CX5 Shopping - What should I be looking for?

[NjJon]

Hi everyone, noob here!

Im looking to add a new CX5 to my garage, and been shopping around a bit and was wondering if theres any disreable features/models I should be on the lookout for.

First off, let me start by saying I LOVE the CX5. My mother has one, and its the best driving mid size/suv/whatever it is I have ever driven. Its drive is so tight, and everything has that feel I love.

I currently sit behind the wheels of a 2014 Subaru BRZ (supercharged, caged, track car/weekend ripper), a 1990 Mazda Miata (turbocharged, fun/play/show car), and a 2001 Volvo V70 (trust steed!).

I do a lot of driving, 125 miles a day is my normal commute. The Volvo has been faithful, by its time to upgrade... also my boss told me I had to upgrade because hes tired of seeing my old piece of Swedish steel... so theres that.

Active cruise control is HUGE to me, something Ive dreamed of while sitting in 2 hours of stop and go traffic during my commute. My mothers didnt have this option, but I know I need this.

AWD? I think they all come this way, correct?

From what I understand, car play is still not an option yet... which is a bit downer but I guess I can live with it.

Also, Ill take a look around and see, but does anyone have upgrades they suggest? I will likely wind up putting a set of Coilovers on it for a mild .5-1 drop, but are there any suggestions to help the overall feel of the car?

Most importantly, anything I should be concerned about with the new 17 models?

Thanks!

 

[7eregrine]

You need the high end GT + Premium package. This has the Active Cruise feature and the HUD (and the heated steering wheel).

No they aren't all AWD. FWD is available, too for $1,300 cheaper. Harder to find in northern states though.

Nothing to avoid on the 17.

And to your boss, as a fellow Volvo owner (although much newer)

 

[wrxray]

Welcome!

Having come from a 2003 WRX on coilovers, a 2013 WRX (fairly stock), and a 2016 Audi SQ5, I have the same feelings on the CX5 as you do. We picked our 2017 GT Premium AWD in December and it is a fairly responsive vehicle for what it is. I just added 20" wheels and some aggressive BFG Comp-2 tires and that tightened things up nicely without being too harsh. I plan also on dropping it about 1.5"...currently researching various options. My only real complaint so far is the steering is a bit too light. Overall, it is a very solid platform, especially at the price point.

 

[finch204]

7 has got it covered as far as what trim to get.

As far as mods, I don't think there are coilovers available for 2017+ CX-5s. BC Racing makes coilovers for 2016 and below CX-5s. I guess your best option for lowering are H&R springs, which seem to be available for all CX-5 model years.

 

[wrxray]

7 has got it covered as far as what trim to get.

As far as mods, I don't think there are coilovers available for 2017+ CX-5s. BC Racing makes coilovers for 2016 and below CX-5s. I guess your best option for lowering are H&R springs, which seem to be available for all CX-5 model years.

I've contacted BC Racing on the status of coilovers for the 2017+ and have not heard back from them yet...I believe you are correct that the H&R springs are the only current option.

 

[7eregrine]

My only real complaint so far is the steering is a bit too light.

Really? Compared to the Subaru? Compared to my Volvo, the CX-5 steering is very heavy. I hadn't driven the Volvo in awhile and I got in that and drive... it really light compard to the CX5. I mean almost scary at first like wow, I got used to the heavy feel of that Mazda pretty quick. hahaha
This probably has more to do with big SUV vs smaller car I guess? Not like the wheels are any smaller.

 

[finch204]

Really? Compared to the Subaru? Compared to my Volvo, the CX-5 steering is very heavy. I hadn't driven the Volvo in awhile and I got in that and drive... it really light compard to the CX5. I mean almost scary at first like wow, I got used to the heavy feel of that Mazda pretty quick. hahaha
This probably has more to do with big SUV vs smaller car I guess? Not like the wheels are any smaller.

I think the 2017+ CX-5s have lighter steering compared to the older CX-5 models.

 

[wrxray]

Really? Compared to the Subaru? Compared to my Volvo, the CX-5 steering is very heavy. I hadn't driven the Volvo in awhile and I got in that and drive... it really light compard to the CX5. I mean almost scary at first like wow, I got used to the heavy feel of that Mazda pretty quick. hahaha
This probably has more to do with big SUV vs smaller car I guess? Not like the wheels are any smaller.

Our last vehicle with real steering feel was our 2013 X5 Diesel. That thing was a tank and also the last vehicle we had with non-electric power steering (my wife currently has a BMW i3...you want to talk about light steering!)

Maybe a better description of my thoughts on the CX-5 steering is that it is a bit numb on center with a bit too much play. After turn in, it does have a nice feel to it.

 

[Carfo]

I would look into the 17 as opposed to the 18 since you'll get a better deal and if you're just going for the GT trim anyway (which you should) then the only difference between the 17 and 18 is the 2cyl deactivation feature they put into the 18s. Some people are actually turned off by this and choose the 17 specifically to avoid it. I got an insanely good deal on a 17 GT which I could not pass up but unfortunately it did not have the Premium package (includes heating steering wheel, windshield deicers, memory seats, and the magnificent heads up display). I'm truly missing the HUD but it is what it is. Makes me wonder if the Premium package can be retrofitted to an existing car or no?

 

[GP 2004]

You might have trouble finding a '17 GT with the premium package. Depends on your location. Try searching the Mazda website.

 

[yrwei52]

I would look into the 17 as opposed to the 18 since you'll get a better deal and if you're just going for the GT trim anyway (which you should) then the only difference between the 17 and 18 is the 2cyl deactivation feature they put into the 18s. Some people are actually turned off by this and choose the 17 specifically to avoid it. I got an insanely good deal on a 17 GT which I could not pass up but unfortunately it did not have the Premium package (includes heating steering wheel, windshield deicers, memory seats, and the magnificent heads up display). I'm truly missing the HUD but it is what it is. Makes me wonder if the Premium package can be retrofitted to an existing car or no?

Agreed. Try to find a '17 CX-5 GT for better price and avoid to be a guinea pig of cylinder deactivation, which carries bad reputation on long-term reliability, on '18 CX-5.

 

[Puyapim]

I agree that finding any 17 GT with PP will be difficult as this juncture. As for the 2018 models, I would have no worry’s about buying one if I were in your shoes. The CD system has been in use in Europe for a short while already. My opinion is that many of the problems with this system are related to lax maintenance by the owner. Oil needs to be changed religiously.

 

[shadonoz]

Whether you go for 17 or 18, definitely get a GT w/PP for the best experience.

 

[7eregrine]

There's still a decent amount of 17's + PP out there.

 

[Monterra]

Brz man..awesome- I feel obligated as that's one of my favorite rides so take this fwiw ie bank My top suggestion is to hunt down a leftover or lightly used 16.5 unless there were enough compelling features/looks etc that you fancy on 17+. The reason I say this is to me its sportier- steering feels damn near perfect whereas I do think its less good on the newer ones. But..this being your primary heavy use (I assume highway vehicle) gen2 will be a more civilized place to spend time- quieter, softer riding probably less susceptible to cross winds being more aerodynamic and slightly lower to ground and roofline. Gen2 gives up some cargo space and sport for refinement and quiet ride. Sweet spot for me is a 2017 GT w/o PP (unless you really want HUD) both to avoid cylinder deact and to score a better deal. 18 did add a few nice things 4 auto up/down windows I believe and I wouldn't let CD be a big deterrent but I would think the deal right now is the 17. Or you could be like me and wait ala Linus in the pumpkin patch for the great diesel to arrive..that would be awesome for doing that kind of mileage depending on conditions I guess. I'm not even that bothered by it (other than that they shouldn't have announced it yet) bc my loaded out 14 w/80k on it has treated me quite well, still enjoy the car, seems to be holding up well.

 

[Kaps]

There are 16s still available. All depends on your market. I know someone who drove 500 miles but got good discount

 

[yrwei52]

There are 16s still available. All depends on your market. I know someone who drove 500 miles but got good discount

A guy in Texas ⋯

 

[dougal]

There are not many options on Mazda's. I personally would get the FWD GT with the premium package and call it a day. The big thing is the dealer. Choose a dealer with a good service department. Make sure they offer something like use of a car when you car is in the shop, etc.

 

[Puyapim]

For a 125 mile daily commute I would consider the Grand Touring with the Premium Package. You will get everything. Heated seats, HUD, heated steering wheel, and on. AWD vs FWD is a personal issue but I am impressed with the awd system. In your area which gets more snow than my area, winter tires would also be a good choice.

You spend a lot of time in your car. Make it comfortable and enjoyable.

 

[7eregrine]

You spend a lot of time in your car. Make it comfortable and enjoyable.

Agree completely. I wanted Touring because I prefer cloth seats. But dual zone climate? My wife and I never agree in temps so I hated to downgrade to manual from previous car. And I really wanted the LED headlights that turn with the wheel. My wife was like "Get what you want! Do not get less then exactly what you want to save a buck!".
Yea, that clinched it. Love her.