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Typically, I would recommend a Mazda SUV for seniors. They’re comfortable, well-appointed, safe, easy to enter/exit, and intuitive. But both of my 70-year-old parents got to experience the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and they have a few interesting complaints. 

Potential 2024 Mazda CX-70 deal breakers 

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is a bigger model that’s specifically designed for the American market. Along with extra cargo and passenger space it brings rugged flair and muscle to the table. 

But my elderly parents didn’t care about all that. I typically take my mom out to lunch in whatever I’m driving once a week. She’s more than happy to share her vehicle opinions. 

Also, my bored and retired dad started delivering press cars for the company that brings me models to review. 

They have both had a chance to experience riding in and driving the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and it’s just not for them. But you know, different strokes for different folks. 

They both complaints about the Mazda CX-50 because it doesn’t have a touchscreen. It doesn’t matter that the rotary dial system is easy to learn and convenient to use. 

They don’t want to try. Explaining that connecting Apple CarPlay provided a touchscreen menu didn’t seem to help the situation. 

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 interior and dash
2024 Mazda CX-50 interior | Mazda

My mom doesn’t like the infotainment screen setup at all. The 10.25-inch unit with crisp graphics is long and short. She would prefer a vertical setup that is long and wide, like her iPad. 

I never asked, but she went on to explain that every screen should be a touchscreen and oriented like her beloved iPad. 

The biggest complaint from my dad is that the 2024 Mazda CX-50 has a loud interior. If I had a dollar for every time he has called it loud, I’d be able to buy a nicer car than a 1999 Ford Mustang with 350,000 miles to go to college back in 2010. 

It is louder than the CX-5 because the rugged tires and off-roading upgrades produce more wind and road noise, but it’s not that bad. 

Unfortunately, my dad’s driving job started with the Lincoln Aviator. So, everything is held to that standard, even if it’s from a different class. He doesn’t like the Toyota RAV4 as much as the Aviator either. 

Stay tuned for their next assessment of the Ford Ranger.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.