Which is Better? | Mazda CX-5 or CX-50 in 8 Minutes

Most Mazda shoppers are curious of the differences between the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-50. In this car vid we cover the differences between these beautiful crossovers. Which Mazda is right for you?
The Mazda CX-5 is produced in Japan and upgraded in 2022 with a refreshed exterior. Also in 2022 all CX-5s added i-Activ AWD as standard.
The Mazda CX-50 is produced in Alabama, United States and released in 2022 as a 2023 model. The rugged design was designed for a recreational lifestyle with extra cargo capability.
#cx5vscx50 #mazda #cx5 #cx50 #cx50turbo #jonathansewellsells #morecarvids #mitchellmazda
Jonathan Sewell Sells
Mitchell Mazda
1222 Rucker Boulevard
Enterprise, Alabama 36330
334-718-0504

[@stuartaaron613]

I've had both non-turbo FWD and AWD versions of the CX-5 (2020 and 2018) with same trim (Touring), and now have the non-turbo CX-50 (Preferred Plus), I feel that I can give a qualified comparison. The CX-5 is definitely quieter inside because of the better glass in the side windows. Ride quality is about the same, despite the CX-50 having the rear torsion beam setup instead of the independent struts on the CX-5. I do find that the CX-50 has less body lean on turns than the CX-5. The CX-50 does have more rear seat leg room and the longer cargo area than the CX-5. I feel both have more than enough head room (I'm 5' 11"), even with the CX-50 having the panoramic moon roof. The controls are standard Mazda and are equally well laid out. The seats also are fine to me on both, even though the CX-5 have leather (or leatherette) material while the CX-50 has fabric (I found that I didn't like the leather seats in the CX-50 Premium that I test drove). The difference between the rear seats (40-20-40 in the CX-5 vs the 60/40 in the CX-50) isn't that be a deal for me. Engine/transmission on both is the same, so I find both perfect, with plenty of power to accelerate when needed.

[@falee2959]

Thanks for your good information,so far I didn’t had driving any MAZDA yet ,I am driving SUBARU FORESTER 21,and looking at MAZDA 5and 50 a lot recently,,but one thing I found out was the 5 was a bite smaller than 50 that makes it easy to parking and drive through the streets when people was double parking due to I live at NEWYORK city,and the 50 I believe more comfortable than 5 because 50 got more room than 5 ,they both was great

[@LilJagger1]

Super helpful. I'm leaning more towards the 50.

[@chiuuuuuuuuuu]

I test drove both cars, and I believe one aspect that often doesn't receive sufficient attention is the driving posture. The CX50 offers a driving posture that resembles more of a car, while the CX5 adopts a more SUV-like or upright driving posture.

[@Jack_Hunt]

Thats a good point.

[@aaronbaird9444]

CX5 is gorgeous. CX 50 is a step down in chassis design, features, and styling while costing more than the CX5. It really isn’t a comparison. CX5 is made in Japan. CX50 is made in the US and the difference in build quality is very noticeable. The CX5 is hands down the better option.

[@chrisnah6540]

I own a 50 and don’t really disagree with you. I went with it because it has a better back seat and better use of cargo space behind the seat. I personally like the looks more then the 5. The one thing I really dislike is how inconsistent the fuel gage is. I can go 250 miles in the top half and then 100 in the bottom, I don’t know if that’s all Mazdas though

[@jamesreckling6697]

The CX50 is way better looking, much more aggressive.

[@jamesreckling6697]

This Auto Engineer totally disagrees with you about the build quality. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoK7eI1pea97rpY

[@animeshchaudhry4546]

Cx 50 looks so much better

[@kieferonline]

I agree with you. I just bought the CX-5 for all the reasons you listed. It's also better for my family. But I do like the shape of the CX-50 better.

[@joshuapomp6657]

I got a cx50 turbo premium plus in January and I love it, but I am waiting to see the new cx70 to see what it’s going to look like! I hope it’s low and wide like the cx50 with those 21 inch wheels from the cx90 or a new 21 inch wheel design with that 3.3 inline 6 turbo would be nice.

[@Erdie5]

Secretly hoping my car ends up being totaled (in the garage from a red light runner) to get a CX-5 or 50. The CVTs are fine in summer, but here in the Minnesota cold, I've never heard a car run so poorly in -20F weather. Even letting it idle for a half hour, the CVT just never warms up so you get to drive in a low ratio as it desperately tries to heat itself up. It sounds so brutal.

[@soslan1812]

what are you driving?

[@TommyG11814]

I have a 23 CX 5 and it's awesome there is no substitute for being built in Japan and also the independent rear suspension is far better than the straight bar on the CX50.

[@fartzr.schmelli3351]

I own a 23 CX5 Turbo in Soul Red with the black trim and wheels. It's a looker for sure!😊 Have seen very few CX50s to date here in Colorado. Gotta say though. The CX5 drives almost like a sports car. It's got handling for days! If you get wild with it you can actually feel the AWD system sorting stuff out. Keeps one out of trouble for the most part. I really wanna test a CX50 though.

[@greymatter2321]

Sir, thsnk you for your informative review. If I may offer a critique please consider editing in visual depictions of what you are explaining. I understand the logistical complexities and extra editing required in doing so however imagine for example your issue with the consoles simple pictures of both vehicle's version would go a long way in understanding your point. Please keep up the good work. P.s. calling a toss up in the end WAS a cope out! 🤣🤣. Take care.

[@saeednrzadeh4754]

I tested both , And I ordered CX5 GT (Canada) , The big issue with CX50 other than some technical differences was the sitting position, It is like you are sitting sedan and does not give you the sitting position of a SUV like CX 5.

[@briansturm6618]

That's one of my biggest peeves, reading about the CX50. I like the higher ground clearance and lower roof line but like the higher seating of the CX-5.

[@saeednrzadeh4754]

​​@@briansturm6618 The sitting position in our CX30 is like CX50. To me CX50 is like wagon. One great feature that 50 lacks is the back seat setup. Having 40 20 40 setup is very handy in my idea.

[@briansturm6618]

@Saeed Nrzadeh True. I've thought about that. I don't think Mazda wants the 40/20/40 on the CX50 because it will negate some usage of the roof rack.

[@ericterrell7486]

I drove both. The salesman was trying to push me to the CX-50. But the CX-5 is just better. It sits higher so you have what feels like better outward visibility. I also didn't like the haunched CX-50 rear wheel wells. Thats a personal preference however. I went with the CX-5 and believe after having driven them both that I made the best decision.

[@LilJagger1]

So that's why I felt more comfy in the 50. 😂 I'm coming from a sedan and wanted something similar!

[@rick8125]

Do you know when Mazda will open order books for the 2024 CX50? 2023’s went into production pretty early, January’22 I’m hoping soon and hopeful they will produce the impossible to find S preferred trim

[@nordlandak6853]

Cx 5 all the way. The 50 is to low my head hit the roof. Got the 5 and it’s doing great. No turbo either

[@JSS]

Awesome! Enjoy your CX-50

[@amc78]

​@@JSShe said he got a 5 lol

[@briansturm6618]

I was just at the dealer Had my original front brakes changed on 2016 CX-5. 78000 miles. 4 mos ago the original battery was replaced. The service guy there said mine is amazing. Anyway saw a Grey CX-5 premium plus on the lot. Very nice! Jonathon, do you know of any differences coming on 2024 models of either? And when will they be released?

[@JSS]

Your ‘16 sounds awesome! I don’t know of any changes at all as of now. The 2024’s will be released in June/July. The CX-50 will add a hybrid, but I don’t think any exterior changes except for badging.

[@hosseinfaryabi]

If I could make a suggestion to Mazda, it would be to make a sedan with a CX50 style, with a 3.3 engine. I think the American people would love this sedan.

[@yournightmare9999]

​@hosseinfaryabi mazda 6 will looks like front end of cx50

[@cfb1923]

I'm approaching a year and a 1/2 ownership of a 2021 CX5 Touring. I absolutely love it. So I'm not here to bash. But I test drove a CX50 with roof rails and the noise was, well, you could not ignore it. The salesman attributed the noise to the cross bars. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I'm a huge Mazda fan now but even my Santa Fe did not have that problem with the crossbars. Maybe that comes with the territory with SUV's designated more for off-roading? Or maybe my CX5 just spoiled me.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

My wife and I drove a CX-30 and CX-50. The noise in the CX-50 killed the car. The CX-30 felt like a much better quality vehicle. We have yet to drive the CX-5. Might do that in a few days.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

@@jbrown4137 we have since driven a CX 5. We are purchasing one once the 2024sake it to the local dealership in Oct.

[@yournightmare9999]

Cx5 has soundproof cabin from 22 upgraded model

[@zhijiaji2737]

I have them both, so I don’t have to choose. Currently own 2014 cx5S fwd and cx50T premium. The cx50 isn’t for everyone, its sport car like behavior makes driving it more of a challenge than what most of people are ready for, not as easy to drive as the cx5.

[@KerKoy]

What specifically is different suspension wise? Besides the wheelbase and tire height. Its seems to be a general "the cx-5 is more comfortable".

[@JSS]

The biggest difference is that the CX-50 has a torsion beam rear suspension and the CX-5 has an independent multi-link. Other than that the biggest differences come from wheel width, tire/wheel size, and interior differences.

[@lav1daloca]

I dont see the point of the two to co-exist. They could add a trim on either version to do what the other can. But the Cx-50 looks a bit better imo

[@mrbungle589]

Bought a 2021 Jeep Compass thought it was a solid vehicle until I test drove the CX5 turbo. Besides not having 4wd the CX5 obliterates my Jeep. So i bought the turbo and it has exceeded all my expectations, the radio controls is definitely a learning experience though.

[@yournightmare9999]

Jeep is trash and all American German and Korean vehicles

[@Ari_G73]

My dealer is starting to take pre-orders for a 2024 CX5 and I put some money down for that. In the Toronto area they still being made to order with very little new inventory available. Given how late it is in the year and the 3 months I'll have to wait anyways, might as well just do the 2024.

[@dioralcide8490]

The CX5 is prettier to me

[@lucasrocha633]

I bought CX50 over CX5 (both turbo's top trims) really hard to choose but 3 reasons: 1) CX50 less claustrofobic (more space inside). 2) I Like Hiking trips and my favorite version of CX5 was Sport Design (I just imagine rocks scratching beauty glossy black bumper). 3) beeing honest I liked the "minimalism" of CX50 and I liked infotainment position like Lexus cars (better to see gps).

[@B.D.TRX4]

Don't forget CX-5 has a multi-link independent rear suspension.. a much more expensive design... Compared to the older dated design of the cx-50 . The interesting thing is they put the cx50 in an off-road category meanwhile they have the same drivetrains in the same all-wheel-drive systems....

[@Jack_Hunt]

The CX 50 design is not dated. Look around at the new luxury cars. The CX 5 is the more dated one.

[@B.D.TRX4]

@@Jack_Hunt not where I live. You do not see any luxury cars with big hunks of plastic all over it fake air vents big hunks of plastic over the wheel wells. Where I live luxury cars all those items are painted to match

[@stoptheinsanity]

I was waiting for the 2024 CX-5 for the touchscreen, but I just realized it has the i-stop. I wonder if there's a way to shut it off. 🤔

[@JSS]

Yes there will be a switch to disable it, but you will have to disable it every time you start your car.

[@stoptheinsanity]

@@JSS thanks! Well, that's a PITA. 😔 I hate a lot of this new tech stuff and wish we could pick and choose what we want in our car.

[@jonathanp4615]

You sold me on six inches more in the cx-50 because that has been the only Issue with cx-5 if i just had a few extra inches of space we wouldn’t need to buy roof rack or take the pilot because there wasn’t enough room.

[@billricheter5678]

Which has more off-road ability. I know neither is great, but need some capability for dirt

[@TheDmonet]

I own a cx5. I've driven a cx50. The only thing superior about the 50 are exterior looks and cargo room. In every other area the cx5 is equal or better...and its cheaper and made in Japan. cx50 makes no sense.

[@KevPez-IS]

If I wanted to make a CX50 more smooth like a CX5, would changing tires help?

[@jj5515]

The taillight and height of the cx50 were I say no to purchasing one. Tailight doesn’t pull me in design wise, the height is too low for an suv (I get the purpose but still). And the fact that it’s not a hybrid makes me say no way Jose!

[@djaskfjkasd]

Who would have thought grey could look so good...

[@alittlebitofthisthat4976]

Jonathan do we know when the 2024 CX 50s will be rolling out?

[@roostersideburns3440]

I wish mazda would send out more non turbo models for review 90% are turbo and im sure 90% arent buying turbo

[@Richardak600]

Hate to keep harping on this issue but the CX 50 in Ontario Canada still has a one year wait. WHY!!!

[@JSS]

I doubt this makes you feel any better…But at my store we only get 1 every 30-45 days. I’m sorry for you in Canada, because they are feeding US first and bigger markets in US get the bulk of them. It’s sad, and we can only hope it improves by the end of the year.

[@MtryCapt]

I love my ‘21 CX-5. It’s a very comfortable fun vehicle to drive. I have the naturally aspirated 2.5 liter.

[@Richardak600]

Thanks I guess I will hang on to my 2020 CX 5 GT Turbo for a while longer..

[@briansturm6618]

Unfortunately I hear there are still labor shortages. I'm seeing them in many businesses and professions in Florida. I wouldn't be surprised if this is part of the slower production.

[@UIOP336]

Drive to the south of your border. Plenty of cx50 on the dealership lot. I dont think they were selling much as they expected.

[@SuperPudley]

Do either of these have lumbar support on the seats?

[@fasksaleem4109]

Awesome ❤❤❤❤

[@jj5515]

I would have traded my car in for the cx5, had Mazda implemented a good hybrid system. 45 city /49 hwy

[@inditube2]

Never understood attraction of power tailgate

[@amc78]

Agreed

[@johnadair6108]

So the plastic cladding and roof rack make the CX-50 more off-road capable? No disrespect. I just purchased a CX-5 for my wife and am up to my eyeballs with car salesman bs. LOL...Did you know that Mazda doesn't have autonomous breaking in its vehicles because Mazda doesn't want to take control out of the driver's hands? Or that the remaining warranty on a pre-owned vehicle is never mentioned if it is under 15 months?...yeah, like that! Both are very nice vehicles though.

[@thiagoribeiro2090]

What would be best for a 6’ 4” guy? Does both have enough head room?

[@LilJagger1]

Definitely cx5. I'm short and was wayyy too comfy in the 50 but there wasn't a lot of headroom.

[@digitaldoc100]

Still own and like the CX5, and do not see the CX50 as an improvement. The stronger sales of the CX5 in the US confirm others feel similar. Also, that Mazda is offering 0% on only a single vehicle currently, the CX50, shows that they needed to stimulate the sales.

[@WilliamTorres23]

CX-70 will be the CX-5 replacement, CX-50 is a different category.

[@differencemaker242]

The CX50 was NEVER intended to be an improvement. It was intended to provide an additional option to prospective buyers. If you are looking for a city cruiser and more of a luxurious experience you'll choose the CX5 but if you're looking for an adventurous outdoor vehicle in the vein of a Cherokee or Forrester you have the CX50 option now. Before Mazda didn't have an option for those buyers, now they do. It should also be noted that the CX50 is in its very first year. Upgrades and improvements will surely come. The CX5 in its first year was not the vehicle it is today. Not at all.

[@canguvenc6099]

can you send me a link where there is a cx5 from %0 in usa?

[@differencemaker242]

@Can Güvenç I can direct you to the CX30. In its first year the sales weren't impressive. But now I'm it's 3rd year it's crept up to 8k sold last month. You can't judge a vehicle in its first year. Many people don't even consider buying any car in its 1st year and on top of that Mazda rarely advertises on TV. By year 3 the 50 will Crack 10k sold per month. No doubt.

[@canguvenc6099]

@@differencemaker242 pls send me the link for cx30. Ill get it

[@NewYork_NJ]

I love CX-50 design much more. but not sure paying several thousand dollars more for that

[@marcin4801]

Too bad, there is no mazda cx-50 in europe.

[@elnegrobermudez9350]

Price on both

[@davidwayne9982]

This just confused the crap out of me.... I LOVE the CX-50 but I would want it WITHOUT the moon roof or sun roof whatever it is (damn leak waiting to happen actually)... and I HATE 20 " wheels--I'd want 17 or 18" wheels with normal rubber.. (offroad--).. The rest is ok as is...

[@mrbungle589]

Yup I remember how cool i thought my step dad's camaro was with t tops until went to the car wash.💦😂

[@frogads]

pinstripes on that cx5 ruin the body line

[@eduardogomez6477]

CX 50 ?

[@dllacuna69]

nice video. maybe you should start using different size luggage and load them in the back just to see how much cargo room you really got. thanks