A Purist’s Perspective - One Day with the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Signature Turbo

[wlong01]

I am trying to make sense of this paper. 4320,3440lb can't be for your cx5?

Looks like it's his truck pulling a trailer. The post was just an example to show you you can weigh your car at a weigh station..

 

[ruthrj]

Interior
The biggest issue I have isn’t specific to the CX-5 or even Mazda in general. At 6’3", with the seat as low as it goes, I sit far too high. My head is maybe an inch from the headliner. I don't sit in the seat, but rather over it due to my wider proportions. I can easily see someone at around 5’6" enjoying this interior a whole lot more than I do.

This is a big issue IMO with the current generation RAV4 equipped with a sunroof. I’m 5’11” and my head is within 2” of the headliner. I’m ok with it on my ‘21 RAV4 Hybrid, but our CX-5 is downright spacious with respect to headspace. I don’t know how anybody 6ft or taller could be comfortable in our Toyota.

 

[Lazy2.5]

This is a big issue IMO with the current generation RAV4 equipped with a sunroof. I’m 5’11” and my head is within 2” of the headliner. I’m ok with it on my ‘21 RAV4 Hybrid, but our CX-5 is downright spacious with respect to headspace. I don’t know how anybody 6ft or taller could be comfortable in our Toyota.

I noticed that vehicles with manually adjustable seats have additional adjustability. I can almost get the seat low enough.

If I can get a base model Mazda 3 with a manual Transmission and manual seats, that would be my choice today.

However, when comparing the seats to a CX-5 in the showroom, the CX-5 seat fit me better. But, I dread not being able to get it low enough. My head fits, I just sit far too high. I already like sitting as low as possible in a car to begin with.

 

[AL Cx5]

I like Cat Scales too. I believe they round UP. I paid $14.75 on 6/3/25 at a Circle K.

I'll have my 4 point scales out in a few weeks weighing and tuning the suspension on my race car.

I'll slide them over and weight the CX5 T with a few tools and car seats in it and fuel. FWIW, I lowered the rear 2" and the front 1.5". So the weight distribution maybe off vs stock...

It will be interesting if the weight reductions show up. Lighter wheels and front struts.

I'll take some pictures of the scale head with and without driver.

 

[leeharvey418]

I lowered the rear 2" and the front 1.5"

That might shift the CG rearward by a millimeter. It’s not going to be significantly different than stock.

 

[AL Cx5]

I came across a free scale a few years ago. It was in an industrial neighborhood for a rotary meet on a Saturday afternoon. Apparently weight means a lot for FC and FD bros. The number was displayed on a screen across the street. One FD dude read the display and started taking stuff out from his car, one by one, to see how light he could get. It was a truck scale, but not an official one.

Edit: Don't remember the address of this scale but found online a directory of privately owned scales in the state, listed by county. Many companies maintain their own scales for convenience. The one that I went to was outside of a yard.

A lot of manufacturers have truck scales to receive and/or buy/sell product. They have to be tested and certified. These maybe more accurate than a Cat Scale.

 

[AL Cx5]

That might shift the CG rearward by a millimeter. It’s not going to be significantly different than stock.

It will be minor of interest since the front coilovers are lighter than OEM and the rear is 1/2" lower than OEM front. The front aftermarket sway bar is a few pounds heavier than OEM. Rear is about the same. The rear shocks and springs weigh about the same as OEM.

Wheels and tires are lighter than OEM as well.

In the end, it matters little, I agree. I'm not dragging out my 4 point car scales only to weigh our CX5...

 

[DarkskiesIL]

I am 198cm tall (6’6” in the ancient’s archaic measures), and in our 2024 CX5 Akera (top of the range model here) my head room is not just fine, its very good.

Same applied in our 2016 Akera and my company car 2014 CX5 GT before that.

All of these had the electric adjustable drivers seats which allows good seat height adjustment. Mine of course is always set as low as possible.

For a SUV, CX5’s handling is head and shoulders above the competitors.

The CX5 handling really is excellent - this after coming from a normally aspirated 3 GT hatch. Very pleased what they did, while also sad at the interior layout direction they took the '26.

 

[Lazy2.5]

The CX5 handling really is excellent - this after coming from a normally aspirated 3 GT hatch. Very pleased what they did, while also sad at the interior layout direction they took the '26.

It's.. excellent. For a crossover, I'm sure.

 

[wmdlyon62]

I am 198cm tall (6’6” in the ancient’s archaic measures), and in our 2024 CX5 Akera (top of the range model here) my head room is not just fine, its very good.

Same applied in our 2016 Akera and my company car 2014 CX5 GT before that.

All of these had the electric adjustable drivers seats which allows good seat height adjustment. Mine of course is always set as low as possible.

For a SUV, CX5’s handling is head and shoulders above the competitors.

longer torso vs longer legs(??)

 

[Lazy2.5]

longer torso vs longer legs(??)

That's what I thought too. Although my legs are a bit longer relative to my torso. Mr. Moonlighter over here must have some proportionally very long legs lol