2017 CX-5 vs 2024?

[wolfie]

I have a 2017 CX-5 Grande Touring and am thinking a bit about upgrading to a 2024. My car has been amazingly reliable and the handling is very good. What really annoys me, though, are ride comfort and road noise. The ride is firm bordering on stiff. The body is always in motion. Bumps that a lot of cars would probably absorb cause a bit of a jolt and cause the body to rock a little. I live in an area of my state with constant "road destruction" and the constant bumping and jostling and rocking of the really gets on my nerves.

My car is quiet wrong town but on a highway with coarse pavement, the interior noise can reach 87db.

Is the 2024 any better in this regard? I've considered audis with air suspension but they are almost at the bottom of JD Power's reliability index.

 

[HyFlyer]

FYI, the 2016.5 and 2017 are the most reliable CX5 model years. Have to factor that into your decision as well.

What tires do you use? That can make a difference on comfort.

 

[dunhillmc]

starting with the 2018 models, Mazda did a lot to reduce road noise and vibration. Every years since there have been incremental improvements to NVH. You really have to take on for a test drive in the area you live to see if you notice the difference

 

[ceric]

I have a '17 and a '22 (turbo).
Honestly, I cannot tell a difference in tranquility while they are on the same commute routes.
Maybe there had been improvements over the recent models, but I cannot tell.
My '17 CX5 is significantly quieter than my '16 Mazda6. Anyone in my family can tell that difference.

I agree with HyFlyer. Tires matter a lot.
To OP, please look into tires and/or swap to a softer suspension.
Lower PSI is not the best way to deal with this since that accelerates the tire wear.
If you want to, keep it above 32 PSI.

If you value soft ride and tranquility, Lexus might be a good choice.

 

[Jmaz]

Tires make a huge difference. I hated the all too often harsh ride when I bought my 2014 that I got rid of those stock yokohama Geolandar's at 3000 miles. Major improvement. And this is on 17" wheels too. Being a 2017 I'd think there would be enough miles on it for the suspension to be loosened up.
On coarse highway no tire is likely to be very quiet.
Really, the ride and noise issues you present would point to trying new tires at much less expense and hassle than a new vehicle while giving up one that has a history of being reliable.
Putting things in perspective, my new tires at the time were about 1/3 the sales tax I paid for my CX-5. Certainly today's prices for your tire size would be more expensive but a minor expense compared to buying a new vehicle. Just something to consider.

 

[Jmaz]

I have a '17 and a '22 (turbo).
Honestly, I cannot tell a difference in tranquility while they are on the same commute routes.
Maybe there had been improvements over the recent models, but I cannot tell.
My '17 CX5 is significantly quieter than my '16 Mazda6. Anyone in my family can tell that difference.

I agree with HyFlyer. Tires matter a lot.
To OP, please look into tires and/or swap to a softer suspension.
Lower PSI is not the best way to deal with this since that accelerates the tire wear.
If you want to, keep it above 32 PSI.

If you value soft ride and tranquility, Lexus might be a good choice.

I agree about the tires and air pressure. The replacements for my Yoko's were General Altimax RT43 which the tire shop inflated to the recommended 34 PSI. Driving away it had a soft, sloppy ride and I wondered if I chose the wrong tires. Inflating them to 36/37 gave a much improved ride with decent handling (though not as sharp as the Yoko's). Felt like a totally different car.
Different tires require different pressures. And NOT the MAX pressure listed on the sidewall. @wolfie ---what tires do you have, max pressure listed on the sidewall and the pressure you are running them at?

 

[wolfie]

FYI, the 2016.5 and 2017 are the most reliable CX5 model years. Have to factor that into your decision as well.

What tires do you use? That can make a difference on comfort.

I've had several sets of tires - all different- over the years. The current ones got good reviews for ride comfort.

 

[paris1]

I agree about the tires and air pressure. The replacements for my Yoko's were General Altimax RT43 which the tire shop inflated to the recommended 34 PSI. Driving away it had a soft, sloppy ride and I wondered if I chose the wrong tires. Inflating them to 36/37 gave a much improved ride with decent handling (though not as sharp as the Yoko's). Felt like a totally different car.
Different tires require different pressures. And NOT the MAX pressure listed on the sidewall. @wolfie ---what tires do you have, max pressure listed on the sidewall and the pressure you are running them at?

I put that same tire on my '13 Touring FWD years ago and had the same initial reaction. I ran the recommended pressure @34-35 and learned that the Altimax is a tire that takes some scrubbing (breaking) in. After a few hundred miles it was a totally different tire and quite a good one!

 

[7eregrine]

starting with the 2018 models, Mazda did a lot to reduce road noise and vibration. Every years since there have been incremental improvements to NVH. You really have to take on for a test drive in the area you live to see if you notice the difference

You mean starting in 16. The 16 is a tiny bit quieter then the 15. The 17 is EXCEPTIONALLY quieter. Significant upgrades were made on NVH in 17. They made a big deal out of it in 17.

To wit:
The chassis is 15-percent stiffer than the one found in the vehicle it replaces, with particular attention paid toward revising the suspension for a more compliant ride and improved sound insulation.

As with CX-9 and the 2017 Mazda6, much focus was paid toward improving the ease of conversation between first-and second-row passengers, and further reducing wind and road noise as well.

NVH: the dreaded noise, vibration, and harshness. According to current Mazda CX-5 owners, as well as those who decided against becoming owners, NVH was its biggest area of need. Traveling in the CX-5 was just too loud, so Mazda's engineers made sure that the redesigned, second-generation model would offer its occupants a more serene environment in keeping with quieter competitors. To reduce wind noise, more aerodynamic parts were strategically placed about the exterior, while extra efforts were made to reduce low-frequency noises on coarse surfaces.

According to Mazda engineer Dave Coleman, the new CX-5 is nearly as quiet as its platform-mate, the 2016 CX-9. Actually, to be very accurate, all Mazdas apart from the CX-3 and 2 (aka Toyota iA) now share that platform.

 

[Freedom55]

I have a 2017 CX-5 Grande Touring and am thinking a bit about upgrading to a 2024. My car has been amazingly reliable and the handling is very good. What really annoys me, though, are ride comfort and road noise. The ride is firm bordering on stiff. The body is always in motion. Bumps that a lot of cars would probably absorb cause a bit of a jolt and cause the body to rock a little. I live in an area of my state with constant "road destruction" and the constant bumping and jostling and rocking of the really gets on my nerves.

My car is quiet wrong town but on a highway with coarse pavement, the interior noise can reach 87db.

Is the 2024 any better in this regard? I've considered audis with air suspension but they are almost at the bottom of JD Power's reliability index.

You can try a 2024 CX-5 making sure it's shod with the same size tires you want and that they are properly inflated as they are overinflated at the factory (bring a gauge if you can). In the affordable category, I would suggest you try an Outback, not sporty but the suspension is soft.

 

[wolfie]

You mean starting in 16. The 16 is a tiny bit quieter then the 15. The 17 is EXCEPTIONALLY quieter. Significant upgrades were made on NVH in 17. They made a big deal out of it in 17.

To wit:
The chassis is 15-percent stiffer than the one found in the vehicle it replaces, with particular attention paid toward revising the suspension for a more compliant ride and improved sound insulation.

As with CX-9 and the 2017 Mazda6, much focus was paid toward improving the ease of conversation between first-and second-row passengers, and further reducing wind and road noise as well.

NVH: the dreaded noise, vibration, and harshness. According to current Mazda CX-5 owners, as well as those who decided against becoming owners, NVH was its biggest area of need. Traveling in the CX-5 was just too loud, so Mazda's engineers made sure that the redesigned, second-generation model would offer its occupants a more serene environment in keeping with quieter competitors. To reduce wind noise, more aerodynamic parts were strategically placed about the exterior, while extra efforts were made to reduce low-frequency noises on coarse surfaces.

According to Mazda engineer Dave Coleman, the new CX-5 is nearly as quiet as its platform-mate, the 2016 CX-9. Actually, to be very accurate, all Mazdas apart from the CX-3 and 2 (aka Toyota iA) now share that platform.

Sounds like this started with 2017 models. Mine is a 2017 and still needs a lot of work on NVH.

 

[dunhillmc]

You mean starting in 16. The 16 is a tiny bit quieter then the 15. The 17 is EXCEPTIONALLY quieter. Significant upgrades were made on NVH in 17. They made a big deal out of it in 17.

To wit:
The chassis is 15-percent stiffer than the one found in the vehicle it replaces, with particular attention paid toward revising the suspension for a more compliant ride and improved sound insulation.

As with CX-9 and the 2017 Mazda6, much focus was paid toward improving the ease of conversation between first-and second-row passengers, and further reducing wind and road noise as well.

NVH: the dreaded noise, vibration, and harshness. According to current Mazda CX-5 owners, as well as those who decided against becoming owners, NVH was its biggest area of need. Traveling in the CX-5 was just too loud, so Mazda's engineers made sure that the redesigned, second-generation model would offer its occupants a more serene environment in keeping with quieter competitors. To reduce wind noise, more aerodynamic parts were strategically placed about the exterior, while extra efforts were made to reduce low-frequency noises on coarse surfaces.

According to Mazda engineer Dave Coleman, the new CX-5 is nearly as quiet as its platform-mate, the 2016 CX-9. Actually, to be very accurate, all Mazdas apart from the CX-3 and 2 (aka Toyota iA) now share that platform.

yes, it did start in 2017.
Most of what you wrote is pulled straight from the 2017 CX5 Press Book

 

[7eregrine]

Because that's where I pulled it from... I wanted to confirm I wasn't crazy. I rarely post facts without verifying.

 

[7eregrine]

Sounds like this started with 2017 models. Mine is a 2017 and still needs a lot of work on NVH.

Does surprise me. I guess I am not that picky. My 16 doesn't even bother me. Very good friend has a 17 and I think it's pretty great in that area.

 

[wolfie]

I have a 2017 CX-5 Grande Touring and am thinking a bit about upgrading to a 2024. My car has been amazingly reliable and the handling is very good. What really annoys me, though, are ride comfort and road noise. The ride is firm bordering on stiff. The body is always in motion. Bumps that a lot of cars would probably absorb cause a bit of a jolt and cause the body to rock a little. I live in an area of my state with constant "road destruction" and the constant bumping and jostling and rocking of the really gets on my nerves.

My car is quiet wrong town but on a highway with coarse pavement, the interior noise can reach 87db.

Is the 2024 any better in this regard? I've considered audis with air suspension but they are almost at the bottom of JD Power's reliability index.

For those asking about my tires, they are Michelin Cross Climate 225/65 R17,
32 psi all around.

 

[Freedom55]

Sounds like this started with 2017 models. Mine is a 2017 and still needs a lot of work on NVH.

I know what you mean...Not everyone is like you and me! My previous ride was a 2017.5 Murano SV shod with OE Continental Cross Contact LX Sport 235/65/18 tires. It was very quiet and absorbed potholes and bumps easily. On the other hand, my 2012 RAV4 Sport V6 was noisy and harsh; I changed the tires (OE 235/55/18 Toyo A20) with Bridgestone Alenza HL422 which helped a bit and I soundproofed it. I'm too old to do that kind of thing anymore. It took me a while to get used to the CX-5 but I don't drive much anymore. Good luck with your quest for a comfortable ride.

 

[Mazdiod2]

My car is quiet wrong town but on a highway with coarse pavement, the interior noise can reach 87db.

I've been using some active noise canceling headphones the last few trips I've taken. They are amazing.

 

[Moonlighter]

Ive just changed from a 2015/16 (update model) Akera to a new 2024 Akera. Akera in Australia is the top spec model that has everything, the only significant option is that you get the choice between the 2.5 or the 2.5T. Features other than that are the same.

So same model spec. The big difference between the new car and old is old was the 2.2D. New is the 2.5 normally aspirated.

NVH is so much better in the new car its not on the same planet. Yes, a part of that will be the 2.5 vs the 2.2D. But the quietness is just amazing in the new car.

It does feel sharper in the handling and the steering more direct.

I like a firmer ride but the new Akera, to me, has a nice ride on our very average local roads.

Ride is very much a personal preference, and what you call harsh, I may call firm.

Really there is no way to know how its going to suit you other than going for a test drive.

As an aside the tyres do make a real difference. Both my old car and the new one came with Toyo 19” from the factory. I replaced them when they were worn out with Continental which were quieter handled better in the wet and kasted longer than the Toyo’s. I had 2 sets of them before I traded the old car in. They will be the go to when it comes to replacing tyres on the new Akera.

I run them on 38-40psi, to get the best handling and mileage.

 

[wolfie]

I've been using some active noise canceling headphones the last few trips I've taken. They are amazing.

I use them at the gym, but want to talk to my spouse while driving. Otherwise, I'd probably just put on some rock music to help drown out the noise.

 

[RedBaron]

want to talk to my spouse while driving. Otherwise, I'd probably just put on some rock music to help drown out the noise.

Don't let your wife find out that her talking is just noise to you!