New 2017 CX-5 Revealed

What reliability issues are you referring to?
The only thing I heard (apart from the NA 2L rings issue) was a TSB for software update to fix unexpected surge, did not sound like a serious issue.
IMHO this new CR-V is a winner, exactly what many families want with excellent fuel economy. Finally, it does not look offensive too.

I think it still looks pretty funky. The problem has been, and continues to be, the backend looks ridiculous in order to score a few cargo cubes on the spec sheet. Looks like they added some ripples and chrome to distract from how ungainly it is. Motor Trend concludes as much: http://www.motortrend.com/news/2017-honda-cr-v-mazda-cx-5-auto-showdown/
 
Dougal,
The new CX-5 has nothing that sets it apart? Let's consider that it has:
G-vectoring control (not the same as torque vectoring systems)
True, predictive AWD
Active driving display
Superior quality interior
Power passenger seat with height and power lumbar adjustment and more...
 
Of course, looks is subjective and I would not call the new CR-V pretty. Honda now is in its over-styled period, though I think the new CR-V is much less so than the Civic.
From what I've read so far, Honda did an excellent job with every aspect, from much better NVH, excellent passenger and cargo volume, great engine, an improved CVT, brought back the volume button to its Andorid Auto equipped infotainment.

I suspect the new CX-5, which I consider a tad less attractive from the outside compared with previous gen, will get better highway fuel economy, mostly from being lowered. However, I don't think they'll be able to match the CR-V's fuel economy with current gen SkyActiv.

It would be my guess that the CX-5 will still be more fun to drive, but in terms of overall package, the CR-V might be a better choice.
 
Dougal,
The new CX-5 has nothing that sets it apart? Let's consider that it has:
G-vectoring control (not the same as torque vectoring systems)
True, predictive AWD
Active driving display
Superior quality interior
Power passenger seat with height and power lumbar adjustment and more...

The people looking at a CX-5, CR-V, Rav-4 or Rogue most likely don't know or don't care what G-vectoring control is. AWD, they all have it. Quality interior, they all have it. Power passenger seat, they all have it. Active driver display, don't know but doubt it would be a game changer.

The CX-5 needs something that that sets it apart. Apple CarPlay or Android Play would be something that some buyers would like. Not sure what else would - dramatically better gas mileage or bigger engine?
 
By your definition, then none of the competition stands out.
The people looking at a CX-5, CR-V, Rav-4 or Rogue most likely don't know or don't care what G-vectoring control is. AWD, they all have it. Quality interior, they all have it. Power passenger seat, they all have it. Active driver display, don't know but doubt it would be a game changer.

The CX-5 needs something that that sets it apart. Apple CarPlay or Android Play would be something that some buyers would like. Not sure what else would - dramatically better gas mileage or bigger engine?
 
By your definition, then none of the competition stands out.


To a certain degree, yes. Honda and Toyota win because people think they are bullet proof. Their reputation for reliability and resale value are huge differences between the competition. People think that Subaru's will have better AWD and be reliable. The rogue has a stupid 3rd row that people like and the Panoramic sunroof that is not found in other cars. While the CX-5 now has a power rear hatch, some of the other cars have the hands free hatch.

Look, I am not trying to be negative, but the CX-5 needs something the makes it stand out. I should note that this is not to keep sales where they are but to dramatically increase them. I think people buy Mazda's because they like the ride - they are fun cars. I think if they added something else to make people look at them, like a different sun roof or CarPlay, they would get more people to test ride them and fall in love with them.

I bought my CX-5 because I liked the milage and the ride. The reviews actually played a role in me looking at it, which I might never had done otherwise. Mazda was never on my radar - I came from Subaru's and Honda's. The ride difference between a CX-5 and a CR-V, Rav4 or Forester is huge. The CX-5 puts a smile on my face while the other cars were like driving the dead. But that is me and I don't think most people who buy these type of cars care.
 
To a certain degree, yes. Honda and Toyota win because people think they are bullet proof. Their reputation for reliability and resale value are huge differences between the competition. People think that Subaru's will have better AWD and be reliable. The rogue has a stupid 3rd row that people like and the Panoramic sunroof that is not found in other cars. While the CX-5 now has a power rear hatch, some of the other cars have the hands free hatch.

Look, I am not trying to be negative, but the CX-5 needs something the makes it stand out. I should note that this is not to keep sales where they are but to dramatically increase them. I think people buy Mazda's because they like the ride - they are fun cars. I think if they added something else to make people look at them, like a different sun roof or CarPlay, they would get more people to test ride them and fall in love with them.

I bought my CX-5 because I liked the milage and the ride. The reviews actually played a role in me looking at it, which I might never had done otherwise. Mazda was never on my radar - I came from Subaru's and Honda's. The ride difference between a CX-5 and a CR-V, Rav4 or Forester is huge. The CX-5 puts a smile on my face while the other cars were like driving the dead. But that is me and I don't think most people who buy these type of cars care.

Wrong perception - Rav4 with similar features (minus RCTA / BSM / Power Seats) is Msrp 29ish when I checked this is Rav4 XLE
CX-5 with all those 3 goodies was 27Kish + Bose AUDIO! Touring trim.
So from a price perspective, Rav4 and CRV - already have a 3.5K USD (2K as is, plus 1.5K for those 3 features) premium which is for being bulletproof. But the buyer base in USA is blind as you said.

Another thing is Honda / Toyota reliability perception has been built on atleast 2 decades of solid cars, Mazda has maybe 2 years? So give it time, if they keep things this way it will stick.
I have not seen if the Demio EV is coming to USA but pretty sure that is where the market is headed. If Mazda has to be relevant then yes they need to bring out a fun EV with some practicality in next 3 years.

In the short run they will not compete with Toyota / Honda. I think i mentioned somewhere, ford has 5 dealerships for every 1 of Mazda. This makes lot of rural buyers who wont be buying one. In cities it lags Rav4 / CRV but not by the 3:1 ratio that is at country (USA) level.

I think 2017 is a home run. 2016.5 cant touch it.
 
To a certain degree, yes. Honda and Toyota win because people think they are bullet proof. Their reputation for reliability and resale value are huge differences between the competition. People think that Subaru's will have better AWD and be reliable. The rogue has a stupid 3rd row that people like and the Panoramic sunroof that is not found in other cars. While the CX-5 now has a power rear hatch, some of the other cars have the hands free hatch.

Look, I am not trying to be negative, but the CX-5 needs something the makes it stand out. I should note that this is not to keep sales where they are but to dramatically increase them. I think people buy Mazda's because they like the ride - they are fun cars. I think if they added something else to make people look at them, like a different sun roof or CarPlay, they would get more people to test ride them and fall in love with them.

I bought my CX-5 because I liked the milage and the ride. The reviews actually played a role in me looking at it, which I might never had done otherwise. Mazda was never on my radar - I came from Subaru's and Honda's. The ride difference between a CX-5 and a CR-V, Rav4 or Forester is huge. The CX-5 puts a smile on my face while the other cars were like driving the dead. But that is me and I don't think most people who buy these type of cars care.
Very well said and I totally agree with you!
 
I think 2017 is a home run. 2016.5 cant touch it.
I heard Mazda's brand new 2nd-gen 2016 CX-9 is a home run too when it was pre-viewed in 2015 LA Auto Show. But the sales figure in the US since it was for sale in May this year is dismal! It's much worse than the 1st-gen CX-9, can't even sell 2,000 units per month so far other than in the month of July!
 
http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/november-2016-sales/

IRVINE, Calif. (December 1, 2016) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported November U.S. sales of 22,041 vehicles, representing a decrease of 3 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are 269,019 vehicles. There were 25 selling days in November 2016, versus 23 the year prior.

Key November sales notes:

Sales of the Mazda CX-3 are up 2.4 percent year-over-year (YOY), with 1,355 vehicles sold in the month of November.

Mazda CX-5 posted its best-ever November with 8,865 vehicles sold. This number represents an increase of 1.2 percent over November of 2015.

With 1,994 vehicles sold, the all-new Mazda CX-9 finished November up 65.9 percent YOY, marking the carline‘s best November since 2012.

Year-to-date sales of Mazda’s CX crossover SUVs sit at 130,614, with 12,214 vehicles sold in the month of November. Mazda‘s i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive system continues its popularity among crossover SUV buyers, with 64 percent of buyers choosing the option.

Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 2,574 vehicles, down 2.2 percent YOY.
 
I heard Mazda's brand new 2nd-gen 2016 CX-9 is a home run too when it was pre-viewed in 2015 LA Auto Show. But the sales figure in the US since it was for sale in May this year is dismal! It's much worse than the 1st-gen CX-9, can't even sell 2,000 units per month so far other than in the month of July!
I own a 16.5 and have seen additions to 17. 16.5 despite being a great car is still miles behind. Only saving grace is price. The deal i got in August is now normal. 7% is no longer good.
 
⋯ With 1,994 vehicles sold, the all-new Mazda CX-9 finished November up 65.9 percent YOY, marking the carlines best November since 2012.
Mazda started selling its 1st-gen CX-9 in 2007 for the US market. Mazda now couldn't sell more brand new 2nd-gen CX-9 in November, 2016 than the 5-year-old 1st-gen CX-9 in November, 2012.
 
well unless mazda is doing something or any tweaks to the upcoming cx5 to get better gas mileage, it will be beat by the new 17 crv.

since it is using same powertrain as the current, i dont see much improvement on the mileage for the upcoming cx5.

The current latest CX5 Rated by the Feds at 24/30/26 mpg, the CX-5 actually got 23.4/27.7/25.1 Real MPG.

as for the upcoming 17 CRV, EPA-rated fuel economy for the turbocharged CR-Vs is 27/33 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive and 28/34 mpg with front-wheel drive. Our test vehicle was a loaded CR-V Touring AWD, so compare its 27/33 mpg EPA result with the Real MPG of 21.9 and 34.2.

(source---motortrend)

that real world highway MPG is music to my ears since i do a lot of highway driving. and all the feature set on the crv its a clear winner.

the new cx5 has its looks though, nothing can beat how the upcoming cx5 exterior design.
 
well unless mazda is doing something or any tweaks to the upcoming cx5 to get better gas mileage, it will be beat by the new 17 crv.

since it is using same powertrain as the current, i dont see much improvement on the mileage for the upcoming cx5.

The current latest CX5 Rated by the Feds at 24/30/26 mpg, the CX-5 actually got 23.4/27.7/25.1 Real MPG.

as for the upcoming 17 CRV, EPA-rated fuel economy for the turbocharged CR-Vs is 27/33 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive and 28/34 mpg with front-wheel drive. Our test vehicle was a loaded CR-V Touring AWD, so compare its 27/33 mpg EPA result with the Real MPG of 21.9 and 34.2.

(source---motortrend)

that real world highway MPG is music to my ears since i do a lot of highway driving. and all the feature set on the crv its a clear winner.

the new cx5 has its looks though, nothing can beat how the upcoming cx5 exterior design.

That turbo-charged Honda engine is a 1.5L engine compared to the Skyactiv 2.5L engine. A full Liter bigger.
 
That turbo-charged Honda engine is a 1.5L engine compared to the Skyactiv 2.5L engine. A full Liter bigger.


Yes, but a turbo 1.5. I think we will end up seeing lots of cars like this in the future. The issue is that they have never achieved the real world MPG that is seen in the lab.

My 2014 AWD GT get ~26.4 MPG (see fuelly data) in real world city driving. A 30% increase would be >30 MPG. That would be a game changer in my mind. The motortrend data is odd in that it is 5 MPG lower in the city and 1.2 MPH higher in the highway. The CX-5 highway MPG is completely dependent upon speed. I can get an easy 30 MPG if I keep my speed at or below 75. Above that, my mileage drops to 27-28.
 
Don't forget about the CVT trans.
Mazda should switch to that as well, for better gas mileage?
The gas is really that expensive, that we still care about the mpgs?
 
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