So the rib wants a new smallish SUV, and she likes the CX-5. I'd be tempted to go with a Rav4 just because it's a Toyota. Anyhow, pros/cons of the CX-5? Can anyone comment on the AWD? Thanks.

GrapevineAg said:

---

So the rib wants a new smallish SUV, and she likes the CX-5. I'd be tempted to go with a Rav4 just because it's a Toyota. Anyhow, pros/cons of the CX-5? Can anyone comment on the AWD? Thanks.

---

CX5 will be much more engaging to drive than the RAV4. I thought the switchgear felt a little flimsy, but in this compact SUV class, thats to be expected to an extent. The toyota does do a slightly better job. My dads wife has a CR-V touring and the piano black interior still feels cheap. I also like the styling much better of the Mazda. Just wish they had offered a few more ponies, maybe a turbo option.

The i-ACTIV system is pretty interesting. It splits, 98% to the front, 2% to the rear all the time under regular condition, and using the CANBUS network monitors a bunch of parameters, each wheel speed, outside temp, acceleration rate, steering sensor, brake pedal pressure, even wiper speed so make a decision on how much torque to send to the rear, pre-emptively before slip ever happens. This system apparently even will send 100% of power to the rear if it detects zero traction from the front wheels.

The rear diff is engaged by and electro-magnetic activated clutch. The interesting thing is, with so many AWD crossovers and cars using torque vectoring, Mazda didnt employ that here, but as stated above, it uses sensors to detect wheel speed/slip and the traction control unit will brake individual wheels that are slipping. No involvement from AWD system.

I can't give you near the amount of detailed info as 1ags, but I have driven a 2015 CX-5 for two years now and have no complaints. It's comfortable, reliable, and I think it looks nicer than the other crossover SUVs in the same price range.

Wife has a 2014 CX5. We love it, fun to drive and safe for the little one, comparable cargo storage to the Ford Edge.

It came down to the Mazda or the Toyota and as 1ags said the Mazda was just a more engaging experience at a better price.

I'd avoid the AWD, Mazda has one of the worst AWD systems on the market.

Thanks for the feedback!

Will be at 3 years and 72,000 miles on my CX-5 in two weeks and with just regular maintenance and tires I haven't had any issues. I thought was more comfortable and a better drive than the rav-4 and rogue. Cargo space is perfect for what we need, 60" tv from Costco fit with the back seats folded down, 8' 2x4's with the front passenger seat rolled forward, and regularly travel with a 65 pound dog in his kennel. My wife and I drove it up to Denver/ Boulder for New Years 2015 and she had so much fun driving in the snow she wouldn't let me drive it at all.

Matbe it has been upgraded, but my biggest complaint is not having a full size spare tire.

Excellent. Do you have the AWD or FWD?

Just FWD.

Great, thanks!

They handle great. Just wish it had a little more oomph. Fun drive, for sure. Love ours.

The rib has a '14 CX-5 GT with the 2.5L. Great car to date, great gas mileage and I think it still looks great. My only complaint is the size of the hatch.

We had a 2008 Mazda CX-9. Worst car we have every owned. Completely anectotal, but I will never buy another Mazda. Sold it at 103k miles.

Engine never ran right, Blind spot monitoring broke, electric seat broke, clear coat came off, TPMS never worked right, leather wore too quickly, mileage was never as advertised, front suspension has issues...

I've really enjoyed my 2013 Mazda3 hatchback. 2.0L Skyactiv engine, Mines mostly a highway commuter; it averages 38-40ish mpg on the highway. Handles really well, great transmission, can hold 5 people, and the hatch has been versatile. I kinda wish I had the 2.5L at times, but for my usage the 2.0L has been solid. I just recently passed 80K miles.

I don't think the CX-5 is substantially bigger inside than a 3 hatchback, though obviously there's more ground clearance and it probably isn't as subjectively dorky looking (although the current gen 3 hatch looks way nicer than mine, the grinning face generation).

I just bought our son a 2014 CX-5 for his first car. He absolutely loves it. Too early for any comprehensive reliability feedback. But I did my research before buying and do not regret my decision so far.

Based on research and feedback from here, we pulled the trigger on a 2016.5 CX-5 on Wednesday. I'd rule #1 it, but there's nothing special about it. The wife is very happy, and as long as it's reliable, I'll be happy too.