It was a tough choice which forum to post this in. I am not attempting to push bias toward the CX-50 or the CX-5 and could have posted this in either forum area.

I am new to this group. I am here because I have been helping my girlfriend shop for a new car. She's a longtime Mazda owner (Mazda 6 I think) and her car, with 200,000 miles on it needs to be retired.

So, yesterday we went to a local Mazda dealer and had the opportunity to test drive the CX-5 and the CX-50 both in Premium Plus trims. We are not interested in a turbo engine.

My girlfriend and I had similar impressions


CX-5

PRO: More upscale feel. This vehicle feels more luxurious inside
PRO: Seats higher
PRO: Bose sound system sounds superior to the one installed in the CX-50. I think this has much to do with the compactness of the vehicles
PRO: Heated Steering Wheel (not available in the CX-50 Premium Plus trim)
CON: Short center console armrest that my girlfriend could not put her elbow on as her seating position is more forward. (this could be a dealbreaker)


CX-50

PRO: While it has a bigger cabin, the difference in cargo space is miminal
PRO: Seats are not as narrow as they are in the CX-50
PRO: Center console armrest extends further forward and easily accessible for all seating positions
PRO: Panoramic sunroof, though opens like a small moonroof
PRO: Tactile infotainment button is slightly better than CX-5
CON: Not as luxurious on the inside. This car is made more for the adventurous driver
CON: Bose stereo is a little less impactful than in the CX-5. I think this is due to the increased cabin area


We both liked the ride on the CX-5 better. However, the biggest issue is the darn armrest in that vehicle. It doesn't extend forward enough for anyone who sits closer to the wheel to be able to use it.

The other big factor between the two in the top non-turbo trim (Premium Plus) is the heated steering wheel (CX-5) vs. Panoramic Sunroof (CX-50)

Anyone who has driven both want to help tip the scale toward either vehicle?

 

The CX-5 is produced on its own platform whereas the CX-50 shares the same platform as the 3 and CX-30. I prefer the drive handling of the CX-50.

 

There are mods to extend the console armrest.

 

cx-5 is built in japan...

other reasoning for my personal choice is shown in the thread post below...as far as comparison between the 2...cx-50 ceiling height was a little short for my liking (just shy of 6')...cargo space was basically the same, found the cx-5 to seem wider while the cx-50 was narrower front to back...cx-5 seat felt better as i spend a couple hours a day commuting...cx-5 has 40/20/40 rear seat while the cx-50 is a 60/40 rear seat
https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/maz...31/#post230958