How does CX-5 compare to Lexus NX?

[yrwei52]

Wow, that is absolutely insane. I laugh when I see these expensive luxury cars without basic amenities, that are even standard on your average cars. It's odd. That's why it's also annoying with people here bashing the CX-5 for not having a glove compartment light, or lack of fog light indicator, etc. EVERY car and car company skimps in certain areas. Just depends. Do you want to pay $45k and get skimped, or $30k and get skimped. I think the CX-5 offers a wonderful, all around great package for good money. And styling and interior that rivals that of a Lexus, BMW, etc. Not to mention that when/if something goes wrong on that luxury car, be prepared to pay double of what the CX-5 would cost to fix.

Actually you CAN get most of basic features and amenities I listed from many CX-5's major competitors, such as Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rouge, etc.

Even if you think the CX-5 offers a wonderful, all around great package for good money, but apparently most Americans don't think so. Since it came out to the U.S. market in 2012, CX-5 has always been at the bottom of the sales volume on compact CUVs, even behind Subaru Forester.

 

[Algernon6]

I'm not saying a luxury car is not worth the difference. I think that is up to the person purchasing the car. There is a difference, although some reviews of the NX state it doesn't live up to expected Lexus quality (again I haven't driven one or sat in one).

The reason I haven't really moved forward is my 7 year old BMW is still a nice car IMO and for the most part has been very reliable. As Mike pointed out it has depreciated -- to the point where it might be worth more to me than what I will get in trade.

While I would prefer the Small SUV form factor, I'm not sure a new CX-5 is that big a step up for me. It has safety features my car doesn't have but technology wise not that much difference. Sounds like I might get 1-2 mpg better at best than now (and wouldn't require premium). Maybe I'm just now getting to the sweet spot where owning the BMW makes sense . Albeit running the risk of unexpected expensive repairs.

 

[bmninada]

As Dr Kev pointed out, you have this point backwards.

The CX-5 is the future wealthy mans BMW X3, the X3 is the (getting) poorer mans CX-5.

BMW's take a hell of a depreciation hit (and there are good reasons for that).

Mike: I have a X 2010 BMW which is driven by my 1st. cousin. There's ZERO inside noise, runs as it was new even +80 mph, amazing handling, cornering. Yes - parts are costly, labor's costly but till date have spent no more than $700 altogether over and above brake jobs, etc. I think there's a lot of misinformation regarding reliability of BMW. There are a very good driving machine if properly cared for. One thing a lot of folks miss - is the exterior and then the interior. The paint quality, depth along with the metal quality is really good. A 10 year old BMW parked on road looks generally better than a 10 year old Japanese car. When driven, there's less squeaks, noise, etc. also.

 

[jhu8]

Actually you CAN get most of basic features and amenities I listed from many CX-5's major competitors, such as Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rouge, etc.

Even if you think the CX-5 offers a wonderful, all around great package for good money, but apparently most Americans don't think so. Since it came out to the U.S. market in 2012, CX-5 has always been at the bottom of the sales volume on compact CUVs, even behind Subaru Forester.

We could chat here all day about what cars have what. The CX-5 does in fact offer many features, not just on their GT, that isn't available on other vehicles, unless their top top trim. So arguing about what car has what really doesn't matter.

The CX-5 is in fact a great package. The CX-5 across the board on automotive sites are praised and noted as one of the top CUVs you can buy. And I believe it. Yes, it definitely could use refinement and couple features here and there, but so could any car. The CX-5 offers top of the line technology, fuel efficiency, a very very fun car to drive, attractive looks, top of the line CUV ground clearance, etc. You mention all that, and you truly have one complete package. Even with some holes here and there, because any vehicle will.

 

[MikeM.]

Mike: I have a X 2010 BMW which is driven by my 1st. cousin. There's ZERO inside noise,...

Well, anything you say after "There's ZERO inside noise," I must assume might also be an exaggeration.

My point was that it costs considerably more to own and operate a BMW vs. Mazda and it's not primarily due to worse reliability. It's due to depreciation, cost of service and any repairs/replacements necessary, insurance, fuel, etc.

And the way to become wealthy is not to look like you're wealthy but rather to spend a lot less than you make and save/invest the extra. It's a simple formula and unless your chosen profession demands that you try to impress clients, a BMW is probably not part of that formula.

 

[frenchbiker]

That's why it's also annoying with people here bashing the CX-5 for not having a glove compartment light, or lack of fog light indicator, etc. EVERY car and car company skimps in certain areas. Just depends.

Actually, what's even more annoying to me is that we don't even have the option of paying for these features. Some might find them unnecessary, others might have a totally different opinion. I would have considered paying extra to get a powered liftgate, to be able to fold the outside mirrors when locking the doors, to have my passenger seat powered, to have memory seats and mirrors, stuff like that... Doesn't it bother you that you have to purchase a screen from Mazda Accessories to hide your luggage in the rear? I was flabbergasted when I discovered that. Heck, it's not even the extra cost that bothered me, it's the fact that Mazda didn't consider it essential. My car is a Grand Touring and Grand Touring implies luggage. See where I'm getting at?
It's even more mindboggling when you know that some of these features are either standard or optional outside the US.
I don't get it.

 

[jhu8]

Actually, what's even more annoying to me is that we don't even have the option of paying for these features. Some might find them unnecessary, others might have a totally different opinion. I would have considered paying extra to get a powered liftgate, to be able to fold the outside mirrors when locking the doors, to have my passenger seat powered, to have memory seats and mirrors, stuff like that... Doesn't it bother you that you have to purchase a screen from Mazda Accessories to hide your luggage in the rear? I was flabbergasted when I discovered that. Heck, it's not even the extra cost that bothered me, it's the fact that Mazda didn't consider it essential. My car is a Grand Touring and Grand Touring implies luggage. See where I'm getting at?
It's even more mindboggling when you know that some of these features are either standard or optional outside the US.
I don't get it.

Nah you're absolutely right. It makes you wonder why Mazda decided in some areas to cut out features that really would of made not much of a financial difference. I'm guessing it would of required too much change in hardware and electrical components from previous versions. Think Mazda was trying to carry over as much as possible from each previous version to keep costs down. But like the features that are already included in other markets, but taken out of the CX-5 for NA. You're right, it's crazy as hell. And yes, the luggage for the trunk I definitely miss not having.

But I guess it is what it is. Good thing it's a stylish and very fun to drive CUV. It does give a luxurious feel as well, even if it skimps on certain things. That's why I think for the most part, Mazda put together a very nice complete package.

 

[craigo]

Actually, what's even more annoying to me is that we don't even have the option of paying for these features. Some might find them unnecessary, others might have a totally different opinion. I would have considered paying extra to get a powered liftgate, to be able to fold the outside mirrors when locking the doors, to have my passenger seat powered, to have memory seats and mirrors, stuff like that... Doesn't it bother you that you have to purchase a screen from Mazda Accessories to hide your luggage in the rear? I was flabbergasted when I discovered that. Heck, it's not even the extra cost that bothered me, it's the fact that Mazda didn't consider it essential. My car is a Grand Touring and Grand Touring implies luggage. See where I'm getting at?
It's even more mindboggling when you know that some of these features are either standard or optional outside the US.
I don't get it.

Mine came with the cargo cover. Every one I saw on the lot had them at the time, early 2013, 2014 MY.

 

[mraub1]

One big advantage of being behind the wheel of the NX is you don't have to look at it's hideous exterior.

 

[Tccox]

Ok, I traded in a 2014, BMW, 228i MSport on my 2016 CX-5 GT AWD. IMHO the quality of the Mazda is better than the BMW. The Mazda not a luxury car? Here's what my Mazda has that the BMW didn't. Heated seats, heated mirrors, leather seats, Sirius sat radio, rear view monitor, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring , fog lights, smart city brake support, led lights, better steering feel. My point is, a fancy name, BMW or Lexus does not make a better car.

 

[yrwei52]

Nah you're absolutely right. It makes you wonder why Mazda decided in some areas to cut out features that really would of made not much of a financial difference. I'm guessing it would of required too much change in hardware and electrical components from previous versions. Think Mazda was trying to carry over as much as possible from each previous version to keep costs down. But like the features that are already included in other markets, but taken out of the CX-5 for NA. You're right, it's crazy as hell. And yes, the luggage for the trunk I definitely miss not having.

When Mazda North American Operations decided to do pennies saved here and there on CX-5 only for US/NA market, that leaves a sour taste in our mouth. I don't even know they actually saved money by implementing all of these changes only for US/NA market!

Memory seat, one-touch up-down power window for all windows, power folding outside rearview mirrors, light for glove compartment, full illuminated power window and power lock switches on door panels, courtesy lights, etc. all are available on CX-5 in most other markets, most of them from day one of the CX-5 release.

 

[fdew]

If you understand what Zoom Zoom means and it makes you grin then go with the CX-5
If you want nice toys and quiet then go with the Lexus

Neither is right or wrong, just different people.

I have owned Saab 96 Audi BMW and Peugeot among others. The CX-5 is my favorite second to the old Saab and for the same reasons. They don't pamper you, they make you grin.

 

[bmninada]

If you understand what Zoom Zoom means and it makes you grin then go with the CX-5
If you want nice toys and quiet then go with the Lexus

Neither is right or wrong, just different people.

I have owned Saab 96 Audi BMW and Peugeot among others. The CX-5 is my favorite second to the old Saab and for the same reasons. They don't pamper you, they make you grin.

To be fair - this particular Lexus has ENOUGH zoom-zoom by itself also, i.e. if you check the specs - engine and road test: braking, 0 to 60, etc., etc.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Far more negative reviews on the NX.. lots of comments about it be a wannabe Lexus.... I have no love for that grille... I don't think it will age well.

Just remember "average" vehicle cost is now $33,543 (August 2015)

 

[Mazdan]

My point is, a fancy name, BMW or Lexus does not make a better car.

Luxury car manufacturers are known for their cars that cost >$45k. Non-luxury car makers are usually known for their cars that cost <$25k. When you are in that middle ground, every manufacturer can make an offering - but most are operating outside of their wheelhouse...they end up putting a car on the market that is a stretch in one direction or the other (upmarket or downmarket). So the results can feel off depending on what your prior expectations are.

 

[fdew]

To be fair - this particular Lexus has ENOUGH zoom-zoom by itself also, i.e. if you check the specs - engine and road test: braking, 0 to 60, etc., etc.

0 to 60 is a tiny part of Zoom Zoom it is about how the driving experience feels to the driver.

All children instinctively know it.
A few adults still remember it.
One unique car company refuses to outgrow it.
In grown-up language, it means the exhilaration
And liberation that come from experiencing sheer motion.
But as usual, children put it much better.
And simply call it Zoom-Zoom.
We practice it every day.

It's why we build the kind of cars we do.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

There are a lot of bodykit and mechanical mods out for the CX-5, tuning, a turbo and supercharger kit on the way too. Something to consider before you buy and start modding.

 

[123373]

Well, anything you say after "There's ZERO inside noise," I must assume might also be an exaggeration.

My point was that it costs considerably more to own and operate a BMW vs. Mazda and it's not primarily due to worse reliability. It's due to depreciation, cost of service and any repairs/replacements necessary, insurance, fuel, etc.

Not in my case, I have spent more money on my CX5 for maintenance with 36,000 miles on it. 109,000 on my 2011 328xi and its quiet and tighter than my noisy 2014. Why does everyone try to justify their purchase by comparing their cars to luxury models that flat out offer more amenities. I bought the top of the line CX5 and its missing basic amenities compared to SUV's in the same 30k price range. I took it on a 100 mile work trip this morning with the temperature in the 20's and enjoyed creaks and rattles all day. My brother has the same CX5 only its a 2015. I recommended it to him and he is pissed because his windows rattle, seat ripped, and has the 70mph transmission drone. My hood bounces up and down, the drivers side mirror has been replaced and started shaking again. Front rotors warped at 20k. Rear breaks gone in 30k. Interior center console lid rattles, wiggles and doesn't close right. Electric seat and Windows sound like they are on their last leg. The USB and 12 volt covers broke off. The CX5 is built like a tin can, a 30k tin can. Zoom Doom.

 

[Lbear]

Not in my case, I have spent more money on my CX5 for maintenance with 36,000 miles on it. 109,000 on my 2011 328xi and its quiet and tighter than my noisy 2014. Why does everyone try to justify their purchase by comparing their cars to luxury models that flat out offer more amenities. I bought the top of the line CX5 and its missing basic amenities compared to SUV's in the same 30k price range. I took it on a 100 mile work trip this morning with the temperature in the 20's and enjoyed creaks and rattles all day. My brother has the same CX5 only its a 2015. I recommended it to him and he is pissed because his windows rattle, seat ripped, and has the 70mph transmission drone. My hood bounces up and down, the drivers side mirror has been replaced and started shaking again. Front rotors warped at 20k. Rear breaks gone in 30k. Interior center console lid rattles, wiggles and doesn't close right. Electric seat and Windows sound like they are on their last leg. The USB and 12 volt covers broke off. The CX5 is built like a tin can, a 30k tin can. Zoom Doom.

(boom01)

Why not sell it or trade it for something else?

 

[frenchbiker]

Mine came with the cargo cover. Every one I saw on the lot had them at the time, early 2013, 2014 MY.

Not anymore. The 2016 don't come with the cargo cover, not even the Grand Touring. I had to buy it separately.