New 2014 Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring - So far so good!

[brendaliz]

Hi, I have been browsing the forum for a couple weeks now since we test drove a Mazda CX-5 and decided it might be the care for us. Naturally, we focused in on some of the commonly reported issues. Hearing about the mirror and hood rattles, we made sure to test drive the one we planned buy on the highway. If there were problems we didn't notice them. We are coming from a car that had transmission problems and we are very hopeful the few reported transmission issues are rare. We looked at the CR-V, Rav4, etc and just felt the CX-5 was a good option given styling, gas mileage, safety, reviews, etc. After driving around the first day I'm glad we went with the touring to get the 2.5 engine. In my view, the car is far from being over powered and I couldn't see having less engine under the hood (but I have to admit we did not drive the 2.0). The only relatively minor thing has to do with the headlights. Heading home in the dark it seems the low beams have this very defined headlight pattern (if that make sense). It seems like the lights shine a bit low and if you head down grade it feels as if the headlights are too low. Perhaps that's a basic adjustment. The high beams seem to work fine. Anyway, I wanted to provide feedback to the forum because I know it may help the next person. Our fingers are crossed!

 

[V8toilet]

The defined headlight cutoff is something that is not unique to Mazda. It seems to be a new thing on all vehicles although some are better than others. There is an adjustment to raise that cutoff but you'll likely blind oncoming traffic and create a dangerous situation in doing so. Mazda does have the quickest non turbocharged small SUV with the 2.5 liter engine compared to the RAV 4 and CRV. the throttle response though from what I have read anyway seems to be less in the Mazda for the sake of improved gas mileage. You will however notice an increase in power and responsiveness as the engine breaks in. The main difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5 Skyactive engines is low end torque. The 2.5 has much more. I know because I've owned both and still have the 2.5. The CX5 with the 2.0 has slightly higher handling limits because its 100+ lbs lighter. They're both very good; it depends on which flavor you prefer or compromise you can live with.

The 2.0 is also despite what the EPA says noticeably more frugal with fuel and more forgiving. I noticed it was easier to beat the EPA mileage numbers with the 2.0 engine than with the 2.5 engine. Exploit the 2.5 liter engines power and your gas mileage plummets compared with the 2.0. Currently I'm averaging about 2 MPG less with my 2.5 than I did with my 2.0 but I'm still getting a very good 33 mpg average, which is very good for something this big that goes 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds (verified with my G-Tech with wheel spin) vs 8.5 with the 2.0 (best 8.37 in ideal conditions with no wheel spin).

 

[atitus]

At first it was wierd for me as well but I got used to it and now it seems fine. If you've never had projector-style lamps before it takes some getting used to. If it continues to bug you, there is a thread on here that explains exactly how to adjust the lights. You can do it with basic tools, and its not difficult. Just take it easy and adjust it in small increments at a time so you don't blind incoming traffic.

Grr, I was looking for the thread but I can't seem to find it at the moment otherwise I would paste it here. Someone probably has bookmarked it and can reply with it.

 

[brendaliz]

Yeah, it may take getting used to. It just feels very low. I did see the thread on the subject and saw the note about the adjustment. Thank you.

At first it was wierd for me as well but I got used to it and now it seems fine. If you've never had projector-style lamps before it takes some getting used to. If it continues to bug you, there is a thread on here that explains exactly how to adjust the lights. You can do it with basic tools, and its not difficult. Just take it easy and adjust it in small increments at a time so you don't blind incoming traffic.

Grr, I was looking for the thread but I can't seem to find it at the moment otherwise I would paste it here. Someone probably has bookmarked it and can reply with it.