Hi all, I am deciding between a CX5 and a Mazda 3. Currently its just me and my partner with no plans for kids so Im not sure whether the extra space of CX5 will be fully utilised. In saying that I like the look and high riding position of the CX5 better. Im looking at the 2FWD / 2 L Maxx Sport 3018 model. Any advice would be appreciated.
Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda 3
- Thread starter Navin52
- Start date
Welcome to the forum!
2.0L is fine inside the Mazda 3 but can struggle a bit in the CX-5 with the extra weight.
Probably better to go for 2.5L engine of CX-5
The higher driving position of the CX-5 for me does make alot of difference (have driven the 3)
2.0L is fine inside the Mazda 3 but can struggle a bit in the CX-5 with the extra weight.
Probably better to go for 2.5L engine of CX-5
The higher driving position of the CX-5 for me does make alot of difference (have driven the 3)
I'm looking at a 3 (and cross shop[ping with a Golf Sportwagen) over the CX5 largely because I can get one with a manual transmission (though it will also handle better, be faster and get better fuel mileage given the better power/weight, aerodynamics etc).
The main things you'd go for the CX5 for would be the ride height, available AWD and larger cargo capacity. The CX5 was also updated with the added sound insulation/door seals and would be quieter as well (next year's, next gen 3 should see similar improvements).
Of course the 3 will also cost you less $$$.
Depends on what your priorities/budget are.
The main things you'd go for the CX5 for would be the ride height, available AWD and larger cargo capacity. The CX5 was also updated with the added sound insulation/door seals and would be quieter as well (next year's, next gen 3 should see similar improvements).
Of course the 3 will also cost you less $$$.
Depends on what your priorities/budget are.
7eregrine
The man, the myth, the legend
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- Land of Cleve
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- 2016.5 CX5
I think he's referring to the 2.0 in the CX-3. Mazda killed the 2.0 in the states. I think Canada still gets.
International Forum here...always helps to tell us where you're at.
The 2018 CX-3 was redesigned and has a nicer better laid out interior.
However, most people who know more about Mazda then I do generally recommend getting the 3 hatchback instead of the CX-3 as it is actually more roomy both in the back seat and in the hatch area believe it or not. Unless you want AWD which you don't, then the CX-3 is a better play. The CX5 is bigger and heavier but has the bugger engine which it needs.
You really just need to go check them out in person and drive them.
/Edit/ My bad...you are cross shopping a sedan / wagon with an SUV? No kids. No need to haul a ton of stuff. You just want to...sit higher? You sound like 3 Hatchback people to me. [emoji16]
International Forum here...always helps to tell us where you're at.
The 2018 CX-3 was redesigned and has a nicer better laid out interior.
However, most people who know more about Mazda then I do generally recommend getting the 3 hatchback instead of the CX-3 as it is actually more roomy both in the back seat and in the hatch area believe it or not. Unless you want AWD which you don't, then the CX-3 is a better play. The CX5 is bigger and heavier but has the bugger engine which it needs.
You really just need to go check them out in person and drive them.
/Edit/ My bad...you are cross shopping a sedan / wagon with an SUV? No kids. No need to haul a ton of stuff. You just want to...sit higher? You sound like 3 Hatchback people to me. [emoji16]
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- 2023 CX-5 Premium; 2018 Mazda 3 GT hatch
High ride heights are vastly overrated IMO. That's one of the reasons I lowered my CX-5 to make it look/feel more car-like. I'm waiting to see how the 2019 3 hatch shakes out and if they manage to resolve some of the interior space utilization issues of the current model (poor rear seat legroom). I need the utility of a hatchback, not the bulk of a crossover.
He says Mazda 3, not CX-3.
We own both. CX-5 is better for cargo and hauling around bulky items, the 3 handles a bit more nimbly. The 2.0 is fine in the 3 and gets great gas mileage. The 3 is quite low to the ground and will scrape parking curbs and driveways. It also feels quite a bit tighter inside than the 5. We use the CX-5 for road trips. I like the seats better in the 3 though.
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- 2021 CX-9 Sig
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- 2021 CX-5 GT
We have a 2014 CX-5 GT and a 2017 Mazda 3 Touring (with the 2.0). The Mazda 3 is small but perfect for 1-2 people and an occasional 3rd or 4th. The Mazda 3 handles fantastic - blows the CX-5 out of the water - and gets fantastic gas mileage (40 MPG easy on the highway).
The negative is that the Mazda 3 is louder than the new CX-5 and the it can't hold a large 29er mountain bike with the front wheel off.
The negative is that the Mazda 3 is louder than the new CX-5 and the it can't hold a large 29er mountain bike with the front wheel off.
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ShotFromTheHip
Member
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- Mazda CX 5,2018
Poor rear legroom in the CX5?!? Im 6ft 4. I can sit behind myself with the drivers seat in a comfortable position for me too.
That is good to know!
I live in Melbourne Australia. Its definitely the look/feel and SUV that is so tempting although Im sure the 3 I know would do the job just fine. Guess just something Ill have to decide on. With a CX-5, is the base Touring a better option/value for money than the Maxx Sport? I figure if Im getting an SUV I might as well get AWD.
I am also financing through a novated lease so the difference per month doesnt seem huge between the models.
I am also financing through a novated lease so the difference per month doesnt seem huge between the models.
the rear seats in the 3 are a huge let down. There is a certain amount of thing beyond which having more of it is of no use. For e.g. a good legroom is nice but 4 ft of legroom is just un necessary. The 3 i had to ride in the rear was claustrophobic - you will do well if most occupants that sit in the rear of 3 are 5'6" or shorter.
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- Denver, CO
I was a house of 1 for a long time, now 2, but mostly drive with 1. I am still very happy I got the CX-5 for a few reasons.
I like sitting higher off the ground personally, but I grew up with Jeeps, so I'm probably skewed on my views there. Also, not as tall as some here, but I have super long legs, and I just hate getting out of sedans. Personal preference there.
I find the AWD to be a great to have feature whether in winter, or just for traction in general.
CX-5 will certainly not have the driving dynamics of a 3, but it has still got to be the most car like vs. many of the other CUV's out there.
Having the extra space was not a big priority to me, but it came in handy at least twice in the time I have owned it. And agreed with a previous poster on being able to fit a bike in the back (rear seats down).
I like sitting higher off the ground personally, but I grew up with Jeeps, so I'm probably skewed on my views there. Also, not as tall as some here, but I have super long legs, and I just hate getting out of sedans. Personal preference there.
I find the AWD to be a great to have feature whether in winter, or just for traction in general.
CX-5 will certainly not have the driving dynamics of a 3, but it has still got to be the most car like vs. many of the other CUV's out there.
Having the extra space was not a big priority to me, but it came in handy at least twice in the time I have owned it. And agreed with a previous poster on being able to fit a bike in the back (rear seats down).
ShotFromTheHip
Member
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- Mazda CX 5,2018
Obviously with my height it was a big consideration. Its why I changed cars. I can ride in a high position (with the seat elevated) and theres also still about a foot above my head. Its a very big car. I frequently see the roof in a car park above other cars. Im quite confused as to why some people dont think its big...
Yes we have it here
That should be OP's pick imho.
I wanted a Mazda3 hatchback but the rear seats area were a bit smaller than I'd like. Hence went to Mazda6 route. Now a Mazda6 wagon would have a lot of space back there. Issue would be lower to ground than CX-5.
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