[Sensasia]

Of the many compact SUV’s I have driven, I’ve found (along with many car reviewers) that the Acura RDX (and MDX) has stellar handling. I have not, due to the pandemic, even sat in a Mazda CX-50 or CX-5. Does anyone have experience with both of these vehicles and have any insight into how the CX-50 handles in comparison to Acura products?

 

[jimbo0270]

I have driven both. The RDX doe handle better but feels like it's trying harder to not be as quick. The RDX has a better suspention and all wheel drive system for handling but you pay a lot for it IMO. As well as you get more safety tech in the CX50 for less money, but if you a just looking for on road handling, the CX-5 is closer to the RDX. Not quite there, but closer. I preferred the CX50 overall though. It's a much better feeling engine but not as good of a trans... so there is a trade off there too.

 

[Litfuse]

I have driven both. The RDX doe handle better but feels like it's trying harder to not be as quick. The RDX has a better suspention and all wheel drive system for handling but you pay a lot for it IMO. As well as you get more safety tech in the CX50 for less money, but if you a just looking for on road handling, the CX-5 is closer to the RDX. Not quite there, but closer. I preferred the CX50 overall though. It's a much better feeling engine but not as good of a trans... so there is a trade off there too.

I have driven both and I completely agree with all these statements. While some argue about the lack of gears in Mazda’s transmission, I would argue the transmission in Acura’s transmission has too many.

 

[jimbo0270]

Agreed. My only real thing with the Mazdas trans is not that it’s a 6 speed. It’s tends to short shift a little too soon for me sometime. But the 6 speeds are fine with the amount of torque the Mazda has.

 

[Litfuse]

Agreed. My only real thing with the Mazdas trans is not that it’s a 6 speed. It’s tends to short shift a little too soon for me sometime. But the 6 speeds are fine with the amount of torque the Mazda has.

No reason to go to redline. The turbo runs out of efficiency at higher rpms. Smaller turbo helps with its responsiveness and midrange punch, but hurts the top end.

 

[jimbo0270]

No reason to go to redline. The turbo runs out of efficiency at higher rpms. Smaller turbo helps with its responsiveness and midrange punch, but hurts the top end.

Agreed but I’m talking about shifting from first to second before you even feel the torque of the turbo. It’s just a little to short for me, but probably ideal for fuel economy. It’s one of those things where I’m thinking I’m about to get some momentum going and then it shifts and it takes a little longer. I’ll adjust it just try driving it in sport mode for a bit and see how that feels.

 

[Litfuse]

Agreed but I’m talking about shifting from first to second before you even feel the torque of the turbo. It’s just a little to short for me, but probably ideal for fuel economy. It’s one of those things where I’m thinking I’m about to get some momentum going and then it shifts and it takes a little longer. I’ll adjust it just try driving it in sport mode for a bit and see how that feels.

It’s tuned for efficiency. Push the skinny pedal a little more and it should carry its rpms higher.

 

[S3ntoacx50]

I was thinking of the rdx also but the infotainment layout was to much. . And wasn't to keen on the looks.
Cx 50 just checks so many boxes👍

 

[Mdavidmvsr]

After driving both and carefully considering the Acura RDX SHAWD Advance, I ended up purchasing the 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus. The decision has proven to be a good one. We love the new car and saved $10,000.

 

[cashmonee]

I shopped an RDX before getting my CX-50. I agree with what the others said about the RDX. I really liked the one I drove. The major complaints were the busyness of the center stack and the touchpad control for the infotainment. I love the exterior looks and the way it drives. What ultimately took it out of the running was reliability and build quality concerns believe it or not. Suspension repair seems to be common (control arms if I remember right) and the car tends to develop rattles. I was not thrilled about paying a premium to have issues like that.

 

[tractng]

I had owned a 2019 RDX SHAWD (purchased new and sold it at 63k miles). The handling is great but like the poster here mentioned, there are too many gears in that transmission. Sometimes it downshifts a few gears and don't know what it gear it should be in. Lets say I am rolling 50 mph and suddenly need to slow down, then if I need to gas it, the suv is confused.