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@michaelp.3485 The fit and finish is fantastic on this CX50!

[@mrbungle589]

​@@michaelp.3485and I'll blow his doors off with the turbo. It really does make a difference on freeways, this is still just a 4 banger after all.

[@Tatshata]

No matter what, CX5 is made in Japan but CX50 is made in USA. That's why I prefer CX5 that's all.

[@miguelstanic7757]

I think your comments, while I respect them, are mostly in reverse with most people. Where you praise the CX50 those praise comparison mostly belong to the CX5 (i.e. interior is so much more upscale looking and feeling than the CX50).

[@ixnorp4270]

For anyone who is researching this vehicle in 2024 - the '24's center display can be used as a touchscreen while moving when using Apple Carplay. There is a setting that you have to find in the menu and turn on. A little more useful for some apps. With Waze, I use the screen more than the controller on the center console. But it is nice to have both options at the same time.

[@salalucas]

Same for CX-5 2023 with newest entertainment unit (i believe produced since April of 2023).

[@sbalak]

Thanks for the review. I like the cx 5 without fancy bells and whistles. I'm a bit disappointed you cannot get the new cx 5 or 50 without AWD. Also the rear diff and shafts look really wimpy especially in the CX 50 if its meant to go light off roading. Plus gone is the independent rear suspension for beam type suspension. big fail on that.

[@acanuck1679]

Thank you for this; I respect your opinion WRT the differences between the CX-5 and the CX-50. For my money, the independent suspension and the interior design aesthetic of the CX-5 clinches the deal. It is also more attractive outside precisely because it has opted for body-coloured trim along the bottom of the body and around the wheel wells (in the Signature edition). I certainly agree with you about the thirsty nature of the engine. It is a big deal breaker.

[@matsudakodo]

Agree on the CX-50 interior design, but the CX-5 Turbo is subjectively better-looking to me and seems a bit higher quality. Nice that it costs a little less, too. Also, the CX-50 on the 20" wheels rides too hard.

[@Jim-bh7gs]

"Human skin stitching" in CX-50 seats just made me laugh. I had the same thought when I first saw it.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

I’m not sure what human skin stitching means.

[@irbose9895]

Cx50 made in USA vs cx5 made in Japan

[@Number1ReggaeHunter]

I own this model. But also driven the cx-50 as curtesy vehicle while my 2nd gen mazda 6 was having an air bag recall done., the cx-50 feels too claustrophobic as a bigger cuv it feels more compact inside. Its fun to drive, but nothing beats the turbo.

[@wilhelmenns791]

(7:50 not touch screen) that’s exactly what I like about it. I’m not a fan of large screens in a vehicle. I like Cars and trucks classic, a small decent screen for backup camera and some control features. I preferred the button style.

[@Hpynos2010]

CX-50 is far superior? It has a torsion-bar rear suspension. The CX-5 has independent suspension on all four corners, and it doesn't have the plasticky exterior plastic cladding the 50 is burdened with.

[@luispadilla1860]

And cx5 has a dynamic pressure turbo instead the twin scroll turbo in the cx50

[@jimb-dallas4349]

I have owned CX-5 GT’s since 2016 and it has improved with every update. I went in expecting to move to the CX-50, I like the styling a little better, the lack of wheel well intrusion in the cargo area and the slightly longer cargo space with the seats down. The CX-50 PP turbo drives great too. BUT, get the CX-50 over 60 mph and the road noise gets too much, they forgot to add the sound insulation. I heard the excuse it is intended for off-road. It sits too low for honest off-road and the entry and exit angles aren’t there either. It is at best a rock road vehicle and will be a boulevard cruiser mostly with a little off-road at the end of the trip. But you will be temporarily deaf by the time you arrive. There is nothing premium about the road noise above 60 in a CX-50. I bought a CX-5 Signature. It should have a little better mpg, a hybrid engine would be wonderful. A little more interior space would be nice. It should have wireless CarPlay (come on, a software update please!!), the cargo cover should be included at 40,000+ and thank goodness they won’t use a CVT. Mazda failed to put sound damping in the CX-5 earlier on and I thought for sure they would start better on the CX-50, but they didn’t. If the real off-readers want road noise, fine leave it off in the Meridian. But in a Premium Plus we are paying extra for refinement not roar. Both have a place for now, but if Mazda refined the CX-50 in PP trim and raised the clearance in Meridian they could have the best of both in one vehicle. I love Mazda vehicles, reliable, peppy and fun to drive with ever more refinement too. But for now, the CX-5 is ahead by a nose to me.

[@richardsanders3750]

Cx5 has double pane windows cx50 does not & don't get me started on the log suspension in cx50..

[@deightons5641]

Overall prefer a built-in touch screen,much easier to go directly to the app you want instead of scrolling through them one at a time..

[@scottbeck7227]

When starting to look at both vehicles I was originally convinced the CX-50 was the winner but after a detailed review the CX-5 Carbon Edition was the winner. I did not like the huge plastic cladding and fake vents on the front and back. I paid $32K for a non turbo Carbon Edition compared to the $42K car you evaluated. Paying an additional 10K for a turbo engine and a few extras like heads up display, heated steering wheel and Bose stereo could not be justified.

[@scottbeck7227]

@@porschefanatic1049 I'm also a Porsche fanatic. I owned a 1990 Porsche 911 (964) Conv. for about 15 years. It only had 45K miles so it was perfect. No substitute!!

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Vid reviews the CX-5, ends up selling the CX-50. From what I’ve seen on YT, the CX-50 has some deficiencies that make choosing between the two frustrating. Time to wait for the next model year.

[@Dano-MX5]

We love our CX-5 Signature in snowflake pearl. Mazda makes great vehicles. Our CX has a ‘21 Miata RF Club BBR As a garage mate. Both are best in class cars.

[@frankyjtyler7034]

CX-5 for the WIN!!! 🏆🏆🏆

[@ljb6343]

We don’t need anymore electric cars…..

[@brianjang4126]

But the TTRS?

[@Zygrene]

Coming to a zyvid near you

[@BMWWolf]

Not crazy about the FWD torque steer in these, thought they were supposed to handle well?

[@drewdizm523]

How is the Smiles per Gallon though?

[@Mr91495osh]

The two things I don’t like about the CX5 is the black and brown interior ( no light colors available) and the tiny screen.

[@bck0001]

There is a beige on the S select, with the leatherette borders and alcantara like microfiber inserts.

[@pavellepin]

The seats in cx-50 are noticeable harder than in cx-5. After 15 minutes test drive in 2024 cx-50 GT I felt it. And upon my return I confirmed it in dealership. More "sporty" they said. That was "no-go" for me. Plus harder plastic on the right side, where my right knee touches the central console. Last small thing was the straight internal door open handle. Maybe its design fits better, but again it is less comfortable. And I care less about how it looks, preferring a more comfortable ride.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

The turn signal sound ? you must be really picky in life ...CX-5 is elegant ....CX-50 is tougher looking , two different customers , two different cars , no need to slag one over the other with picky little , bottom of the barrel complaints .

[@Striker50_]

I like the turn signal it sounds nice

[@banditmain9189]

i just bought the cx 5 carbon, because of the exterior color combo and the red leather seats. in comparison to the cx 50 like you said it's shorter so it's the winner for me. i'm also planning on lowering it so the height should be fine.

[@robertwilliam9558]

Is this being filmed in Livermore, CA?

[@tims9294]

I don’t like the fake vents on the cx50 or on any car.

[@jmhall75]

I wish I could get a Turbo Signature with black leather interior. I really don't like the brown leather at ll. Plus, I acutally like the little bit of cladding on the lower trims, especially with the white paint color.

[@Lukeine]

Can u compare it to the BRZ pls

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

And s2000 lol

[@Zygrene]

🤡

[@stephenpowstinger733]

I believe the BRZ is a sports car so that’s comparing apples and oranges.

[@danschubring7957]

I’m not a fan of the 50. I don’t like the in vogue “rugged” look and all the unsightly black cladding. If Mazda does a “Signature” version with every bell and whistle as the “5”, then I may look closer.

[@blu_is500]

I rented the exact same spec a few weeks back. I was surprised by the amount of luxury and tech, but I couldn't stand the rotor-wheel for the infotainment, it definitely needed a touch screen. Nice review!

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Wow, how were you able to rent a top-of-the-line CX five? I’ve seen the lower trim levels at rental car places but not a top-of-the-line. Although I did get to rent a grand touring CX nine a couple years ago. I took it on a trip to Gatlinburg and really enjoyed it!

[@michaelp.3485]

You sound like a dangerous driver who fiddles with touchscreens instead of focusing on driving.

[@blu_is500]

@@michaelp.3485 Not sure where you got that notion, but oh well. 🙂

[@zrunner240Z]

@@michaelp.3485 Troll Boy

[@adamp2384]

Ehh I agree about the touchscreen it is pretty much a gimmick in a SUV since the screen is so far away I much prefer the knob

[@charlesoh9006]

Hope you try the cx 30

[@Zygrene]

That's on my list! Hope to get one soon

[@tDes865]

The naturally aspirated CX-5 gets 30 MPG’s

[@banditmain9189]

maybe if you drive on highways all the time, in local im barely hitting 22.

[@DawgDaddy]

@@banditmain9189 I bought my Premium Plus a month ago and my odometer has me getting 28.6 since I purchased, most of my driving is approximately 40 % in town and 60% highway. That is about 4 MPG than I got in my 2013 RAV4 Limited I purchased new.

[@karlt10]

Next time try touching the screen when in Park. The screens are 'active' when in Park but not when the vehicle is in gear. Very curious about the location of your test drive. Especially about 4:05 mark..

[@Highmiles]

You can go to settings, and turn on the touch screen when in motion.

[@octaviodominguez7772]

cx 50 is just cheaper made you can tell how some stuff even creeks compared to the cx 5 it looks like it was made with an emphasis on quality control

[@jesusmiranda2729]

We need a comparison vid of this to the s2000

[@mindspinn311]

It’s a touchscreen for Apple CarPlay.

[@DrowzyPill]

How many s2000s can you fit in this vehicle?

[@Zygrene]

4.20

[@oarancards4443]

Glad its not a touch screen

[@seanriley9045]

But doesn't all that fun driving stuff come at the expense of fuel economy?

[@pan4632]

Curious how the handling at the limit compares to the BRZ? And should I run 5w30 in the CX5 for track days?

[@armaankara2543]

idk why but what i found more funny is that the cx5 turbo uses 5w30 from the factory

[@pan4632]

@@armaankara2543 wow I had no idea 🤣

[@Zygrene]

The Mazda runs circles around the Subie as long as you run 0W69

[@ricepony33]

@@Zygrene nice!

[@jimmix436]

Unfortunately the first year model CX-50 (US built), doesn’t have the fit and finish of the Japanese CX-5. Perhaps in its 2nd year.

[@jjjjjj6322]

cx 5 does not look good to me, but cx 50 looks even worse.

[@prex345]

How can you possibly compare it to a hybrid? Come on man.

[@swedishbob_7315]

bummer CX-50, not Australia bound

[@CynicalManInBlack]

SeeYouVee

[@rockenracing1996]

Ecobooost!

[@Rockiesgurl]

41k for a Mazda.