Probably much more due to the major changes in generation 2, since AWD is mostly FWD most of the time anyway in a CX-5.
I think it*s a generation thing. My mother in laws 2018 drives and handles much differently than my 2013. Both are FWD. Mine is a smooth and comfortable drive with good steering, and my coworkers often complement how smooth the drive is on lunch breaks. The 2018 handles like it*s on rails compared to mine. Steering is more sensitive, the ride is dead quiet, and the suspension is much sportier. Not too firm, but more upscale feeling.
Do you notice that when accelerating your 2013 feels "free" while your MIL's 2018 feels a little "constricted", like something is holding back slightly the free flow of the wheels ?
Somewhat, yes. My 2013 feels like it wants to coast, whereas the 2018 feels like it has more engine breaking going on. The 2018 is more responsive to the gas pedal for that reason while the 2013 has a slight delay when hitting the go button.
2016 vs 2019 - there are more generational differences to these feeling different - than there is FWD vs AWD. That being said, the harsh reality of CX-5 AWD (and most AWD systems currently present on the market) - is that it is purely an FWD platform which constantly hauls one really fat chick's worth of on-demand mechanical components - which might be or might be not of any use for you depending on where you live.
AWD makes a huge difference. My AWD went out on my 2015 once, and it was spin city in the cold rain. No thanks. Also, little things, like getting onto a road at a steeper angle, etc. So many ways that AWD will put the power down that you don't even notice, that when you get into a FWD version of the same vehicle, it's a suckfest.
Lol, it sounds like you've got it all well justified to your-self. Good for you... albeit, I'd strongly suggest keeping an eye on the condition of your tires.
On my side of things - I live in this Canadian village called Montreal with - arguably - the worst weather across Canada (Toronto-nians might strongly disagree after this winter), just today we had yet another round of freezing rains, half of the city is without lights and I've swapped winter tires for summer ones a weekend ago. And guess what - somehow I've survived the day on mere FWD without a single wheel spin... strange.... Oh and my summer tires are on their last season (by my standards). Ever since getting my CX-5 I was averaging about 5-6 days per year when having AWD would have been sweet, but even on these days you're still mostly stuck in traffic behind these who think that AWD solves all worlds issues and who can't drive for sh@t. For the other 360 days a year - I'm perfectly fine.
Lol, it sounds like you've got it all well justified to your-self. Good for you... albeit, I'd strongly suggest keeping an eye on the condition of your tires.
On my side of things - I live in this Canadian village called Montreal with - arguably - the worst weather across Canada (Toronto-nians might strongly disagree after this winter), just today we had yet another round of freezing rains, half of the city is without lights and I've swapped winter tires for summer ones a weekend ago. And guess what - somehow I've survived the day on mere FWD without a single wheel spin... strange.... Oh and my summer tires are on their last season (by my standards). Ever since getting my CX-5 I was averaging about 5-6 days per year when having AWD would have been sweet, but even on these days you're still mostly stuck in traffic behind these who think that AWD solves all worlds issues and who can't drive for sh@t. For the other 360 days a year - I'm perfectly fine.
AWD is not a 4x4, so I will agree, a lot of the general populace gets the wrong idea and becomes overconfident.
That said, I always keep up with my tire tread and I believe the AWD kicks in more than we realize on things like start from a stop, loose gravel/dirt, etc. to keep the wheels from spinning and instead maintain traction. I wouldn't own this kind of vehicle without it personally.
Lol, it sounds like you've got it all well justified to your-self. Good for you... albeit, I'd strongly suggest keeping an eye on the condition of your tires.
On my side of things - I live in this Canadian village called Montreal with - arguably - the worst weather across Canada (Toronto-nians might strongly disagree after this winter), just today we had yet another round of freezing rains, half of the city is without lights and I've swapped winter tires for summer ones a weekend ago. And guess what - somehow I've survived the day on mere FWD without a single wheel spin... strange.... Oh and my summer tires are on their last season (by my standards). Ever since getting my CX-5 I was averaging about 5-6 days per year when having AWD would have been sweet, but even on these days you're still mostly stuck in traffic behind these who think that AWD solves all worlds issues and who can't drive for sh@t. For the other 360 days a year - I'm perfectly fine.