2023 Mazda CX-50

Better than expected.

Saturday, May 04, 2024

I purchased a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited in January 2024. I like it. Though the 2.5 is noisy and I am not a fan of CVT Transmissions, though Subaru probably has the best CVT on the market. You forget it is a CVT because there is no lag. I think it better than Toyotas CVT that I have owned in 2021. Upon visiting daughter in Sacramento CA in May 2024. I had reserved a midsized pickup. When I arrived at Budget car rental there was no midsized pickups ready. Desk clerk ask if a Toyota 4runner be ok. I said NO! It will drink gas & California gas is high priced! He said, How about a Mazda CX-5. Sure ok. I get to space he said & noticed the Mazda is a CX-50 with 11,000 miles on it. Likely a 2023. Red in color. 2.5 engine, 6 speed conventional transmission. Right away I noticed the car was very quiet compared to my new Subaru Crosstrek limited. Power is immediate. Driving mountain roads up to Lake Tahoe the car never suffered for power. Returning down the mountain my 37 year old daughter drove. She is accustom to mountain roads and congested Sacramento traffic. The car took the mountain corners very very well, she was easily 10 to 20 miles over the recommended turn speed. Car handled beautifully & the cabin remained quiet. The space behind rear seats seems longer than my Crosstrek. Plenty of storage behind the seats. I would call the interior conservative, yet the seats are extremely comfortable. Much like my Crosstrek, the passengers seat is manual only and cannot be raised. The drivers seat is all power. Visibility is good. I guess what impressed me most is just how quiet this Mazda CX-50 is. How well the transmission shifts seamlessly and how it's power is immediate. I can tell you this, As soon as the 2025 Mazda CX-50's are available I will be trading in my Subaru Crosstrek. Subaru AWD is no doubt the best in the world. The boxer engine is old school even with its upgrades. But the quality of the Mazda Interior I believe is superior to that of Subaru. Certainly Mazda is much quieter and more refined even if conservative. I actually did not have Mazda on my shopping list back in January 2024. Wish I had, because I certainly would have chosen it over the Crosstrek Limited I purchased. True the Subaru Crosstrek is proven and a real value for your dollar, but in my opinion the Mazda has it beat in comfort and quietness. All else being equal, I rather ditch the CVT tranny and stick to Mazda's SkyActive Tranny and engines.

Just there

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Nothing special. Overpriced, slow, just kinda chugs along base engine is underpowered for this hefty girl of 3700 lbs. but does manage 30mpg so that is acceptable. Transmission excellent! brakes very poor, pedal feels like stepping on a brick. no snow to test the AWD at this time but my first impressions is that it will be run of the mill average for light off roading; good tire size might bring this slightly above average engine compartment is an Inferno of heat!! Never seen a new car run this hot before. all gauges read normal.

2024 CX-50

Saturday, April 13, 2024

The new and improved steering and suspension on this model year is such a game changer for this vehicle, it’s almost a cross between a Lexus or Acura it’s the perfect middle ground. Would absolutely recommend this vehicle.