by Fun AND practical!
Steering is often overlooked when purchasing a mainstream vehicle, not receiving the same attention as ride quality, comfort, performance, technology, and safety. However, exceptional steering can significantly enhance the driving experience by providing excellent feedback, accuracy, responsiveness, appropriate effort, and improved cornering stability.
Most vehicles, aside from sports cars, tend to fall short when it comes to delivering excellent steering, yet the Mazda CX-50 impressively defies expectations. I remember taking it for a spin not long after it launched, and I was amazed by how well it performed. Mazda has long prioritized the driving experience, but the CX-50 sets an even higher standard than the already impressive MX-5 Miata. When compared to Honda—a brand also known for equipping its cars and SUVs with exceptional steering—the CX-50 is truly a cause for concern.
A steering configuration that equals (or outperforms) Honda
Honda has long received acclaim for manufacturing cars that combine precise steering with dynamic driving experiences. There are many reasons why models such as the Civic and CR-V have become standard-setters in their classes—and have remained so for quite a while. These vehicles deliver responsive, consistent steering and handling that give drivers a strong sense of connection to the road. Even a fuel-efficient model like the Civic Hybrid manages to be unexpectedly engaging and satisfying behind the wheel.
The CX-50's nearest rival from Honda, when considering power, dimensions, and design, is the CR-V. The latest CR-V features steering that’s finely adjusted to offer both accurate control and a comfortable ride, ensuring a composed and confident driving experience. Although the CX-50 probably won't match the CR-V's sales figures, Honda still has reason to pay attention.
The Honda CR-V ranks among the top-selling crossovers in North America, and rightfully so—it delivers outstanding space utilization, comfort, and driving performance that outperforms many competitors. The CR-V features a dual-pinion electric power steering system with a variable ratio of approximately 12.3:1 near the center, offering sharp responsiveness and a relatively light steering feel—characteristics that Honda enthusiasts have grown accustomed to.
How is the steering system configured in the CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 features an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, a common technology in today’s vehicles. However, Mazda’s version distinguishes itself through precise calibration by its engineering team, resulting in a notably linear and responsive steering experience. The steering ratio is sufficiently quick, offering almost instant reaction to the driver's input without becoming overly sensitive at highway speeds. Additionally, it provides excellent steering feedback, a quality often missing even in performance-oriented cars. This feedback allows the driver to sense road conditions and tire grip through the steering wheel, which reflects the interaction between the front tires and the road surface. A well-designed steering rack makes this connection clear, and the CX-50 performs exceptionally in this regard.
Another factor that contributes to the CX-50's impressive steering is its weight—referring to how heavy the steering feels during turns. The steering in the CX-50 is notably firm, which may not appeal to everyone, but it's complemented by strong corner weight progression. This means the effort increases naturally as you enter a turn faster and place more load on the front tires. This characteristic is found in well-designed sports cars, and the CX-50 delivers a similar experience. Mazda’s engineers worked hard to reduce friction and unwanted damping in the steering system, avoiding any artificial heaviness. While a car can have substantial steering weight, it can still feel overly assisted and unnatural. However, the CX-50 offers a remarkably precise steering feel that seems unusual for an affordable, mainstream crossover. This quality is present across all trim levels of the CX-50, no matter which engine is selected.
The CX-50’s chassis, noted for its torsional rigidity, is also worth highlighting. By incorporating ultra-high-strength steel in critical zones—especially around the cowl and floor—the design boosts the body's ability to resist twisting. This results in more predictable performance from the suspension and steering when under stress.
Although the CX-50 is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension—both of which are fairly standard in the industry—Mazda has fine-tuned the system to deliver outstanding stability and sharp turning precision. You can drive over uneven surfaces without disturbing the vehicle's composure, and then confidently steer it into and out of corners with ease. Additionally, Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus enhances cornering performance by slightly modulating engine torque to optimize weight distribution.
The CX-50’s purposeful engineering
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is built on Mazda’s Small Product Group platform, shared with the Mazda3 and CX-30, both known for their sharp steering and agile handling. However, the CX-50 is more than just a raised hatchback. It features a broader stance compared to the CX-5, an extended wheelbase, and strengthened body components to enhance both on-road performance and mild off-road capability. Boasting bold fenders, a sleek roofline, and a confident posture, the CX-50 exudes athleticism, and the driving experience delivers even more satisfaction than its striking looks suggest.
Under the hood, Mazda offers two versions of its 2.5-liter inline-four engine for buyers to choose from: a naturally aspirated model delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, or the more popular turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which generates up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane fuel (and 227 horsepower with 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane). Both engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and come standard with i-Activ all-wheel drive. Although these performance figures are impressive, it's the steering that really sets the CX-50's driving experience apart.
Why Honda Could Be Worried
The CR-V stands out as one of the top compact crossovers in terms of driving experience, yet the CX-50 delivers a more natural, athletic, and engaging feel. While the CR-V's steering is precise, it can sometimes feel disconnected and excessively assisted, reducing the amount of road feedback. It also doesn't match the CX-50’s impressive buildup of weight through corners. The CX-50’s steering setup keeps drivers better connected to the road, allowing them to sense subtle changes in traction without harsh vibrations or resistance. On twisty rural roads, the Mazda comes alive in a way that inspires greater confidence, despite both models being nearly identical in size and weight.
This distinctive feature of the CX-50 attracts car shoppers seeking functionality without compromising on driving enjoyment. The CX-50 excels in this area more than other vehicles in its price range and even outperforms certain sporty coupes, sedans, and higher-end models. Mazda’s CX-50 presents a real challenge to Honda’s well-known driver-oriented design in everyday cars, proving that a smaller manufacturer can compete at a higher level. While the CX-50 won’t rival the CR-V's sales numbers—over 400,000 units sold in 2024—the CX-50 saw an increase of over 64% in sales in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Final thoughts
The CR-V excels in numerous areas, yet it's also incredibly common. In contrast, the CX-50 stands out not only in its design—both interior and exterior—but also in the way it drives, offering what might be among the most responsive and communicative steering systems in the car industry. Mazda’s focus on providing a genuine, connected driving feel in a category often marked by overly light steering and lack of feedback is a breath of fresh air. Although the CR-V will almost certainly remain a top seller, it’s evident that drivers who value a more hands-on, engaging experience will begin to view the CX-50 as the superior choice when it comes to driver-focused crossovers. It’s the model we’d choose for ourselves.
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