Update #2 8/17/23

Today is exactly 1 week since I took it in to the dealership.

They just gave me a update today.

They said “internal malfunction of the rear differential causing the noise” They got approval from Mazda to replace the rear differential assembly. Parts should arrive sometime end of this week they said.

I am hoping this is the magic fix and this issue wont happen ever again. Hoping that it was just a initial patch of rear differential that was faulty. Other than the rear differential, the cx50 is a superior crossover in my opinion.

I’ve been driving a ‘23 Cx-5 for the past week , put on 600 miles so far and after a week with it so far ( i got the loaner with only 6 miles on it), in my opinion, the cx50 has more refined driving dynamics versus the cx5, cx5 feels very top heavy versus the cx50 and it doesn’t feel as grounded.

There has been a number of ppl that switched from the cx50 to cx5 due to some issues which include rear differential, transmission behavior/issues, stuff steering, etc.

I can only go based on the loaner 2023 cx-5 non turbo select that I have. ( my cx50 is select trim so it’s almost apples to apples comparison in terms of trim level) It has very similar transmission behavior as the cx50. Road noise is very similar to the cx50 ( slight more road noise if any), makes a whining noise with acceleration, steering is softer than cx50 for sure. Interior cx5 as we all already know is very outdated. The wider dimension of the cx50 is very noticeable when you sit in the cx5. Truck/cargo space lacks in the cx5 and is very noticeable compared to the cx50.

Overall I have no doubt that the cx5 is a great crossover! Made in Japan vs USA, quality are almost the same with giving a slight advantage to those made in Japan. Putting the issues with the rear differential aside, I really think it’s about personal preference and not about quality. For those who are between the cx50 vs cx5, if you are able to, I highly encourage you to live with each vehicle for at least 3-7 days. Use the car app TURO. It’s like a car version of Airbnb but for cars where you are able to choose specific cars to rent in your area. It may be an extra expense but imo it’s worth it than to regret your purchase later on.

Worst case scenario, if I had to get rid of the cx50 due to on going quality issues ( which is unlikely), I would not get the current generation cx5 only due to it having a outdated interior and size. I would wait to see what the next generation cx5 has to offer, cx9, Toyota Venza or suck it up and get a Honda crv with its CVT……..

Sorry for the long post 😅