James trying to talk about the car and Thomas is like "but the steering!"

Man mazda's steering never dissapoint, somehow mazda always has the best steering among most of its competitor, the first time I drove my uncle's CX 5 I immediatley shocked by the accuracy of the steering, like, a crossover's steering has no business being that heavy and relatively accurate

7:42 One of my favorite moments from any of their reviews 😂

I agree with this being an emotional choice and not a rational choice, that pretty much defines why Mazda is my favorite daily car brand ❤️ They satisfy my mind being practical cars but also my heart by having amazing looks, kinda luxurious cabins and great driving dynamics ❤️

I got my CX-50 turbo in July and every mile I’ve driven has been so much fun. The steering feel was a huge plus in my book. It’s a wonderful blend of sport, luxury & practicality, and I couldn’t be happier!! I look forward to driving it every day!

I’ve had my CX-50 turbo for two weeks. I absolutely love driving it.

"if you're a car enthusiast, and you're like 'oh I don't get to have a sports car', this is the one to get" As someone over 50 who's dealt with arthritis since my late 30's, that statement nailed it for me. Do I want a 2024 Mustang GT with that sexy V8? Of course! Can I get into and out of it more than once a week without hating my life? Not likely. I've come to terms with the fact that I need something taller and easier to live with, but I still want something that I can enjoy driving too, so this might be the one to get.

I have a CX-30 Turbo in Soul Red and it's absolutely a head turner. Folks on the street tell me it's the most striking red they've ever seen and I absolutely agree. I'm absolutely in love with the whole CX lineup.

That's it, I'm going for a road test this week. If Thomas cant stop talking about steering feel like that in a cuv, it's got to be good! That's why i like TH reviews, these guys can feel the cars they test.

I have the cx50, previously had a 2017 mazda3. Let me tell you, I absolutely love my cx50. It's been about 5 months now and have had no complaints. Such a smooth drive. Beautiful design inside and out and overall very comfortable to drive in. Only "issue" i have is the shiny black plastic on the center console and also on the exterior doors.

Mazda is doing something interesting here. It doesn’t seem its trying to make a proper utility CUV or a perfect luxury crossover, but an enthusiast sport ute. They’re leaning on engagement. I saw in another review that even manual mode is very locked and snappy. They’re going anti NPC mobile, cause thats a battle of excess selling not engineering

I agree. Mazda has the best red paint in the non-luxury category. I'd repaint the Stinger in this red fast af if it wasn't.... gonna cost what it costs

In 2014, I went to test drive what was the new Mazda 6. I remember afterwards getting back in my 2007 Grand Prix and thinking..this feels like I’m driving a garden tractor. Needless to say, I bought the Mazda. I lived in an area of Alaska with nice curvy mountain roads. It was a joy.

@7:50 Thomas speaks the most truth that any automotive journalist has ever spoken.

Just bought one of these in this color. Let me tell you, for the money you spend this car feels somewhat similar to a luxury car without the price of a luxury car. We absolutely love it and the steering is so exciting. Interior has a sharp, minimalistic feel and doesn't look cheap. It doesn't have tons of plastic everywhere which I like. The lack of touch screen (apart from Apple car play/Android auto) I thought would be an issue but I actually LOVE it. We did our research and test drove a lot of cars. This is the only vehicle we thought was up to our standards for the money you pay. It is so comfortable and fun to drive. The stereo system is impressive for bose. Love this car!!!!

I love love love this car. The steering cannot be complemented enough, along with the fact that it doesn't drive like an SUV at all. Driving it at 10/10ths it feels PHENOMENAL. On the level of any AWD sports car you've ever driven. They are not exaggerating when they say you could take it canyon carving. With that AWD system and that steering in a sedan or coupe, you have the best sports car on the market.

Own a CX 50 Turbo Premium Plus for 8 months now. Love it! Coming from a long line of BMW, X3, being the most recent, this is the only vehicle that has been “satisfying,” to “drive” outside of the German brands. Before buying the CX50, I tested an RDX, a RAV4 Prime and a Lexus NX 350. My son has a Santa Fe…it’s ok. They all did not have that fun factor and were just plain boring. This has all the tech I need and more than I had in my X3. The CX50 is a drivers SUV! I do wish there was a Hybrid, PHEV version but the CX-70 is coming. Zoom, Zoom!

Great review. I always liked Mazdas steering/ driving dynamics. I currently own a 17’ CX-5 waiting for a CX-50 since September….

I own a 13 Mazda 3 and it's a hoot to drive. Nice to hear they're still keeping that up in their CUVs.

I stumbled across this video and appreciate the canter and banter from both of you. From a car enthusiast perspective you guys hit a lot of good notes and now the only thing left to do is go test drive one! Thanks so much for the video.

Mazda has really turned around their whole design and engineering over the past five years. I have a base model CX-30 for the past two years and it's a great small sport crossover, even without the turbo.

Been looking at this as an “upgrade” from the cx-30 only because of its size. Do have to say the steering is what sold the cx-30 for me! Sports car steering is exactly what it is, awesome content as always!

My wife got a CX5 a few years ago. We ended up with the Mazda after driving Subarus, Toyotas and Hondas. They all felt like they were about to tip over in a curve. Mazda’s steering and sporty feel did it for us. Now I’m considering this car.

I cross-shopped this class of car to death and bought a base CX-50. It has the best steering, standard AWD, best infotainment (imo), panoramic sunroof, mesh and leather seats (great for hot climate, full leather requires ventilation only available on upper trims) plenty of cargo space and genuine off-road prowess. The other cars feel like appliances and outright cheap at the lower trims.

remember when unpainted plastic trim was a big knock against a new car?

Ever since Mazda announced that they were working on an inline six and a rear wheel drive platform, I have been saying the same thing that Thomas said. If they make a Mazda6, preferably wagon, RWD with a 300hp I6, that is the perfect BMW. 11/10 would buy.

Coming from a Honda, I did not expect a steering like this! But its growing on me! I love my CX-50. Not the suspension though! Thanks for the review James and Thomas!

I absolutely love Mazda’s weighted steering as I knew exactly what the wheels were doing and it felt really sporty and responsive on back roads. I was thinking about getting one of these, but dealership markups are insane for the turbo engined trims. I had a 2018 Mazda6 with the naturally aspirated 2-liter and it felt very underpowered, so I could only imagine what that engine would be like in a heavier CX-50.

I have a 22 CX-5, and quite frankly I don't need a touch screen. The joystick works perfectly for me, and falls readily to hand with my arm on the armrest. With the buttons around it, and the volume knob I have all I need, and the screen doesn't get crap all over it. The steering is lovely, and it handles well without being punishing. Thank you Mazda for not making it a nausea inducing land barge.

I can totally agree with the steering comment. Im an owner of the CX30 turbo and the way that little cuv hoots and scoots thru traffic/backroads is hella fun!… and in the snow its a blast! Dont get me started when that turbo kicks in 🔥

I just really love James he just seems like such a genuinely nice guy. Thomas is a car enthusiast and I respect it. I’ve learned a lot about cars and ones that I didn’t think would be a good fit. ✨

You guys are the funnest car reviewers on KZfaq by a long way! Well done. 😊

I bought my cx50 premium turbo last Friday. I really love most everything about it! Very responsive in both handling and engine performance. Seats are firm but comfortable and very adjustable! it does take a bit getting used to the media/touch screen. In 1 week it is becoming more intuitive in using it. If you want a luxury riding small suv maybe skip this one BUT if you like driving, handling, quality, something different in all the right ways this is worth looking into! For reference I wanted a 2 door Jeep wrangler but that is so impractical with school age kids, so this was the next best answer for me.

Credit where deserved, well done, earlier this year i went in dealers with only 2 choices in mind, CX-50 or CX-5, i ended up choosing the 5 turbo loaded, love it. its the best of everthing you said... and honestly if you redrive the facelifted one, its funny that it pretty much addresses your only complaints about the 50 haha! I am now the proud owner of 40/20/40 ;) '22 Signature.

You guys are the best reviewers out there. Nobody makes it more fun to watch car reviews than you 2 !

6:55 That's EXACTLY the point. THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO USE IT WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING! How is this so hard for car journos to understand?! You SHOULDN'T be FORCED to use a touchscreen and look at it while driving. That's what the dial and the PHYSICAL volume button/knob are for!

Went car shopping a few months ago, and test drove the Mazda CX5O MERIDIAN. I enjoyed the driving and steering so much that i bought it on the spot. I love driving my car - its not perfect but its fun on the road. I love the fact the screen is small and unobtrusive and not a distraction. Back to just driving... I had Subaru Outbacks, Toyota RAV4, and last had a Ford Explorer. I Left Subaru because of the huge touch screen which I felt was a distraction- Hated the Toyota - felt cheap and the V6 engine I had. was too powerful for the car... The Ford Explorer was nice but ... not fun, just driving a truck.and the driving position not great. The CX50 brings back my love of driving. Its a sports car feel in a smaller SUV needed where I live - gravel and dirt roads. And just in love with my Zircon sand color. Can you tell I have zero interest in self driving cars?lol

I've had a 2015 cx5 and it was a great city vehicle. We just got the cx50 non turbo and love it. We're more in the country now, and it LOVES gravel and back roads. It eats them up and seems to really enjoy the banks and curves. Perfect road trip vehicle.

@4:28 agreed. I never would have expected it but the steering feedback in my ma's 2019 cx5 turbo is by far the best I've ever felt from an electric rack (tbf I've tried a lot but not Porsche yet)

That’s a great review of cx 50. I also want Mazda to bring back Mazda Mazda 6 with inline 6 and rear wheel drive

CX owner here. I’ve had it for about 4 months now and 4K miles on it. Mine is turbo with most of features. Love almost everything but the seats .. they are very uncomfortable and have a middle stitching that looks pretty but feels horrible. In the winter is tolerable but on warmer months with less clothing, it is a nightmare. My girlfriend drives my old 2008 audiQ4 yesterday I sat on it and feels much more comfortable. Back on my cx50 seat really lowers the driving experience . Stereo system is glitchy on Apple car. I miss the radio station dial.

Such a great little SUV with some VERY strange flaws. They’re not even flaws, really. More like quirks. Although the seat being uncomfortable is a bit of a deal breaker for most people, but the steering and handling is just sublime.

I bought one off this review. Thanks guys. It’s the most fun car I’ve driven since my eclipse in 2000. Thomas statements on the steering was what sold me and the rugged looks. It’s nice to have fun driving again.

The CX-50 is an advert for the gym. If you can't single hand a wheel with some weighting you will have issues! I single finger mine on the heaviest setting - makes up for no gf.

7:42 hahaha 🤣 DEFINITELY the official term for sure

Mazda in general nailed the move from hydraulic to electric powered steering better than pretty much any other manufacturer. Their steering it absolutely fantastic.

I've been a fan of Mazda for years, since the days of the 2000s 'zoom zoom' commercials. My first car belonged to the fourth gen mazda sedan design and feel.. loved it! My family&friends eventually caught on to the japenese influence (cx-5's , 3 sedan , etc) . I cannot see myself jumping ship, as I now have a cx-9. WAY TOGO MAZDA

I own a CX50 and you guys are spot on with everything. I love this car however I just wish it's Lane keeping assistance was a little better but everything else is good or amazing

I so love the steering!!!! Just smokes every corner with confidence ❤ And it has to be the best looking CUV in its segment. Even beats a few luxury brands on looks and steering experience.

I'm driving the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus all week. The steering is near-perfect. Not too heavy at all. One-handed driving and parallel parking with no issues at all. Great coverage, guys. You're the best on the web.

I have a Mazda 3 2018 and when I test drove it, the steering is what made me fall in love with it! Looking into getting this one next and this video probably made it a definite decision.

So far, the most convincing review of the CX-50--it pushes me to go the dealership and get one for ME... well, and my family 😊

I have this in the Meridian Edition in Polymetal grey with the terracotta interior and I have been stopped multiple times by someone telling me how beautiful of a car it is. I have a CX-5 before I bought this and I'm impressed everyday with the CX-50. I absolutely love it. I don't mind the screen being set back because for me it keeps me from reaching for it.

When we were in the market for a three row SUV, the CX-9 was a no-brainer after driving a few options. Not as much space as, say a VW Atlas, but it drives beautifully, feels special, looks great, and I still look forward to getting behind the wheel. Love what Mazda is doing lately.

Mazda tech is fantastic. It is just the right amount. The non touchscreen high up and far away but in view high is perfect.. No one needs to have a touch screen in a car. The heads up display is also fantastic in the CX50.

Just traded our cx5 for 2023 cx50 and front grill is fantastic. Cladding just makes it cool looking

I prefer this extra content than the normal production. Please make more of these on regular cars and suvs.

i do have to say i went from a 2018 civic si and i just bought a mazda3 turbo awd carbon edition and for the money i have so much more fun driving the car and it’s just so much bang for the buck. Mazda really has succeeded competing with performance vehicles for half the money yet not lacking any luxury or performance. Underrated car company

I love the weighted feeling of the steering on my CX-5. It feels so good and makes a crossover fun to drive. Which is ridiculous.

I wanted to love the cx50 but here in Colorado at 6,000ft the Turbo engine becomes mandatory as the base engine is dangerously slow for merging into traffic

Great review! I loved the contrast in opinions.

Saw it in person two evenings ago in front of a Mazda dealership in this red color and it looked amazing. The bulges and everything is just perfect. Very rugged looking. Loved it. Wanted to buy it...

Now every time I swipe a credit card I'm going to think of the CX-50.

8k miles on our cx50 preferred plus, absolutely love it! We like the steering, it’s perfect as a daily. 32mpg and plenty of pep. Don’t miss the ‘20 forester sport we had prior to the cx50, Mazda blows Subaru out of the picture. No CVT and a true 6 speed dual clutch auto is a big bonus!

I bought one earlier one in April and man take this bad boy and a curvy highway and put it in sport and you just can't help but smile

I drove BMWs for decades. Bought a 2017 Mazda 3, upgraded to a 2018 Mazda CX-5 and now purchased a 2023 CX-5 Carbon Edition. Love my CX-5 and the Sky-active AWD which is standard now along with G-vectoring make for a fun drive. My brother has the 2023 CX-50.

I was very apprehensive of this review as I have one on order that should be coming in March, but this settles it. This car just feels so special to drive. Nevermind the seats that are weirdly uncomfortable, nevermind the cheaper plastics. I have a 2021 Mazda3 and I was anxious to see if this SUV would live up to it, and it really does.

In the old days, when the steering had weight and feel, you could actually feel the grip going away when the steering became lighter. This was very apparent in snow. Even driving slowly in the snow you could feel the steering was lighter. Light fake, disconnected steering is awful. Thanks for the review guys!

Literally listening to this video as I drive my CX 50 on the freeway I completely agree I love the handling I love everything about it the torque and this is coming from a girl my first car was a 98 Mustang

We have a CX-30, love the weighted steering, non-touch screen, and interior. The non- turbo engine is not anemic, at least in the smaller CX-30. Recently sat in two versions of the CX-50 and both were great, haven’t driven one yet.

Just took our cx50 from PA to Orlando and I totally agree with the steering its just to damn heavy and don’t get me started with the seats. The seats are terrible trust me your butt will feel the burn after 2 hours of driving I had to lift my butt up a couple times to relieve the pain it was the worst road trip ever. We really missed our cx5 sig but since it got totaled we thought we tried the cx50 bad choice we should have gotten another cx5 sig.

Mazda is so good at thinking through their cars except their seats. My 2021 cx5 seats are really uncomfortable, especially on long trips

I have mazda3 and the steering is amazing.im in love with it. I can drive in snow really well since I know exactly what the tires are doing and the grip I have.

Just bought a 2019 CX-5 for my folks, and I'm so impressed by it. It's just the 2.0L manual and so good to drive. The Forester, Rav4 etc can't touch it. The steering is very nice (probably not as nice as the 50 by the sounds of it) but the manual shift is weighted like a sports car. It's so good.

Absolutely love my CX-50. Yes, it is a strengthened, beefed up CX-5. The steering is incredible and it feels so much more connected.

I love the abrupt endings to these😂But no, when I get a daily I'll for sure look into Mazda, especially since their steering will match how my E92 steering feels.

Great long term review chaps! How are you guys recording the audio BTW?

I love this review! Thinking about replacing my CX-5 with one of these...and you kind of answer all the questions I was curious about in a test drive. My CX-5 is a 2019, Signature Edition or whatever the top trim is called, and my biggest gripe is the seats are incredibly hard and uncomfortable. I was hoping the CX-50 would give me all the "goodness" of the CX-5 (and there is a lot), plus hopefully more comfort...but perhaps, not so much.

I wonder, from a control standpoint, if having firmer steering like this makes it a better car during emergency situations. I've seen so many SUVs in emergency situations where the drive panics and/or over-corrects and it creates a really bad situation, many times resulting in rollover or cars going way out of control. I get it that it's hard to live with day to day, as I had the similar situation with my X3 M40i. But it seems to be better suited for SUV drivers from a control standpoint. It forces two hands on the wheel, even during highway driving.

i love how it seems like recently, some of the underdog car companies have been making really great vehicles. Kia, Hyundia, Mazda. Seriously. The ND2, Mazda3, and this are some of the best looking and best value cars out there right now. Not to mention Mazda is working on a new rotary. Love to see it. Hopefully theyre testing a new steering system is this car before putting into the next gen of Miata.

Just bought a used CX-5 mainly as as I was pleasantly suprised how well it drives, especially for a crossover. This highlights something I obverve in myself -- car enthusiasts seem to exist on a continuum. One one extreme, are people who are way more interested in the car itself. Imagine the boomer Corvette owner stereotype -- someone who loves the car, but really doesn't drive it that hard (or that much). On the other extreme, are driving enthusiasts, who care a lot more about the art of driving -- whether it's slowly and smoothly or as quickly as possible. They like the challenge of getting the most out of whatever they are driving. I think Mazdas as a whole all care about driving enthusiasts, even when it's a crossover, which is why I've owned more Mazdas than any other marque. That used to be true of German cars too, but that ere seems to be coming to a close. If you are primarily a car enthusiast, giving the CX-50 excellent steering makes no sense as no "performance" driver wants a crossover. But, if you are primarily a driving enthusiast, it makes perfect sense as it allows you to get the most out of the vehicle no matter how you are driving it. I love my CX-5, but I'm closer to the driving enthusiast end of the spectrum! I don't care that it's a mom-mobile -- I just love how it goes, stops and steers.

Thanks for the review fellas! I've been trying to decide between this and the CX-5 when I'm due for an upgrade.

I remember when I worked at Mazda I owned a Miata that was used for autocross and it had incredible steering. I got into the CX-5’s and Mazda 3’s and I thought “the steering is pretty good”. I didn’t realize how good they really were until I compared them to any other competitor

I purchased a CX-50 a few months ago and absolutely love it for all the reasons stated in the video. I came from a BMW but wanted something practical without spending a lot of money and this fit the bill. The driving experience is so much better than anything else I tested. The quirkiness of the entertainment system has grown on me. I'm actually quite surprised at how much I really love the car. I think I just happen to fit into that niche profile they described - but I couldn't be happier with it. FYI - I have the same specs/color as the one in video - best red in the biz.

Love your optimism!! Very good job

Mazda is from another planet ❤

Can tell you that the “immediacy” you feel off the line is present in the 2.5 non turbos as it’s more down to the throttle and transmission tuning. You’ll get more power with turbos obviously but at low commuting speeds you wouldn’t notice.

When they first introduced the CX-50 especially with the meridian edition look, it definitely tickled my fancy. The CX-50 definitely seems like it appeals more to the slightly more enthusiast and burly vehicle loving demographic.

Really enjoyed your video on the CX50 (and watch your channel regularly). I bought a CX50 after watching this video. Great transition from my Mazda 6 GT.

I enjoy and look forward to ya car reviews every weekend.

This sounds like a car I would want to buy and keep for a long time, more analog.

LOL, I daily a 2019 CX-5, and the independent rear suspension and 40/20/40 rear seat (which I have actually used on occasion) is exactly the hill upon which I'm willing to die in defending my CX-5 against the CX-50 😁. Honestly, I do really like the CX-50, and had it been available when I bought my CX-5, I could have probably been swayed towards it. BUT, as a CX-5 owner, I don't really see it as enough of an upgrade to make it worthwhile to trade in my CX-5 for a CX-50. If Mazda releases a new compact/midsize CUV with an inline-6 and rear-drive layout, though, that would probably be enough to sway me to switch. I don't want it to be CX-9 sized, though. I'm content with a smaller 5-seater.

I want to go and drive one now to feel the steering!! Fun review thanks, I normally don’t stick around for the SUVs

Ordered one in red last month! Can’t wait to get it

Great steering is welcomed in any car. The steering feel in my latest car is one of the reasons I got it. You get used to the heaviness and don't notice it after a while. While with numb steering you always notice it.

I got my wife a 2019 cx5 signature for most of the reasons thomas gave lol. Its the most sporty feeling crossover. The 2.5 turbo is faster than it has any right to be, the heavy steering is phenomenal, the mpg is alright, the transmission is incredible in comparison to a cvt or the old dry 7 speed dct from kia. The technology is slow but it works well, the bose sound system is incredible, thr double pane windows are really nice and make the interior super quiet, its honestly one of the best cars ive ever owned. It could be alot better, like the mpg, the awd system, the slow tech, ect. Its a car that has every feature but isnt necessarily the best at any of them, but at sub 30k for a used one with 9k miles, it was a steal honestly. Hell of an upgrade from our old kia soul turbo

I got a CX 50 a few weeks ago and I only have 2 complaints really. If I turn on the ac I can’t see the light indicating that it’s actually on. And the seat belt alarm is incredibly loud. It’s not a car for everyone like they say but I really like it

new CX50 owner in wind chill peart (actually awesome color, in the right lighting looks almost like a matte finish that sparkles) - steering is great, don't notice the 'heaviness' at all, also drive 2004 VW Passat, which had quite heavy steering, and BMW 330 MSport Sportwagen, usually in sport mode, the CX50 is great, steering and handling of sport oriented sedan, but utility of the segment. interesting review, my wife and I both liked this MUCH better than rav4, crv, etc., probably coming from the old VW and BMW, this is more comfortable for us, BMW is super stiff so CX50 feels really nice.

Seems like a great car - fuel economy is not acceptable though from what I hear on CX-5/CX-50 forums. Gets the same as my 3.5 GV70 does. Wonder if they improved the front seat space? I couldn't drive the CX-5 for more than 20 minutes before I got leg pain.

Cross shopped this and a new Venza. Love how this drove and the safety features but the turbo engine was sadly anemic and barley managed 24mpg. Venza was also slow but managed over 40 mpg with a hybrid system. The end of year cost saving coupled with strong resale value was enough for me to choose the Toyota over this.