Mazda CX-5 - thoughts?

"Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep" (aljazeerachryslerjeep)
09/06/2016 at 15:52 • Filed to: mazda cx-5

The girlfriend and I are considering condensing down to one car in the somewhat-near future. I currently have a Grand Cherokee and she has a Honda Civic - whoops, excuse me, an Acura ILX :P. We live in the city and need something that still affords us some interior room, while also still affording her the ability to parallel park. Also, we’d like it to be affordable. I’m flirting with the idea of some lower-level luxury CUVs because of this, but the pragmatic side of me keeps going back to the CX-5. It’s on the cheap side, looks pretty darn good in the higher trims with the nice wheels, and hits all of our other checkboxes. I consider myself a Jalop, of course, though. I feel like I see a lot of these on the roads now, and I’d hate to become part of the masses.

Thoughts? Alternative recommendations?

DISCUSSION (39)

Grab Paddle > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 15:57

4 door GTI or Golf R is always awesome and with the DSG its still lots of fun and easy to park.

Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep > Grab Paddle
09/06/2016 at 16:01

Though I’d love that, and it’s long been an option, my twin brother (who is definitely reading this now....) has one. So no-go on that.

dogisbadob > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:01

Perhaps an HRV or CRV would be better. If you like VW, there’s the Golf wagon.

RazoE > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:04

I had the CX-3 (not CX-5) as a loaner and it’s a great little car. Not the roomiest but for a city scamper, it’s awesome! Might be an option as it’s easier to park and actually shorter than my Mazdaspeed 3.

Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:07

Other contenders:

VW Golf variants, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mini Cooper Countryman

Spaceball-Two > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:08

Kinja'd!!!

I bought one last week. So far so good. Go with the Touring over the Sport for better options. Took it camping this last weekend and it held all our gear, a cooler and a dog and baby no problem.

Arrivederci > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:10

They’re great cars from what I’ve heard. Everybody that I know who owns one (at least four people I can think of), each love theirs. Reliable, reasonably-priced, feels more upscale, economical, etc. For alternatives, since I see you canned the GTI idea in the comments, you could also check out the RDX if you want something Honda, or an ecoboost Escape is good.

I bet you can find those new Lincoln Escapes cheap, I can’t remember what they’re called though. My father in law rented a MB GLC300 this weekend and it was a nice rig from my brief time riding in it. Those start at about $40k though. For that much cash, I’m getting a F-Pace, though it may be bigger than you want.

For maybe more of an “out-there” recommendation, try the Forester XT. Quick and rather nimble for something fun to drive, great AWD system, and lots of space inside.

Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep > Arrivederci
09/06/2016 at 16:12

Ah, the F Pace....interesting. I’ve lusted over it and didn’t realize that it started as low 40s. This could be an option if there’s attractive lease offers.

Arrivederci > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:14

The diesel starts at $41k. The supercharged V6 starts under $43k. Close enough to the GLC’s starting price of $40k, for a lot more interesting of a vehicle, at least in my opinion :).

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:16

Go for a Golf Sportwagen then. You’ll finally be cooler than he is!

Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep > Arrivederci
09/06/2016 at 16:17

Not big on the GLC, or MB in general (sans the flagships). Plus, to be one of the few F Paces roaming around would be great. Nice pick.

derf > Grab Paddle
09/06/2016 at 16:17

Yeah, there are a few guys with performance pack GTIs who are regulars in the local autocrosses here. They really like them.

Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!)
09/06/2016 at 16:18

Haha - great car, but we gotta keep the lady happy, too. I need to save my wagon fever for once we expand back to two cars. She’s not much of a wagon lover.

mazda616 > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:25

Awesome car. Really.

My wife and I bought one for her in December 2012. It is an early built 2013 model. It’s a Sport, so no options except for the Bluetooth radio and the roof rack.

It just turned 38,000 miles yesterday and has been extremely reliable and economical for us. It has only been to the dealer twice aside from normal maintenance. Once was for a powertrain recall for the 2013 only that involved a PCM update and the other was for a TCM update that solved a potential hard shifting issue.

We have taken it on a few trips and I have seen as high as 37 MPG when we drove 4 hours north to Indianapolis to see my family around Christmastime 2013.

We love it and if anything happens to it, we’ll 100% get another one.

Kinja'd!!!

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:28

Friend has one. Loves it except:

1) it eats tires like a damn GT-R

2) it's sloooooowwwww

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:29

Also I own a Golf wagon. I prefer it to the CX-5 for the above reasons, though my guess is that the Mazda will be worth much more at trade than the Golf.

Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
09/06/2016 at 16:31

really? tires??

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:37

Anectodotal evidence, but the stock Yokos don't last very long (25-35k miles) and the Mazda seems to kill them faster than a Forester with the same tire setup.

dogisbadob > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:40

what’s your price range?

shop-teacher > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:41

We got my wife one almost two years ago. I love it, it’s an excellent compromise of ride and handling. It has plenty of room, the interior is nice, it’s easy to park. The reason you see a lot of them, is they’re very good. My wife finds it slow, but if you put your boot in it, it does just fine for itself.

Spaceball-Two > mazda616
09/06/2016 at 16:41

Ugh. I wanted that blue so bad. But the Mrs. wanted grey. So we went with grey. Such a great color.

Spaceball-Two > shop-teacher
09/06/2016 at 16:45

I got some seat time this last weekend and it didn’t seem to slow. Yeah it’s not rocket but for what it is it seems pretty zippy.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Arrivederci
09/06/2016 at 16:45

god dammit

It’s called an MKC and they don’t share any sheet metal, have completely different suspension and different motors. It’s not a Lincoln Escape and it’s not a Ford MKC.

It’s a god damn Lincoln MKC.

Also now that I’m off my soap box it would be a great option for him with it’s auto parallel parking!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:47

I ranted above to ArriveDerci about his Lincoln Escape comment, In all seriousness a Lincoln MKC would be a great option for you:

http://www.lincoln.com/crossovers/mkc…

Arrivederci > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/06/2016 at 16:47

LOL - sorry. But you knew what I meant so at least I got my point across :D

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Arrivederci
09/06/2016 at 16:49

EVIL BASTARD

Look up the new Lincoln’s they’re pretty bad ass despite the FP not covering them.

400hp awd MKZ and Continental is all kinds of cool

yamahog > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 16:49

Feel free to disregard if this isn’t the type of thoughts you were looking for, but I’m a bit wary of jointly purchasing/sharing a car with someone you have no legal connection to. I have a friend going through a breakup right now with a house involved and it is not pretty, and that house doesn’t even have wheels.

Arrivederci > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/06/2016 at 16:57

I actually rather like the updated MKZ and Lincoln’s new styling direction. It’ll be interesting when it gets applied to the rest of the lineup.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Arrivederci
09/06/2016 at 16:59

Yeah I’m excited to see it on the C and the X

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 17:06

New or not so new?

The current gen was new in 2013 but the 2013s all have the smaller motor (2.0L). Starting in 2014 anything above the Sport trim has the (2.5L) which is noticeably less slow.

I test drove almost everything in the segment this past summer and I’m waiting for my VW check to go scoop up a 2014 grand touring coming off lease.

There is a 2016 and a 2016.5 and there are mostly cosmetic differences between them as well as a slight shift in features along trims but nothing major. I believe they aren’t doing a 2017 per say and are bring out the next generation in 2018.

Spasoje > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 17:20

Wildcard suggestion: Ford Edge Titanium. Rented one this summer – tons of space, good visibility, rides comfortably on bad city streets even with twenties, and is loaded with tech (most notably, it parks itself, and well at that!).

MSRP is ~$44k with everything on it, save for the adaptive cruise pkg: so, V6 AWD, cooled seats, pano roof, nav, self parking, front and rear cameras, blind spot detection, kick-to-open liftgate, inflatable rear belts, lane keep assist, rain sensors, HIDs, and so forth. With research and haggling, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that 44k drop below 40...

Further research says it won an award for low cost of ownership, too. I’d imagine it’s less fun to drive than a CX-5, but I haven’t tried the Edge Sport, though. Either way, definitely worth a look.

shop-teacher > Spaceball-Two
09/06/2016 at 17:43

I agree. It has a perfectly fine amount of power, it scoots into gaps in traffic without trouble.

Audistein > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 18:48

CX 5 seems like a solid choice. There’s also a slightly smaller CX 3.

You could also look at a used Volvo V60 or used Acura TSX wagon if you want something more premium that drives better than a CUV. Find a certified pre owned car if you like extra factory warranty.

I’ve heard very mixed reviews of the Subaru Forester, but at the worst it’ll just be boring. Honda CRV/HRV might also be worth a look. The Ford Escape is available with a very powerful turbocharged 2.0L engine, so that’s cool. At least give the Escape a test drive, but make sure it’s the more powerful engine even if it’s a pre-facelift model.

I live in the city and honestly I find that a car that is a longer but has a rear view camera is easier to park than a slightly shorter car without a camera. Parking sensors mean you can squeeze a huge car into a tiny spot quite easily. I park a car that’s over 17 feet long on the street but with sensors all around and a rear camera it’s a piece of cake. I’d recommend you look for at least a rear view camera.

Under_Score > dogisbadob
09/06/2016 at 19:11

This. My mom got a CR-V a couple months ago and it’s a great car and a terrific value.

Under_Score > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/06/2016 at 19:12

CR-V Touring. My mom got an EX in July, and for the mid-20's, it’s a tremendous value. LaneWatch, sunroof, heated seats, touchscreen and backup camera, huge interior. A Touring has even more, so please check it out.

boxrocket > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/07/2016 at 00:28

I bought my wife a 2016 CX-5 Grand Touring with the Tech Package (but not I-ActiveSense, which I wanted but my wife didn’t) last October. Here’s what I’ve learned in the 11 months and 9K miles:

PROS:

It feels like a Mazda. Not just a taller 3, but a Mazda in the truest sense.

It gets better mileage than my wife’s 2007 Mazda6 with the 2.3 I4 under the same driving conditions.

Visibility is great for a crossover. Out the back is OK, but still vastly better than the porthole the Sportage/Tucson offer or the gunslit of the terrain/equinox.

Material quality is good, no creaks or rattles, and touch-points are tangibly pleasant and communicative, especially the main infotainment control (feels like an expensive safe’s combination lock).

The AWD is excellent, and can be tricked into coming on more aggressively with the wipers on (seriously!).

It still looks great almost a year later, and better than some of the new models that have come out since (RAV4, trax, equinox/terrain, Sportage, CR-V, HR-V). Speaking of, it’s a newer feeling to be driving a model that you see several other examples of on a daily basis, but not a bad one.

It has room for 4 adults - three over 6' tall - in comfort for over 3 hours at a time. In the same vein, it can haul two people and a week’s worth of luggage and groceries from Missouri to the Great Smoky Mountains without breaking a sweat or numbing butts, and keep up with traffic.

The stock Toyo tires are OK. Dry grip is acceptable for what it is, but I know the chassis can take more aggressive input if it had better tires (I’m considering Pirelli Verde Plus, Yokohama Geolandars, Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas, and IIRC Kumho Cragens when the stock tires wear out. Lots of time to decide!).

The infotainment system UI/UX is one of the best in the business, and I say that as a service adviser at a used car dealership that sells nearly every brand under the sun. Works great with my wife’s Galaxy Note and my Lumia Windows Phone (except the Pandora app, but that’s OK).

LED headlamps - adaptive ones, too! - kick ass, and I wish my Mazda6 had them.

Blind Spot Monitoring and rear camera work great. The rear camera does NOT include proximity sensors, which is kind of silly, but saves weight/cost.

We haven’t tried the Smart City Braking, but once it did beep as we were slowing down close behind someone that doesn’t understand what turn signals are meant for.

CONS:

You can tell it shares its roots with an economy car: even though we have the top-spec model, only the driver’s window has the Auto function; wind noise is acceptable but noticeable - especially on a 9-hour drive from North Carolina to Missouri; there aren’t any cargo or tie-down hooks in the cargo area; the shape of the greenhouse means bugs encountered on the highway can get smeared on the side windows, not just the windshield; cooled seats still aren’t an option; powered lift gate isn’t an option.

The A/C (and heat) isn’t as good as a Ford’s, but few - if any - are

Remote Start would have required a separate remote fob according to the dealer

We like our Blue Reflex Mica paint color a lot, but wish the candy-blue color from 2014 had been available. More paint color variety would be nice (especially green!). If I were to get my own, it would be Sonic Silver, since we already have a BRM one.

Interior color choices should allow for tan/parchment interior regardless of paint choice; this is true of the entire industry.

It would be nice if the transmission had another gear or two, or at least another overdrive.

That’s all I can think of right now (bedtime)

boxrocket > boxrocket
09/07/2016 at 06:58

Oh, also, my sister-in-law bought a CX-5 over a Mazda3 because the 3 couldn’t take two car seats side-by-side as well as the CX-5 could. May not directly apply to you, but indicates where the CX-5 differs dimensionally from the base sedan/hatch in ways that matter.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/07/2016 at 09:30

Don’t get the bigger wheels with the sunroof and you’ll be fine. Get one or the other.

They’re decent little SUVs, a guy I shared an office with had one the 2 years i worked with him.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Al Jazeera Chrysler Jeep
09/07/2016 at 09:39

I got you fam. It’s not a wagon, it’s a crossover like a CX-5!