[JerryV]

I'm a fan and longtime member of Consumer Reports. They did say the ride on the 20" tires is quite firm. They are doing a full test of the CX50, but here is a short excerpt from their overview:

"Don’t buy into the hype that the CX-50 is an off-road-focused alternative to a Subaru Outback. In fact, we say ignore the Mazda marketing messages because the CX-50, like its CX-5 sibling, is far more enjoyable to drive on paved roads. The SUV shines when the GPS (or . . . paper map!) shows that the road ahead is as twisty as a garden hose thrown into the basement. It carves corners as if it were a Porsche Macan."

 

[S3ntoacx50]

I agree and im coming from a audi s3. Getting some Michelin ps4 next week. 🤙

 

[CX50 Toad]

"Don’t buy into the hype that the CX-50 is an off-road-focused alternative to a Subaru Outback. In fact, we say ignore the Mazda marketing messages because the CX-50, like its CX-5 sibling, is far more enjoyable to drive on paved roads. The SUV shines when the GPS (or . . . paper map!) shows that the road ahead is as twisty as a garden hose thrown into the basement. It carves corners as if it were a Porsche Macan."

I don't think it is true off roader but the off-road setting makes it really fun to drive on twisty gravel roads. More fun than driving it on twisty pavement in my opinion. That may be due to the tires, they are very disappointing and feel like they want to roll over or slide when pushing it. Too much understeer.

 

[Litfuse]

I don't think it is true off roader but the off-road setting makes it really fun to drive on twisty gravel roads. More fun than driving it on twisty pavement in my opinion. That may be due to the tires, they are very disappointing and feel like they want to roll over or slide when pushing it. Too much understeer.

Yeah, I’m curious how the CX-50 would handle with stickier tires. I have a feeling that the limitations of the stock suspension would become apparent. I think the oem tires help mask the suspension setup.

 

[CX50 Toad]

Yeah, I’m curious how the CX-50 would handle with stickier tires. I have a feeling that the limitations of the stock suspension would become apparent. I think the oem tires help mask the suspension setup.

I just came from a sports sedan with Pilot Sport A/S and wife has an X3 M40i, so my tire performance expectation is pretty high. The CX-50 is set up with sharp handling. I just don't know what good it does to set up a vehicle with sharp handling and then put tires that have a completely opposite mission. It feels like the tires are fighting against what the vehicle and driver want to do. I assume for a slightly softer road feel.

 

[Litfuse]

I just came from a sports sedan with Pilot Sport A/S and wife has an X3 M40i, so my tire performance expectation is pretty high. The CX-50 is set up with sharp handling. I just don't know what good it does to set up a vehicle with sharp handling and then put tires that have a completely opposite mission. It feels like the tires are fighting against what the vehicle and driver want to do. I assume for a slightly softer road feel.

I’m with you. My last four cars were a 2019 Grand Sport C7, 2020 Miata, 2021 Civic Type R and a 2021 STI. Tires are such an important component to the whole equation. The CX50 remains flat in the corners, but the tires roll over on themselves and meet their adhesion point pretty low. I imagine they put on long lasting tires for comfort and low noise. I would also bet the CX50 gets fairly undone when pushed with sticky tires.

 

[CX50 Toad]

I’m with you. My last four cars were a 2019 Grand Sport C7, 2020 Miata, 2021 Civic Type R and a 2021 STI. Tires are such an important component to the whole equation. The CX50 remains flat in the corners, but the tires roll over on themselves and meet their adhesion point pretty low. I imagine they put on long lasting tires for comfort and low noise. I would also bet the CX50 gets fairly undone when pushed with sticky tires.

someday I'll find out but I'll use these tires up first.

 

[Pitts Pilot]

Also a long time subscriber to Consumer Reports. They can say what they want but I bought my 50 Turbo after an extensive personal review. I was initially a bit questioning of a new model out of a new factory but as an Engineer and a hobby mechanic I am so far impressed with the fit and finish. I have only owned it 1.5 months but very much enjoy the driving experience, it’s a sporty fun ride. Yes it’s firm but not rough a small compromise for the great handling. Vehicle is quiet and if you get the Bose sound system it’s awesome. No paid endorsement here just my honest experience do far. Since the motor and tranny are made at the japan plants currently I expect established reliability there. Hoping rest holds up great.

 

[Cerp]

Also a long time subscriber to Consumer Reports. They can say what they want but I bought my 50 Turbo after an extensive personal review. I was initially a bit questioning of a new model out of a new factory but as an Engineer and a hobby mechanic I am so far impressed with the fit and finish. I have only owned it 1.5 months but very much enjoy the driving experience, it’s a sporty fun ride. Yes it’s firm but not rough a small compromise for the great handling. Vehicle is quiet and if you get the Bose sound system it’s awesome. No paid endorsement here just my honest experience do far. Since the motor and tranny are made at the japan plants currently I expect established reliability there. Hoping rest holds up great.

I could nt have said it better! I too purchased ck50 and it’s really a beautifully engineered and yet luxurious feeling ride. I’m 70yrs old, have owned multiple new vehicles and this one is truly a dream to drive.