TheaterFire

Why I sold my Mazda CX-50

Posted by ranchero_colectivo@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 248 comments

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248 Comments

NoCauliflower4125@reddit

Ya just buy memory foam seat cushions from walmart they work!
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VampyreLust@reddit

I think at the end of the day its still a Mazda which isn't bad but it doesn't mean that you're getting a premium product. I realize they're trying to up their brand cache lately but on the scale of Japanese car brands we get here, when it comes to cost, Mazda is the cheapest of all of them all so it doesn't surprise me you found the minimal noise insulation loud on the highway or that the infotainment was lacking or that the seats were less than premium support. The MPG you got is within 1mpg of what they told you, you would get, so I"m not sure why you're surprised there. You also have to remember, they created the CX-50 to compete more with cars like the Forester whereas the CX-5 competes with the RAV4 so you get Forester like things which is a rougher ride, a louder ride and unpainted trim. I think actually one of the biggest complaints of the CX-50, 30 and Mazda 3 is the badly tuned Torsion Beam suspension. I kind of understand the move to the Explorer, its a fair amount bigger, nearly 1000lbs heavier, more squishy, less about driving dynamics, more about comfort and space and you could tow a boat or something like that with it if you wanted to, its a totally different car for a different market which turns out to be what you wanted to begin with.
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spin_nin@reddit

Mazda is the cheapest? I think Mitsubishi has that spot occupied.
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bloodstainedphilos@reddit

Mazda definitely make premium cars.
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D4ng3rd4n@reddit

This is how I read it as well.
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Wonderful_Work_604@reddit

Tldr
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Remarkable_Syrup3595@reddit

Oofff.  Explorer will def have many issues.  Tried two of em.  Both were horrible. In shop constantly 
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Tall_Opportunity_216@reddit

Wow, how much $$$ did you loose on the sale or trade in
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geezerslide@reddit

You guys make me glad I bought a Mazda 3. Just did TX to Ohio and back, have a bad back but seats are fine for me. Love the turbo and get 31mpg at 75 mph on regular. Bought new in 22, now 40k miles. Only bitch is the size. Wish there was still a 6. Have been considering a CX 5 or 50 but now maybe not so much 50 gets bad reviews like this thread. New 5s are electric only, no turbo and they replaced the infotainment screen with a friggin IPad size screen that looks like an afterthought stuck on the dash. So now I'm looking at other options. Love the 3 but need more room.
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Mydickisaplant@reddit

The only thing I don’t agree with here is your generalization of turbo 4 bangers. They don’t all fall off at higher RPMS. That’s entirely dependent on the setup Sounds like you don’t like 4 bangers in a mid sized SUV. That tracks.
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AmericanExcellence@reddit

right, 320 lb ft and 227 hp tells you everything you need to know. the engine has no top end whatsoever. like most commuter turbos, it has the low-end pump to trick casual drivers into thinking it's powerful. pretty funny, the top-line performance spec on mazda's site is "engine and torque". they bury the power figure way down at the bottom.
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Djarum300@reddit

But it's 0-60 is better than most of the cars in it's class. It's, IMHO, better than some cars above it's class. Most of the turbos I've driven produce most of their torque between 2000-3000 RPM. The one exception is Hondas which produces more torque up to about 4500 RPM. I much prefer lower end torque then having to wait for high RPMs for it.
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A_Roomba_Ate_My_Feet@reddit

> it has the low-end pump to trick casual drivers into thinking it's powerful. Eh, I think it is just more, that's where most drivers live (lower RPM and appreciate more grunt off the line than top end power). Most folks don't seem to want/need to rev out their motors most often (I'm just talking about the general public). It's why there's an old saying about "American's buy HP, but drive torque" (Yes, it's an oversimplification, but somewhat illustrates my point.
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AmericanExcellence@reddit

that's true, it just amuses me that someone who never pushes their 2.5 turbo above 3,500 rpm isn't getting any more power out of their engine than someone who wrings their NA 2.5 out. of course, to get equal acceleration in that case, you'd have to gear the NA car twice as tightly, and then there are all the nvh and fuel economy considerations that make the turbo a good choice. i just feel for anyone who's thinking "zoom zoom" when they get a car like this.
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DM725@reddit

Do you think horsepower is more important than torque for acceleration?
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AmericanExcellence@reddit

if you're asking whether i fully understand the relationships between torque, frequency, power, and acceleration, the answer is yes.
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DM725@reddit

Doesn't sound like it since you're dogging on Mazda's 2.5T and the vehicles that use it are top of the class in acceleration.
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AmericanExcellence@reddit

the numbers speak for themselves. and this is specifically comparing the turbo when never "pushed" vs. the naturally-aspirated engine used to its full capacity. [here are the dyno graphs for the two engines](https://i.imgur.com/Xp4DVBK.png). if the turbo's never pushed beyond...let's see...3,157 rpm, it never makes more power than the NA engine. [here's the acceleration of each engine car, with the turbo's engine limited to 3,157 rpm and the NA's final drive cranked up to 5.9:1](https://i.imgur.com/iLdyFZT.png). [obviously, if you push the turbo, it's got 250 hp and a plumper torque curve, so it's going to be quicker than the NA](https://i.imgur.com/ZH9Fp9P.jpeg)
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DM725@reddit

As somebody that owned a CX-5 Turbo and has a CX-5 CE and CX-30 (NA engines) in the family, it couldn't be more obvious you've never driven these vehicles.
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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]
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WarDEagle@reddit

There seems to be no end to what people will pointlessly argue and insult each other over on the internet. I suggest you both go find another outlet.
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AutoModerator@reddit

No rage bait, memes, trolling, copypasta, or low-quality joke posts or comments. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cars) if you have any questions or concerns.*
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NerdyKyogre@reddit

Canadian here, can confirm. I didn't put a tune on my GTI because I needed 300 hp when revving it out (although I can't say it's not fun), I put a tune on it so I can shove it full of people and curling gear and still have it feel effortless around town. Having that extra torque actually makes the car nicer to drive slowly.
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DM725@reddit

Look at the vehicles the CX-5 and CX-50 competes with. 256 HP and 320 TQ for under $40k is a fantastic value. Want to put 87 gas in? 227 HP and 310 TQ. Compare that to many anemic 4 cylinder engines in the competitors.
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Account14159@reddit

It's not meant to be underhanded by them though. Torque is the far more important, relevant, usable number. It just doesn't benefit from the recognition and romanticism that the term horsepower enjoys. For reference, I love internal combustion engines of all types. I have a high-revving S54 that is a blast to wring out, so I certainly can appreciate high-horsepower, lower torque engines; but my turbocharged Audi's with their ultra torque-y low ends are FAR faster than the M3 in any real-world driving experience where acceleration is emphasized over handling prowess.
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AmericanExcellence@reddit

sure, i mean unless you're going to gear a high-strung engine super tight and give it 13 gears or something, it's not going to keep up with typical modern turbo traffic off the line, which seems to be what most people who even think about acceleration in the first place are preoccupied with.
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clutchthepearls@reddit

It makes sense to me with Mazda's upmarket push in the last decade. Traditional luxury isn't about wringing an engine out. It's about easy, drama-free grunt. Only a small part of the automobile buying public cares about how a car feels up to redline.
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AmericanExcellence@reddit

sure, i mean it's the way rolls royce and bentley have been doing things for generations.
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Interdimension@reddit

It was this. Mazda explained it a decade ago when the 2.5T was first introduced. They even used this reasoning to explain why the 2.5T would be a horrible fit for enthusiast & 6MT applications. Us enthusiasts know about engines and know about linear power output, etc. But this isn’t appealing to general audiences for the same reason why Dyson had to artificially make their vacuums louder because quieter motors led to people believing Dyson was making weak vacuums with poor suction. (Some people still think the earlier Dyson handheld vacs are stronger cause they’re incredibly loud. They’re not. They’re just loud)
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fldsmdfrv2@reddit

This \^\^. Immediate torque usually means less top end. I was initially a big fan of the CX-50, however after reading specs in detail it was a hard pass.
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Mimical@reddit

It's the pro's and cons of the engine design. The reason the 2.5T is such an effortless commuter engine is because the engine almost never needs to gear hunt, and probably why Mazda still gets away with using the 6 speed transmission in the vehicles. In a similar manner GMC's LB3, the new Toyota I4 in the Taco/4runner/LandCruiser are very similar. A nice bulk of torque during regular driving and the last 2000 rpm is an afterthought.
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AmNoSuperSand52@reddit

Yeah I was gonna say as the owner of a car with an EA888 engine, that little thing will not give up when the revs climb
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SRTie4k@reddit

The GTI does, The R does not. My R feels like a rocket ship at high revs compared to the GTI I previously had.
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PurchaseStreet9991@reddit

That has more to do with the generation of engine, rather than the bigger turbo on the R The 4th Gen EA888 has a significantly improved power band and a lot of improvements to the valve setup and direct injection system that allowed them to push the tuning further The Mk8 pulls hard up to redline regardless of the GTI/R
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GymLeaderMatt@reddit

Eh. It will rev out ok, but you’re not making anymore power than at 5-5500rpm.
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AmNoSuperSand52@reddit

Well sure. But the redline is at 6000 so 5500 is already pretty high up there
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6786_007@reddit

Agreed. I'd say after 4500 RPMs it starts to fall flat.
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MightBeYourDad_@reddit

My focus st mk3 has peak power at 5500rpm, though it does fall after that
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seamonkey420@reddit

my 2020 MINI Countryman JCW agrees.. this little thing rips through the gears and rpms and having 320lb/ft torque never hurts either ;)
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ShrimpGangster@reddit

I have the same car; the power does fall off at higher rpm. Loving how it hustles though!
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Extesht@reddit

Yeah my little Kona has a 1.6l turbo. I consistently get higher than the EPA estimates because it's not trying to move more vehicle weight than it should be forced to. EPA says 29 hwy. I get more like 42.
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minkus1000@reddit

Man, I love the little 1.6t Konas. Of course it helps that they are just tiny raised hatchbacks (especially the older ones), but they are zippy, comfy little things that don't mind when it gets a little messy in the winters. One of my favourite "just a car" cars I've driven.
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Extesht@reddit

One of the most comfortable cars I've driven for multiple hours at a time. Also, I know I didn't need AWD for winter, but it sure helps get out of my neighborhood when the plow hasn't been through, or when it has and there is a big burm. My old Elantra couldn't get out of my parking spot if there was more than an inch of snow.
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Trades46@reddit

That. The Mercedes 45 AMG engine in the CLA and GLA makes you question how far technology can push a 2.0T to make it a V8 challenging beast.
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stav_and_nick@reddit

Yeah. I find Mazda 4 cyls tend to act like diesels almost. They love hanging out at low RPM
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BuddyBear17@reddit

Folks here also seem to forget that the MZR DISI Turbo was also done by 5,000rpm in its original configuration. It wasn't until tuners and the aftermarket got their hands on them that this changed.
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Round_Kangaroo8533@reddit

MX-5 ND3 wishes to have a word.
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Due_Percentage_1929@reddit

Fr, if my miata is hanging out at low rpms, it's stalling
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Mun0425@reddit

To be fair to him, the NA cx50 feels like it makes less power at 5k rpm than 3k rpm. Its probably just because its a heavy suv powered by a fuel econ 4 cylinder.
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Conscious_Cat2384@reddit

I also owned the cx50 for 5 months. Though its an attractive car, sometimes looks aren't everything. I found the backseat with little legroom, the headroom was also low and the cargo area wasnt big enough for me. I traded her in for a 2026 Honda CRV EXL. The CRV has more backseat room, more legroom and head room and more cargo area to fit my needs. I personally find the interior of the CRV more my style. 
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SZ1095@reddit

How much did you get for your trade? I have 25 cx50 premium with 11,500 miles and am debating trading it too. Just don’t like it much.
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Conscious_Cat2384@reddit

Otd price for my 2026 honda crv exl was a little over 30k so I got about 9k  for the Mazda.(i believe. I have to go recheck but im pretty sure it was around 9k) The seats are so much more comfortable in my honda
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SZ1095@reddit

I was thinking of the 2026 CRV or a 2025 Tiguan. Between the seats hurting my body in the cx50 and the bad build quality of the interior materials I definitely have been looking to get out of it. Also feel there is not enough storage for anything inside and as you said not very roomy. I wanted to love it but just don’t ;(
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Conscious_Cat2384@reddit

I agree. I didnt want to keep paying for something I didnt like. Now i am happy with my Honda 
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doom_pizza@reddit

TLDR?
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greekygeek@reddit

Seats suck, turbo is thirsty but unrewarding to rev, highway ride is meh, infotainment is meh, ADAS is meh, and OP wants to haul bigger stuff than it can fit. OP still thinks it’s at the top of its class, but the class (compact CUVs) is mediocrity incarnate.
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TheReaperSovereign@reddit

Op feels like he read too much /r/whatcarshouldibuy and their mazda circlejerk
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dsonger20@reddit

People there are telling each other Mazda can outclass an Audi. As someone who drives a lot of VAG products and had to drive my aunts 2023 CX-5 Mazda for a week when she lent it to me I just lol. The refine even compared to my car isn’t there. It feels far less stable at highway speeds. You can literally let go of the wheel at 90km and still be stable in my vehicle. And my vehicle isn’t that great either.
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bloodstainedphilos@reddit

Such nonsense, I cruised in my Mazda 3 at 70mph for over 4 hours and it felt extremely comfortable and refined. You guys hate the circlejerk so go completely the other way.
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DM725@reddit

Audi, sure. VW's make Mazda's look like Lexus now.
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dsonger20@reddit

Agree to disagree. I’ll just leave it on the note and that I still think that fit and finish and just overall general quality of life things a superior on most VW vehicles . I’m not saying that’s the case for all of them however, stuff like door thuds, stability, etc. is still unmatched in its price bracket. I found some Fords and domestics do match overall solidness, but the rattles and squeaks in them are absolutely unforgivable. I’ll admit Mazda has superior materials, but I’d honestly take a more solid feeling vehicle. It’s not like VW interiors are atrocious (okay minus the capacitive bullshit).
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DM725@reddit

I mean just go across the lineup. There isn't a single VW vehicle where the interior materials or fit and finish are better than the corresponding Mazda at the price point. This is coming from somebody who has owned 5 VW vehicles in the last 15 years. The weight of the door has no relevancy when it comes to build quality, especially when Mazda has nearly an entire lineup of IIHS Safety Pick+ vehicles. The door not feeling as heavy has no bearing on side impact safety so who cares?
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dsonger20@reddit

Again agree to disagree. My expierence are mostly the opposite of what you are expierences, so it may just be market differences. I’ve generally found materials to be superior on the CX5, but squeaks and rattles a little more evident. I just pointed the doors out because it’s just the perception of quality. A heavier door just means more sound deadening is in there. That’s why the S Class doors feel like you’re closing a bank vault. One thing we can probably agree on is the last gen Taos is and always will be a POS lol.
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DafuqIsTheInternet@reddit

I can't tell if you're calling the TLX bad for its cabin/trunk size (which is small) or if you're touting it for being great to drive. Both probably?
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Soulce@reddit

He bought a sporty crossover while clearly wanting a big soft SUV. Can't really find the point of this post, its just buyers remorse.
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jawknee530i@reddit

Yeah it basically starts off with saying he wants a daily commuter box then complains that his daily commuter box isn't exciting and ends up buying a less exciting softer bigger SUV. The dude doesn't know what they want and can't examine their own opinions properly.
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xzzz@reddit

Upgrading to 400hp is less exciting?
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Spencie61@reddit

It is when it is accompanied by all the extra size and weight
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OldBamboo@reddit

Oh man, that body roll
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DetectiveNarrow@reddit

Less exciting? A twin turbo V6 pushing 400 HP is nothing to scoff at
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DM725@reddit

If you drove the 2 you'd understand. Straight line acceleration obviously goes to the Explorer with 400 HP but imyou'll never mistake it for a car when you're whipping it around.
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LagCommander@reddit

Honestly, I think a lot of enthusiasts kind of dislike the "new" STs since Ford got rid of the hatches (fair), but for what they are, they do a good enough job imo I'm biased with my Edge ST as a fairly comfortable yet decent all-rounder daily, but the Explorers are monsters. Especially if you decide to tune [See here](https://youtu.be/7ZdWSsvfh0o?si=9jsoEh5e1UA7nuYa)
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clutchthepearls@reddit

I got halfway through the complaints of the CX-50 saying in my head "Bro, you need a GTI" only to be sideswiped with him buying and loving an Explorer ST.
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Careless_Scallion899@reddit

Loving it for now. He loved the CX-50 at first, then in under two years went and bought a different brand new car. Who knows how long he’ll love this explorer, but buying two brand new cars is two years seems like an interesting choice
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PyramidSchemePA@reddit

Thanks. My wife went from a CX-50 to a RAV4 due to an accident and it has been a downgrade in every way. I miss the CX50 a lot. it was a fantastic car that punched above its weight
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Car-face@reddit

Also sounds like they were expecting a more typical Japanese sports car power curve, rather than the lazier implementation that big 4's tend to be - >The 2.5T completely falls off past 4k RPM, which combined with the wide ratios of the 6-speed (which desperately needs replacing at this point IMO) means that it isn't a particularly fun engine to push during spirited driving (the unpleasant four-cylinder boom and vibrations at high revs don't help). the fact it falls off >4k is likely the reason for the wide ratios - this isn't meant to be a sports car first, it's a family SUV with some overtaking grunt that doesn't need to hunt for gears and doesn't fall over in corners. That won't be everyone's cup of tea but it sounds like they wanted something more "point and shoot", corners be damned.
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UnnamedStaplesDrone@reddit

well if the seats don't work for you, they don't work for you. even if he loved the car otherwise it would never have worked out if it causes physical pain to drive. The CX5/50 seats are trash in terms of comfort and supportiveness imo.
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su1ac0@reddit

most self posts here are just main character syndrome
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EL_JAY315@reddit

Standout point to me was that the seats caused his back to hurt. Imo that's basically it. Hard to enjoy anything in a state of discomfort.
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tallon4@reddit

OP learns a Mazda, as well as a (lifted) wagon, doesn’t fit their lifestyle and preferences, despite the relentless recommendations for both on Reddit
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band-of-horses@reddit

>The author sold their 2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus after just 18 months, despite initial positive impressions and Mazda's good reputation. While they appreciated the CX-50's looks and class-leading handling, several issues led to their dissatisfaction over time. The seats caused significant sciatic pain on longer drives, unlike those in other Mazda models or even their Corvette. The 2.5T engine, while refined with good low-end torque, felt uninspiring at higher RPMs and had surprisingly poor fuel economy (24-26 mpg on premium), exacerbated by a small fuel tank. The torsion beam rear suspension felt unstable at highway speeds above 70 mph, contributing to a busy ride and significant wind/road noise, making long trips unpleasant. The infotainment system's buggy wireless Apple CarPlay, inconvenient touchscreen placement, and unreliable driver-assist features (lane keeping and adaptive cruise control) were also frustrating. Finally, the low roofline hindered the transport of bulky items. >The author concludes that the CX-50 isn't a bad car and is likely the most engaging in its class, but it requires tempered expectations and makes sacrifices. Ultimately, they traded it for a 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum, prioritizing comfort, a better highway ride, a more useful cargo area, and the enjoyment of a more powerful RWD-biased V6 with comparable fuel economy. They no longer felt disappointed when choosing the SUV over their Corvette for practical reasons. You know it's bad when even an AI takes two paragraphs to summarize.
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Staplersarefun@reddit

Economy car is economy car
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kaoss77@reddit

55k RWD 400hp Explorer goes Brrrrrrrrrrr
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Ok_Interest4648@reddit

Ugh I know nothing about cars and was considering this one for its overall rating but the seating comfort is a huge deal to me… is this a shared experience??
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PerspectivePale1375@reddit

We just bought a 2023 CX-5 and I absolutely despise the driver's seat. The bolster sits under my left thigh, not next to it. (5'8" average build). The seat is way too narrow. I had it professionally reupholstered to raise me up, reduce the left bolster, and take the pressure off my thigh. While that helped, it still hasn't cured the problem. After 40+ years of driving this is the most insidious torture device I've ever experienced in a vehicle. We'll be trading this in very soon!
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Naheka@reddit

I appreciate this review. I had the CX-50 on my short list and planned a test drive soon. You've given me some points to look for during the test drive before I make my decision.
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SZ1095@reddit

I had a 2021 CX5, was totaled. I didn’t want the same car again and just went for the 2025 cx50 and really loved it at first (still like it overall) but the build quality is not as good as my CX5, the seats are very hard and my back started hurting after driving it on a road trip, cup holder placement is annoying and the ride is harsh forsure. I like it but definitely look out for these things while test driving. I kind of miss my CX5 but I do like a lot of things about my cx50 especially the steering feel.
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Naheka@reddit

Test drove a CX50 after my response and we agree on every point. Steering and performance was good but none of it felt comfortable. It's still on my list but it's moved down a few notches behind the Equinox, Terrain, and CRV.
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DannyTannersFlow@reddit

I did not see that Ford Explorer twist coming.
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Hrich94@reddit

Grew up in fords as my dad is a die hard and never once in my life did I associate comfort when them 😂 I had a Mazda sedan and it was such a comfortable ride 🙄
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PsychoHydro@reddit

Now imagine, there is a new electric explorer in Germany.
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band-of-horses@reddit

When I read that I was like “wait, someone buys Ford Explorers other than the police?”. I hope OP got one in white so everyone slows down when they drive by.
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turbogowhooosh@reddit

My dad just did something similar. Traded a 2019 X3M40i for a 2025 Explorer ST, and he got his in white lol. He’s loving it so far, that 3.0T has a lot of grunt.
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MangoAtrocity@reddit

That drop in interior quality, agility, and styling is brutal. What was the motivation?
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turbogowhooosh@reddit

Interior is not as bad as you’d think. The face lifted 2025 models got a redesigned interior using much better materials compared to pre-facelift models. Everything feels nice and well put together IMO. Ergonomics are better than they were in the BWM too. Obviously the tech is much better in this car than the BMW, for example this one had a camera to watch his pupils, and it sensed him beginning to fall asleep on his way home late last night and it yelled at him and made sure he was alert and paying attention. It has some more features like ventilated front seats, heated second row, B&O surround sound, etc. He genuinely loves it so far. For what he needs at this point it’s perfect. Has great power, feels very B58-y, agile enough for its size as it’s a longitudinal mounted V6 RWD platform, and he also prefers its looks, very muscular and a bit more intimidating lol. He doesn’t need a light, agile car right now. The only curves he encounters is on-ramps and off-ramps. His commute is all highway, and this things demolished highway miles.
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ricster131@reddit

What made him want to switch from the x3?
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turbogowhooosh@reddit

X3 was starting to have issues. It’d bricked itself at a mechanic (fault of a faulty tune, not the car itself, but it put a bad taste in his mouth), had a coolant leak, a rear differential leak, and a large service coming up, all at 78,000 miles. My mom also has a 80,000 mile X5, my parents didn’t want two high mileage BMW SUV’s at the same time, so instead of putting the money into repairs, he used it as a down payment on the Ford, spurred on by the Ford employee pricing. During all this, my uncles 2020 X6M50i with 55,000 miles was at the dealership with 15K worth of oil leak and ac issues. That really sealed it for my dad lol.
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MangoAtrocity@reddit

That’s a shame. B58 is generally pretty rock solid. That coolant leak is the only major issue. Oil filter housing around 65k miles. Other than that, ignition service, transmission fluid, and diff fluid are really the only big ones. Should be good past 150k
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turbogowhooosh@reddit

He just wanted a decently fun practical car with a warranty. Plans on giving it to my mom in the next 3/4 years to replace her X5 and get himself something sportier/less practical.
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scout642019@reddit

Wow those BMWs will turn you updside down and shake every coin out of your pocket. Many people just don't learn . Lexus/ Toyota is the way. Save your money and your resale value
View on Reddit #54790692

MangoAtrocity@reddit

That’s certainly true for the turbo V8 (N63) and the last generation 4-cylinder (N20), but the engine in the X3 M40i (gen 2 B58) is absolutely rock solid. It has exactly one issue that it sounds like OP’s dad already dealt with. The oil filter housing on these engines is notoriously unreliable, because it’s made of plastic. If you live in a hot climate, these tend to go bad around 60k miles. All in, the job is $2400 at the indy shop. But everything else is great if you keep up with routine maintenance. The BMW reliability of old is gone. These days, by luxury car standards, they’re super reliable.
View on Reddit #54823458

deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]
View on Reddit #54792612

AutoModerator@reddit

No rage bait, memes, trolling, copypasta, or low-quality joke posts or comments. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cars) if you have any questions or concerns.*
View on Reddit #54792613

6786_007@reddit

BMW improved their reliability with b48/58 engines but the rest of the car is typical BMW bs.
View on Reddit #54780022

mr_lab_rat@reddit

I had the 3.0T as a rental car. I couldn’t believe what kind of a rocket it was. And I’m used to driving fast cars.
View on Reddit #54757100

turbogowhooosh@reddit

It’s quick! He hasn’t opened it all the way up yet as he’s adhering to a 1,000 break in period, but you can already tell it’s a beast.
View on Reddit #54761386

MrHugh_Janus@reddit

I’ve got the same engine and transmission in my Ranger Raptor. Thing’s quick as hell, especially after throwing on the Ford Performance tune which bumps it up to 455 hp and 536 lb-ft. It feels fast in the truck, it’d probably feel like a rocket ship in an Explorer, since I’m guessing it’s a little lighter than the Ranger
View on Reddit #54777878

AnastasiusDicorus@reddit

I know the 3.5 ecoboost makes the Expedition feel like a hot rod, I would assume the same about the 3.0 in an explorer.
View on Reddit #54754315

XxRoyalxTigerxX@reddit

I’m pretty sure the Expedition uses the same high output 3.5 ecoboost used for the 3.5 Raptor
View on Reddit #54767155

PyroAR15@reddit

It's a great car for price. I had the 2021 Explorer ST with a tune, 480HP for under $60k, was super agile for its size and I never had any issues for 55k miles I drove it. I hated that infotainment system but they changed it for 2025 year, so I'll probably replace my 2024 Kia Sportage for it.
View on Reddit #54754440

band-of-horses@reddit

For $60k I'd get an X3 M40i over a ford in a heartbeat. But I also don't need a larger vehicle.
View on Reddit #54759897

xt1nct@reddit

Different class car. Plus can you get a fully loaded x3 m40i for $60k?
View on Reddit #54793734

band-of-horses@reddit

Well you can't get one for any price because they replaced them with the M50i. But you can get a very low mileage used m40i with extended warranty for $60k.
View on Reddit #54803262

Account14159@reddit

Are they not common in your area? They are about as common a choice for personal vehicles as any of the SUV's of that size here in the American Northeast. I most certainly cannot make it more than a couple miles into my commute without encountering a civilian-owned example. Usually see upwards of a dozen a day. Also, I hate them slightly less than most of the mom-mobile SUV's that are so ubiquitous on our roadways these days, for two reasons: 1. They quietly redesigned the platform to be longitudinally oriented, rear-wheel-drive based with the latest redesign, rather than transverse front based, and that appeals to my sensibilities. 2. I feel like they're actually fairly handsome compared to most of the SUV's out right now, which I feel are generally kind of rounded blobs with jagged-shaped headlights and taillights.
View on Reddit #54755803

band-of-horses@reddit

I almost never see an explorer that isn't a police car.
View on Reddit #54765933

shawizkid@reddit

That’s wild. They sell 200k per year, with 30k being police models. So ~15%
View on Reddit #54776468

TGUKF@reddit

I feel like it depends on region. In BC's lower mainland, for example, it seems like most people who are buying newer explorers are primarily buying ST's. It's not common to see more mid trim level Explorers anymore
View on Reddit #54792883

shawizkid@reddit

I saw a stat a couple years ago that 1 in 5 explorers sold were ST. So 20% ST, 15% police. 65% xlt, timberline, platinum, etc.
View on Reddit #54794268

TGUKF@reddit

On aggregate, I would believe that. But where I live, BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche SUVs would be aptly described as commonplace. The base Explorer Active (rebadged from XLT apparently) starts at like $53k CAD. That's not cheap. I would actually contend the lower trims are really low value per $ because they're starting to push up against the base price of even a Lexus RX.
View on Reddit #54795442

shawizkid@reddit

Of course it’s going to vary by region and market. In my area there’s a ton of explorers of all trims. Including ST. And I get the appeal, as there’s already one in the garage and strongly considering a second. It’s a typical jack of all trades. Does nothing exceptional but does everything good. And at $55k usd, not a terrible value imo.
View on Reddit #54796039

TGUKF@reddit

>Of course it’s going to vary by region and market. That's literally what my entire post was about. I never said there are no lower and mid tier trims anywhere. Just not where I live. I would say at $55k USD, it's not a great value. But that's just my own opinion. And if the Explorers appeal to you, that's great too. If I weren't buying a German brand pre-owned, because they're not really good value new either, I'd probably be looking for a Toyota/Lexux product manufactured in Japan.
View on Reddit #54796417

shawizkid@reddit

> That’s literally what my entire post was about. I never said there are no lower and mid tier trims anywhere. Just not where I live. I saw it, both times. Which is why I decided to respond to it directly because you reiterated the same point twice. I never argued that it wasn’t market specific or said that wasn’t the case for BC, I just provided the stats for breakdown of trims I also don’t advocate they are “a great value”. I just said they *aren’t a terrible value*. And let’s face it, if we were all rational and only cared about value, majority of this sub would have different vehicles than they do. Sure, value is a consideration, but we (buyers in general, and probably to even more of an extent, this sub) also consider and even prioritize other aspects. Lexus/toyota are a fine choice for many, but not what I would choose to spend my money on. That said, no shame to those who do.
View on Reddit #54798522

BeigeChocobo@reddit

Also in the northeast, explorers are absolutely everywhere. I test drive an ST once and rather enjoyed it.
View on Reddit #54776566

BlazinAzn38@reddit

I’m in F150 country so it seems like there’s a lot of F150 dads and Explorer moms going on. Definitely feels like it’s top 5 volume for its class around me
View on Reddit #54774376

Due_Percentage_1929@reddit

I hate seeing civilian explorers and some colors of chargers, it's like when old people used to drive those crown vics and grand Marquis, who wants to look like police?
View on Reddit #54757605

hi_im_bored13@reddit

me me me i mean all those cars are pretty damn reliable and have great parts availability
View on Reddit #54762351

Pure-Location9295@reddit

hope you get swiss cheesed
View on Reddit #54792542

DafuqIsTheInternet@reddit

My brother bought a rebuilt state police charger in high school and even put a push bar and antennas on it aftermarket. He became a cop 6 years later lol. Regarding the colors of chargers, durangos, tahoes and explorers: I live in an area where 3 counties meet. We have black, white, black and white, blue, undercover and recently, BURGUNDY CHARGERS AND FOREST GREEN EXPLORERS. I feel like I see cops everywhere at this point.
View on Reddit #54771846

Due_Percentage_1929@reddit

So your heart sinks every time you see one on the horizon? All day long.
View on Reddit #54780745

eyeYEETdiscs@reddit

My dad has a 2024 Explorer ST, its actually a really nice vehicle, quite fun to drive.
View on Reddit #54778393

5cott@reddit

Our dark red one gets directed towards good parking at events, then the ViN search came up as ‘fleet only’ at the dealership. I don’t know why, but we think I chose correctly.
View on Reddit #54778380

ranchero_colectivo@reddit (OP)

I got a Platinum in black so it wouldn't look so much like a cop car, hopefully the excess of shiny chrome tips people off that "I'M NOT A COP, STOP SLOWING DOWN IN FRONT OF ME"
View on Reddit #54773089

band-of-horses@reddit

You need to lean into it and mount a stoplight on the driver door.
View on Reddit #54774794

Ok_Sheepherder916@reddit

Spoiler
View on Reddit #54795032

Old_Noted@reddit

Agreed. Kind of felt like they wanted a sporty car as I read that.
View on Reddit #54765353

shawizkid@reddit

Why? Plenty of owners love them, especially in ST trim
View on Reddit #54758632

maxxbenzz@reddit

Completely different animal. I love the comfort of an Explorer. They are nice vehicles. But you're also spending 10k more minimum on this Ford, so the comparison is a little unfair. I myself would never buy any Ford, but that's a whole nutha conversation. If I would get one, it would only be on a lease with a full warranty, as I would turn it in after the warranty expires.
View on Reddit #59465822

Over-Junket731@reddit

you're comparing a CX50 to a Vet? is than even fair?
View on Reddit #57963389

Time_Can6021@reddit

We have a 2018 CX5, which triggered sciatica pain in me on longer than test-drive excursions from the beginning. Hated driving or being a passenger in this car. I took over a 2005 scion xB, super comfy. No problems for my wife in either car. I've never had any seat comfort issues in other cars. I'm 5'10", slim-ish build, never heard of sciatica before that. I test-drove a CX50 while getting the oil changed, and it felt like there was less width for my hips/legs. My knees were in constant contact with either the door or the center console, I don't recall which. The seats, the ghost-touch on the infotainment, and the bubbling and now almost completely peeled paint on most of the plastic parts of the car make me say no more Mazda for me. Otherwise, it has been good, but so have all our families' other Japanese cars.
View on Reddit #56156390

One-Bicycle-395@reddit

In the same vein, I leased a 2022 CX5 turbo, during that time where new vehicles on lots was a rare find. Always was fond of Mazdas from afar and pulled the trigger after a 10 min test drive. I barely survived the 2.5 long punishing years of driving it. I don't drive much day to day, nearly every drive I do is 2-4hrs and just shy of the 2hr mark is where the dark thoughts always started. I have lower back and tailbone pain I still haven't fully recovered from, it lingers alongside what I can only describe as ptsd. In the end I found a dealer who took my lease on trade, paid off the remaining 6mths and cut me a 2k cheque, and I bought a 2020 Sorento SX. I owned a string of very comfortable Buicks but the CX5 seats had me literally only looking at Volvos and Lincolns. But the Sorento was immediately comfortable and checked all the other boxes on my list. I expected to pay a gas penalty, but the 3.3L V6 is returning identical fuel economy in highway driving (8.6L/100km), and the larger gas tank is a godsend. I just got back from a 10 day trip to my trailer out of town and after 500km the dash says I can do another 150km before the tank is empty. 500km is the max I could get out of the Mazda before filling up, if I was lucky, though I definitely drive the Sorento in a less spirited fashion (it's a bore but it's a highway cruiser so idc). The Sorento is thirstier in town and its dynamics are more cumbersome, but driving it is bliss after leaving my Mazda nightmare behind. I haven't taken for granted a single kilometer of the 2000km I've driven since the switch. Seat comfort had never been a point of assessment in past car purchases I guess I'd just been lucky to always have an acceptable throne prior to the CX5 (for reference in order: 93 Sundance, 07 Caliber, 97 Camry, 02 Regal, 05 Allure, 95 Roadmaster (obvi, and still own), 15 Optima, 12 Grand Caravan). But I'll never not be paranoid about seat comfort when purchasing a vehicle again.
View on Reddit #56078492

Slimfire12@reddit

I do agree with your comments about your sciatica…I love our cx-50. But the seats are not great. Lumbar support is horrible. Even my relatives that don’t have low back issues complained that it was to stiff and not supportive on longer travels.
View on Reddit #54940172

rg25@reddit

Thanks for sharing, I have been interested in the CX-50, these are definitely things I would need to consider.
View on Reddit #54902176

kulzboy@reddit

I went the opposite route. Traded in my CX-50 TPP for a Miata. I agree that it is a great car if you look past the marketing and temper your expectations. In my 2 years of ownership, not a lot of things went wrong other than typical first year production stuff. If you are in the market for a commuter car that is more fun than your typical RAV4 or CR-V while still retaining the reliability along with dealerships that won't bend you over at the desk, it's hard to go wrong with the CX-50
View on Reddit #54901802

throwawayhash43@reddit

I test drove one for an hour and my ass hurt so bad. I got an RDX instead
View on Reddit #54879800

ReasonToGiveUp@reddit

You traded one of the best cars for one of the worst cars....
View on Reddit #54876313

NitroLada@reddit

Similar feelings with our 2023 cx-30, the seats suck for anything more than a couple hours, the torsion beam is noticable and the infotainment use with AA is horrible. The driver's assist is also ass tier and even the N/A 2.5 is so thirsty
View on Reddit #54854627

arabalarcacomtr@reddit

Honestly, your experience perfectly highlights how important it is to *live* with a car beyond the initial excitement. Test drives just can't reveal things like long-term seat comfort, high-speed stability, or how annoying small tech issues can become over time. Given everything you mentioned — especially your frustration with the 2.5T's fuel economy vs. tank size, the lack of highway composure, and the seating comfort issues — I think you absolutely made the right call moving to something like the **Ford Explorer Platinum**. If you're going to sacrifice efficiency anyway, might as well enjoy real power, true RWD dynamics, and actual long-distance comfort, right? If you had to stay in the smaller, more efficient segment though, I would have probably suggested looking at something like a **Toyota RAV4 Hybrid** or even a **Honda Civic Hatchback** (Sport Touring trim). Both are super reliable, much more fuel-efficient, and way more comfortable on long trips compared to the CX-50, without feeling as "agricultural" as some cheaper options. (Although, of course, they’re not as engaging on twisty roads.) Anyway — congrats on the Explorer! Sounds like it really fits your current lifestyle better. 🚗💨
View on Reddit #54832077

ranchero_colectivo@reddit (OP)

I've thought about going with a hybrid like the RAV4 Prime, but having had numerous RAV4s as rentals I really don't like how crude the interiors are, or how loud they are on the highway. Plus, the Toyota dealers around me act like they're selling 911 GT3s, so that's a non-starter even if I did want one. They are definitely spacious, practical, and even on the regular models it's pretty easy to get 30+ mpg, though. I wouldn't hesitate recommending one to somebody who just wants a reliable family CUV that isn't as picky as I am.
View on Reddit #54835154

deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]
View on Reddit #54776490

ranchero_colectivo@reddit (OP)

I don't drive like a menace. I get 24mpg driving at 80mph on the interstate with cruise control on, 26mpg going 60-65mph on country roads. The EPA highway rating for the CX-50 Turbo is 29mpg. In most cars, my new Explorer included, I can meet the EPA highway number doing the former, and exceed it doing the latter.
View on Reddit #54834706

AutoModerator@reddit

No rage bait, memes, trolling, copypasta, or low-quality joke posts or comments. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cars) if you have any questions or concerns.*
View on Reddit #54776491

racerviii@reddit

So you bought a cop car.
View on Reddit #54811505

Dat_Aus@reddit

Sounds like you need a Macan or Cayenne
View on Reddit #54809686

CommissarCiaphisCain@reddit

Very fair write up for the car not meeting your expectations. My wife has had her 2024 for about a year and a half now and has a different perspective. But that’s because she moved from driving Odysseys for 19 years, so the CX-50 NA PP is so much more enjoyable for her. I’m glad to hear the car wasn’t problematic for you. Just didn’t meet your wants.
View on Reddit #54754278

beeslax@reddit

My wife loves her CX5 turbo as well - can’t say I disagree.
View on Reddit #54756927

RayofLight-z@reddit

I think the seats thing really depends on the build of the person siting in them. I have always fit in Mazda seats like a glove. My 2018 3 hatchback, my nd3 Miata and my fiancés cx-30 are all quite comfy for me . All of them were far more comfortable then the crosstrek we test drove. That things seats felt like a park bench
View on Reddit #54806479

vonbibant@reddit

I have a 2023 CX-50 2.5S Premium Plus, and your take is spot on, especially regarding the seats.
View on Reddit #54803040

wedontlikepam@reddit

Same. It sucks.
View on Reddit #54805742

wedontlikepam@reddit

I agree. The more I drive my CX-50 the more I hate it. And even more so because I was foolish and got the non turbo model. I’d probably be happier switching to a Turbo but at this point I just want to go back to German vehicles. FML. Great write-up, OP.
View on Reddit #54805682

SubieBroh@reddit

i think mazda chassis need work
View on Reddit #54805276

austinzone813@reddit

On the budget end of the spectrum I’ve been real happy with our Ford Maverick. EcoBoost/AWD/4k tow. Front seats are comfy enough for long rides. Awd models get multi link rear suspension. The only upgrade (which the truck needed) was switching the tires to Falken ATs. This helped get rid of the slightly floaty factory handling from the budget Contis. It handles great at any speed (drives like a sedan). It gets 30mpg interstate, 33mpg around 50-60mph. City returns 22mpg. Low bed means loading things like wheels etc is pretty easy. Easy to park. Can’t speak to functions like ACC as I don’t have it but upper trim levels do. Sure an explorer is more comfy but my OTD is half of an explorer. You can also tune them and pickup some more power/refine the transmission further.
View on Reddit #54768576

UnnamedStaplesDrone@reddit

Haven’t driven many fords but the cloth seats in my GT are some of the best I’ve sat in tbh
View on Reddit #54803960

handymanshandle@reddit

My boyfriend *just* got out of a CX-50 himself, a NA Preferred model. It handled well, but my god was it uncomfortable. The seats were so annoying that I handed driving duties off to my boyfriend when we went to Wisconsin a couple of months ago. Can’t believe the bucket seats of my car are far more comfortable on long trips. That’s what helped me persuade him to look into something else if we were going to use his car for future road trips.
View on Reddit #54790071

tugtugtugtug4@reddit

So, basically you didn't like the seats? Everything else seems like stuff you should have noticed on the test drive, like the low roofline, weak top end, and highway noise/stability issues. Always blows my mind that people buy an appliance vehicle that they'll spend a ton of time in and then don't thoroughly test it on the roads and types of driving they actually use. Your Mazda dealer probably has 30 of these on the lot. Tell them you want to take it home for the night. Or at least tell them you need to drive it home and back. This isn't a rare car that's marked up. They'll let you do it if they think you're serious. Good luck with the explorer. If you think Mazda road noise is bad, I think you'll be back here posting in another 12 months about dumping your explorer.
View on Reddit #54753239

handymanshandle@reddit

In all fairness to the OP, the seats are fine on shorter drives. I found them to be ridiculously uncomfortable on longer road trips, to the point where my Elantra N was far more bearable on the same road trips just because the seats aren’t objectively terrible in it. Road noise is a low point with the CX-50 too, although I suspect that could be addressed with a change of tires.
View on Reddit #54789076

dsonger20@reddit

Some dealers wouldn’t let me go on the highway lmao. They said it was too far. To be fair, it was only 15kms away from the lot.
View on Reddit #54763980

justcuckmyshitupfam2@reddit

My RX-8 was in the shop last year for a recall, and the dealer lent me a base CX-50. The car is alright, but yeah, the ride gets jarring after about an hour of driving. My RX-8 is more comfy after long rides, and it's lowered on stiffened coilovers. If Mazda wants to move upmarket, their cars need to be both quick and comfy.
View on Reddit #54788327

Pahlevun@reddit

Lmao, the 2.5T being a refined turbo 4 is definitely… a take. It is known for being one of the most coarse, unrefined and terrible sounding. Power just basically dies at 4k rpm. Mazda slapped tiny quick spool turbo on a 15 year old 4-cylinder, just centered around early peak torque and nothing else. And all that to make both an unimpressive 250 HP and an even less impressive fuel economy. That is levels away from the likes of an EA888 or B48
View on Reddit #54765136

BuddyBear17@reddit

Not my experience at all in the 3 Turbo - it is is smooth as can be as a daily, Low NVH, quiet enough that they had to use 'enhanced' audio to give it an actual engine note, and pulls like a freight train off the line. Mediocre MPG aside, it's a good motor, and for those that want to mod it, it's a tune and a few bolt ons from 280-290whp.
View on Reddit #54782447

Pahlevun@reddit

It's not a bad engine, it's just not really as good as most modern 4-cyls that both have better power relative to displacement, and also better fuel economy, and a better power band as well. The 2.5T has very early peak torque but like I said as much as it pulls good off the line, it has none of that at higher speeds. I frequently drive my buddy's 3 turbo hatchback, in the city, awesome, on the highway, my V6 Camry feels infinitely more effortless to gain speed above 60 MPH.
View on Reddit #54788097

Vhozite@reddit

Jeez why are the comments so negative?
View on Reddit #54765851

turbogowhooosh@reddit

He dared to criticize Mazda
View on Reddit #54784900

BuddyBear17@reddit

My sense is that a significant fraction of them aren't even human beings.
View on Reddit #54782147

Shalashaska19@reddit

I still laugh that Mazda considers itself to luxury brands like bmw, Audi, Acura, and Lexus. It’s a Nissan competitor and nothing more. Lipstick on an overpriced pig.
View on Reddit #54783808

4point2slc@reddit

Explorer Platinum (mid $50k) is going to be a big jump in size than a pp cx50 (under $40k). I couldn’t wait to get cx90 back after having a cx50 for a loaner because of the cabin size difference. You should just stick with the corvette and let other people figure out how to get where they are going. Why not a blazer EV SS or Mach E GT?
View on Reddit #54751975

letigre87@reddit

We're cross shopping the CX90 turbo s and Explorer ST. The Mazda looks so much nicer inside. The fit and finish is just so much better but that Ecoboost and I like Ford's seating position. It's a tough choice.
View on Reddit #54753408

DM725@reddit

We're in a CX-90 PHEV lease (expires in 3 months) and I just drove an Explorer ST-Line. For the price of that Explorer it didn't wow me at all. For ~$41k the CX-90 Turbo Preferred is a pretty amazing value. For the same price of the Explorer ST-Line you can get in to the Premium Sport trim.
View on Reddit #54780610

SilverStar04@reddit

A Lincoln Aviator is in your future, you just don’t know it yet.
View on Reddit #54756700

letigre87@reddit

The Grand Touring Black Label put a check in all the right boxes except the price tag, AWD PHEV 3.0l Ecoboost. That thing is a rocket ship dressed in a business suit and smells like lemon drops and Werthers.
View on Reddit #54760216

TenguBlade@reddit

I’d check out the Black Labels with just the 3.0L. The hybrid option is very heavy, doesn’t carry that weight well at all, and the hybrid transmission sucks even more than Ford’s usual half-assed transmission calibrations.
View on Reddit #54772331

xzzz@reddit

Lincoln has nicer materials but fit and finish is still crap as it’s assembled by the same shitty workers that assemble the Ford products. Ironically the Made in China Lincoln Nautilus has the best fit and finish of the Lincoln’s.
View on Reddit #54764902

shawizkid@reddit

Woof. Wait till you see the price tag on the Lincoln. Hard pass
View on Reddit #54758866

Larcya@reddit

Honestly either a CX-70 or a Ford Bronco is on my list for my next car. CX-70 becuese I don't need 3 rows of seats and that inline 6 turbo or Bronco becuese I want a convertible SUV and also want something to tow shit that isn't a 2001 F-350.
View on Reddit #54763806

DM725@reddit

I just drove a Ford Explorer St-Line because our CX-90 PHEV lease is expiring soon. I definitely preferred the chassis, suspension tuning and steering in the Mazda. The CX-50 is assembled in Alabama which I'm sure leads to the creaks and rattles compared to the CX-5 and CX-90 which are manufactured in Japan.
View on Reddit #54779695

chlronald@reddit

Driving a mazda that's sounds about right. Mazda cars are great jack of all trades car which mean master of none. (E.g price is great but not hyundai cheap, reliability is great but not old toyota touble free, lots of features but not Lexus comfort, driving dynamic is great but still a commuter... etc)
View on Reddit #54756229

owleaf@reddit

That’s a very Japanese car thing though. Honda was the same. Toyota is probably the only one that leans heavily into the reliability at the notable expense of other things.
View on Reddit #54774465

steakpienacho@reddit

And Toyota is losing that reliability more year over yesr these days in a lot of models, trucks especially
View on Reddit #54778501

SpongeHED@reddit

Sounds like the kind of buyers remorse that isn’t helpful for anyone. Especially noting that you went for a fucking explorer lmao, what a clown
View on Reddit #54778420

durdommm@reddit

Isn't this kinda a disproportionate comparison? An Explorer with the 3.0 Ecoboost and Platinum package is like 60k $, the CX-50 is low 40k $. The comparison should have been between a CX70/90 and the Explorer, of course the CX-50 is not really a match compared to the Explorer when they are one tier above in the line-up. As others have said, I did not see the Explorer twist either, I was really curious what did you switch to. This is lowkey like saying you bought a 100 $ Android, it kinda sucked and then you bought the latest Pro Max iPhone and its miles better.
View on Reddit #54762873

UnnamedStaplesDrone@reddit

yeah thats nuts paying 60k for an explorer.
View on Reddit #54777889

bigtexasrob@reddit

Mate, you should have kept the CX-50, literally no one has given it as much thought and consideration as you.
View on Reddit #54750818

Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

Bro you’re chatting about car in r/cars. all we do is think about cars and chat about it.
View on Reddit #54758051

bigtexasrob@reddit

Yeah, exciting, interesting cars, not a CX-50 😂
View on Reddit #54775866

Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

This post has over a hundred comments so clearly some people are interested in this.
View on Reddit #54776177

bigtexasrob@reddit

People watch The View every morning, what’s your point?
View on Reddit #54777538

Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

I’d like to ask you the same question
View on Reddit #54777747

UnnamedStaplesDrone@reddit

Yeah Mazda has some of the shittiest seats in the business it seems. I guess that's one component they cut corners on. Very flat, unsupportive, and firm in all the wrong spots... plus if you're above average height (i'm not even that tall, 5'11") the seat bases are also comically short. Our CX5, the passenger seat feels "loose" even though the seat is bolted in securely. Much have some internal issue.
View on Reddit #54777702

JustThall@reddit

It always puzzles me that americans buy SUV/crossovers for 75mph+ trips and are complaining about gas mileage. I’m doing 32mpg driving 80-100mph on I5 between LA and SF each time just because I’ve picked a aero efficient lift back. Love of 20in wheels is also drives me nuts
View on Reddit #54777062

Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

I’ve owned three modern Mazdas and will probably make that four soon. The seats are horrible for the most part. My alive and I are below average height and LOVE the seats in the miata. My wife says they are the most comfortable seats she’s ever sat in with just the right bolstering for windy roads. Turbo fours can be good but the Mazda 2.5t feels like a CUV engine. It feels almost like a turbo diesel. I can live with the engine but my one auto car has to do car trips and the seats are uncomfortable after two drives. In my Audi allroad I have now I once did an eight hour Cleveland to New York stopping for food once and stopping to pee once. In the Audi I don’t realize I’m tired until I get out of the car. Mazda should put a lot of time and effort into making more comfortable seats and the Mazda 3 should be available with ventilated seats. If they can add ventilated seats in the miata it would be great for auto sports. I know everyone cares about weight but it could be grand touring only.
View on Reddit #54757981

beastrabban@reddit

To be fair, those Mazda four cylinders basically are diesel in terms of compression.
View on Reddit #54776513

DaBombDiggidy@reddit

Sold my cx50 before 2 years as well. My city only driving was ~21mpg. Just awful, I’d have probably kept it if it was the new hybrid. Mazda doesn’t use their space well like Honda does. Also the non premium speaker system was pitiful, it bothered me so much. Even the “premium” system isn’t good.
View on Reddit #54761729

band-of-horses@reddit

I really don't understand how people buy a vehicle with published fuel economy numbers that aren't good, experience numbers slightly below that (pretty much the case especially if you don't drive conservatively) and then complain about the fuel economy. Outside of the hybrids now available mazda offers pretty terrible gas mileage, but that isn't exactly a secret, it's right on the window sticker.
View on Reddit #54766582

wi3loryb@reddit

In the not so distant past it was easy to beat the EPA estimates by knowing how to drive. Now cars are fully optimized to get good ratings on the test. My 2013 cx-5 weighs under 3150lbs.. and is rated at 26mpg city. 2024 cx-5 weighs 3700+ and somehow still has that same 26 city mpg rating. The 2024 engine is 2.5L and is actually less efficient than the 2.0L.. and due to all the extra weight it has to do at least 15% more work every time it accelerates. With my 2013 it's very easy to exceed the rating... With the 2024 it'd be impossible.
View on Reddit #54775649

band-of-horses@reddit

I have a 2021 CX-5 and drive like 98% city, my lifetime fuel economy is 21.4mpg. It's rated 22 city and 27 highway so that's pretty darn close. I can get over 22mpg on a tank but I have to drive more carefully than I care to. On the rare occasions I take longer freeway trips I find I can easily beat the highway mpg though, typically I can get 29mpg pretty easily.
View on Reddit #54775840

Clarkeyy24@reddit

2025 CX-50 owner here with 1500km here. I can only agree with the gas mileage. It’s pretty sad. My Type R was better on fuel. I’ve done 1hr car rides and the seats are fine. It was worried with people hating them. It’s definitely a love/hate thing. As for the rear torsion beam, I swear if people didn’t know this car had it, they wouldn’t complain. It’s like a placebo effect at this point. I live out in an area with winding roads and a fast highway. The car for an SUV handles all this so well. The car is heavy though and you can feel that at times but the 2.5T is paired well with this car. An NA version shouldn’t even exist.
View on Reddit #54775075

snootymctooty@reddit

I have a CX5 and agree on the seats as well. Sciatica inducing and the asymmetry of the dead pedal to the accelerator makes it worse. 
View on Reddit #54774854

bazbloom@reddit

Re: Seats and road noise. Quite a few early reviews mentioned the seats and the weird slotted design. They didn't come right out and say they were uncomfortable but the inference was clear. The seats are indeed poorly cushioned. Mazda knows this and still hasn't fixed them. Very few reviews mention the elephant in the room and that's road noise. Mazdas may not be "noisier" in instrumented testing but the nature of the noise that enters the cabin is downright fatiguing. The lack of sound deadening is one thing in the MX-5, Mazda 3 or CX-30, but it's unacceptable at the CX-50 PP price point. Last but not least, 20" wheels are ridiculous for this application. I tried to like the 50 but a short test drive turned up too many Mazda-specific issues to ignore.
View on Reddit #54774740

sasquatch_melee@reddit

This confirms my existing bias that I would shortlist the CX5 NA but not even consider the cx50 or the turbo
View on Reddit #54774579

YorkshieBoyUS@reddit

I had the non Turbo 2024 CX50 premium package for less than a year. Drivers seat really uncomfortable. 25 mpg gas mileage. Crude feeling driving. Traded for a 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid LX. 50+ mpg. Comfortable and smooth. Plenty quick for what it is.
View on Reddit #54773077

ThePurpleBall@reddit

Our CX50 was also the shortest I ever owned a car. Thankfully got made whole. Totally agree, Mazda wows you on a test drive, but over a short span you begin to regret it. I had a 23, wow the suspension and steering was awful. The seats are terrible but hey couldn’t even worry about those I was in a cx5 loaner most of the time I had the 50
View on Reddit #54772696

DrSpaceman575@reddit

I went to look at one recently for my wife after seeing rave reviews and not finding any negative press about it. I was shocked the interior was so cramped, as soon as I sat in it I realized we couldn’t buy it. The CX-5 is smaller in almost every dimension but larger on the inside.
View on Reddit #54770977

WarCrimeGaming@reddit

I’m a bit annoyed that the X3 has been turned into a capybara because it was my primary choice for a second car. Lexus crossovers/SUVs have no sportiness
View on Reddit #54769214

srsbsnssss@reddit

i can't unsee the capybara now, thanks
View on Reddit #54770496

srsbsnssss@reddit

you bought one of the few mazdas not made in japan if youre going american-built, i too would just get the ford
View on Reddit #54770444

CortaCircuit@reddit

I love my 2025 CX-5. Only things I would chnage on it are. Hybrid power train or at least something like an 7/8/10 speed auto transmission. Its gas mileage is on the lower end of cars made in 2025. Lane centering while driving. I've always found this feature to be nice, especially when driving on the highway or for extended periods of time. Currently, this CX-5 only has lane keep assist.
View on Reddit #54755798

italian_car@reddit

Do you have a turbo? I have a NA 2019 CX-5 and I enjoy revving it up to 4k rpm when going around town. My only real complaint with the engine is that the power peaks at 5k rpm and not 6k.
View on Reddit #54768110

CortaCircuit@reddit

No, 2025 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus.
View on Reddit #54769971

band-of-horses@reddit

Though not cheap, you could add a [Comma](https://comma.ai/) to get lane centering.
View on Reddit #54760165

CortaCircuit@reddit

I was actually looking at the Comma 3x last week. 
View on Reddit #54763686

custardbun01@reddit

“The seats that I thought were acceptable on a 30 minute test drive ended up triggering awful sciatic pain on 2+ hour drives, and breaking them in didn't improve comfort at all.” I’m selling my CX-30 for many reasons including this. Mazda seats are horrible. I’ve just been to hospital with a herniated disc and I swear the only thing that ever triggers the pain is long drives in our Mazda.
View on Reddit #54769604

DirtyRedytor@reddit

Funny you mention the engine. I drove the turbo edition and didn't enjoy the experience, although I think the problem lies in the old 6 speed auto. That said, I have a Accord with the 2.0 turbo 4 and not only does it sound great (likely pumped in audio) but it pulls more than it has any right to be. I wouldn't write off all turbo 4s in the future, especially as companies develop more to meet mileage standards.
View on Reddit #54768666

bas3adi@reddit

honestly sounds like you made the right call, no point keeping a car that just slowly drains you every time you drive it
View on Reddit #54768473

Phosphorus444@reddit

r/whatcarshouldibuy is going to throw a fit.
View on Reddit #54766013

Noex3ptions@reddit

Sounds like you would enjoy a CPO Macan
View on Reddit #54765946

Astramael@reddit

I continue to enjoy everybody blaming the torsion beam for any particular thing they don’t like about the car. Some people say it ruins the handling but the ride is great, some people say it ruins the ride but the handling is great, some people say it makes it jittery in the highway but it’s fine around town, but some people say it makes the car unstable over low speed imperfections but it’s solid on the highway. Gotta love how people have no actual perception of what’s going on, can’t tell that it exists, and just point to the spec sheet deficiency because clearly it *must* be a problem somehow. I’m not surprised people don’t like the CX50 for plenty of reasons. I think Mazda has a style and they are very opinionated about it, and you like it or you don’t. OP doesn’t like it and that’s fine, I expect the Explorer will be a better fit and that’s good!
View on Reddit #54763572

BuddyBear17@reddit

It's because it's the one data point they have in their heads about the platform ("hurr durr torsion beam bad!") and all of their other opinions about the vehicle pivot around that fulcrum. Then you drive it and realize that you're not thinking about the torsion beam at all behind the wheel, any more than I thought about the independent rear in my MS3. You're just in the moment, driving. Or you're not, and you're opining on specs about cars you've never driven or owned on social media.
View on Reddit #54765288

BuddyBear17@reddit

Thank you to OP for an original post within this sub, which is otherwise rapidly enshittifying into bots talking to other bots and reposts of YouTube content. And it reaffirms my opinion that the current 3 is the best of the Small Product Group platform vehicles (3/CX-30/CX-50). The CX-30 I'd had previously was also a car that I liked less the longer I had it, especially given the numb steering rack and lack of usable cargo space, so I ended up trading it in on a top trim 3 Turbo to serve daily duties, which I've been happy with. It doesn't feel value engineered to the extent that the 30 and 50 due (torsion beam aside, which TBH isn't something I think about at all when driving it).
View on Reddit #54764619

wastemetime@reddit

I stopped at using premium fuel and not the recommended grade. The engine is tuned to work best for a specific grade of fuel.
View on Reddit #54752003

coherent-rambling@reddit

What's your concern there? OP was mostly using premium fuel, which is what the owner's manual recommends. Also, using higher-that-required octane is fine, just costs more. Also also, Mazda specifically allows lower (87) octane, it just reduces power, but that's not what OP was doing anyway.
View on Reddit #54753206

wastemetime@reddit

And you drive a Mustang
View on Reddit #54754064

coherent-rambling@reddit

>I stopped at using premium fuel and not the recommended grade. The engine is tuned to work best for a specific grade of fuel. We're all still very confused what your problem is in this situation. Premium fuel *is* the recommended grade. Mazda tuned it to work best on premium, your Motor Trend link confirms better performance, *and that's what OP was using.* Premium **IS** the recommended grade. OP was using the recommended grade. This is not in any way related to my Mustang.
View on Reddit #54762062

wastemetime@reddit

Now you're just trolling.
View on Reddit #54763527

youreloser@reddit

That is the recommended grade.
View on Reddit #54754682

wastemetime@reddit

You're right. The engine is designed to take different levels of fuel grade. CX-50 2.5 Turbo quarter mile 91 - 15.1 seconds at 91.3 mph 87 - 15.4 seconds at 89.7 mph As the post stated, there is lag at higher speeds. Most of the gain on 91 grade fuel was in the 0-30 mph range. So thanks for the information.
View on Reddit #54756389

Choice_Student4910@reddit

OP such a good take on the CX-50. I have a 2015 CRV right now but I will be shopping soon to replace it. The CX-50’s styling and turbo four was attractive to me but your 18-month user experience has me taking my rose-tinted glasses off. My Honda has its own minor annoyances and older tech but the car has been livable on the whole.
View on Reddit #54762910

No-fear-im-here@reddit

I thought I would regret picking the Mazda three hatch over the bigger brothers. But reading this and others makes me start to think maybe the 3 and CX 30 is actually more comfortable to drive than the larger more expensive Mazdas. It’s small but somehow it feels higher quality. That being said I do have some annoyances with the quality. The overall fit and finish is good but some of the plastics in the cabin are quite poor quality. Like for example the very easy to scratch piano black plastic and the incredibly scratch prone gauge cluster lens that scratches if you look at it wrong. Thankfully my car only has one minor rattle in it, and it’s caused by the HUD lens. Thankfully it was fixed in the newer models. That being said it is still mildly annoying. Also in my experience I used to get good fuel economy with the turbo and AWD. But as soon as I put sticker tires on it went down drastically.
View on Reddit #54762522

rational_overthinker@reddit

I'm gonna probably get down voted to shit for saying it but the CX-50 is the wife's car Girl you know it's true, ooh ooh ooooh
View on Reddit #54761026

TowJammer212@reddit

I passed on the cx50 turbo because it was slow as crap even for being turbo. Slower than my 15-year-old V6 venza. I'm really interested is the new hybrid cx50 with the Toyota drivetrain. I would be fine with that being slow as it gets 40 mpgs.
View on Reddit #54759784

Tomato_Sky@reddit

Not gonna lie…. I hung on every word. You need to do regular car reviews. Just keep chucking everyone’s favorite budget/quality and give us the skinny. Thank you for your service. I like pretending I’m in the market and Mazda’s pull me in out of intrigue. But you put things into scope- what other reviewers can’t or don’t do. The line about being a budget Audi vs a generic crossover and how you understand the nuance that the CX-50 does have use cases and probably better than average, but are we talking better than average generic crossover or a budget Audi with some compromises. I would legit pay to read reviews like this.
View on Reddit #54759596

wastemetime@reddit

CX-50 2.5 Turbo quarter mile 91 - 15.1 seconds at 91.3 mph 87 - 15.4 seconds at 89.7 mph As the post stated, there is lag at higher speeds. Most of the gain on 91 grade fuel was in the 0-30 mph range. So thanks for the information. Information is here -> https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-mazda-cx-50-yearlong-review-update-7-premium-gas-test
View on Reddit #54756663

racer_24_4evr@reddit

Can’t drive it more than 2 hours without back pain but complaining you have to fill up every 4 hours is interesting.
View on Reddit #54756380

bro_curls@reddit

I'm sorry to hear you not enjoy the Mazda. I owned a 2016 CX-5 and traded in for a 2020 CX-5. Altogether, I've put almost 200k in those vehicles combined. I enjoy driving the Mazda. The engine (NA version) is more than peppy for me. Love the wide opening rear doors for when I have to wrestle my 2 year old in/out the car seat . Have only 2 complaints; the infotainment is unreliable and the ACC drives/stops like a student driver programmed it.
View on Reddit #54756137

Dull-Climate-9638@reddit

Mazda cult likes to think they own a luxury car but in reality what you described pretty much are some things that don't make it a luxury brand. I also hate that torsion beam setup and it is unacceptable for this price range. I had owned a mazda3 and always get back pain over long road trips. Also the lane keep assists or adaptive cruise system are terrible in this car. Truth is Mazda is still an economy brand.
View on Reddit #54755992

bamahoon@reddit

While not a CX50, I had a 2019 CX5 for a month as a loaner that followed a month with a 2018 Tiguan. In that case, I 100% disagree about the Mazda being more engaging. I couldn't enjoy any part of it while mine spine was being compressed. The steering felt like they drove an E90, and all they took from it was that it was heavy. It missed all of the feel that goes with it. Same with the overly stiff suspension. My 2016 Fiesta ST was somehow more comfortable. My C5 Z06 might as well be an LS430 in comparison, and this somehow includes road noise. My mud terrains on my 4Runner somehow had less road noise. The Tiguan just felt like a larger, slower, softer Golf. It was still plenty tossable, while being comfortable at the same time.
View on Reddit #54753818

goaelephant@reddit

Next time CX90 with the 3.3 L6 turbo
View on Reddit #54752298

AmericanExcellence@reddit

right, 320 lb ft and 227 hp tells you everything you need to know. the engine has no top end whatsoever. like most commuter turbos, it has the low-end pump to trick casual drivers into thinking it's powerful. pretty funny, the top-line performance spec on mazda's site is "engine and torque". they bury the power figure way down at the bottom.
View on Reddit #54751588

nice_lookin_vehicle@reddit

We also traded in a CX50 ('23 non turbo) for an Explorer (2.3l I4). I couldn't wait to get rid of that thing, only kept it for less than 2 years.
View on Reddit #54751278

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View on Reddit #54744475