2014 CX5 Auto Trans issue?

[mazdachris]

Well, I like President Obama. Sure better than the last guy that was in there. Why they voted the last guy in twice was beyond us...........but that's a whole different topic. Back to topic on hand. The cx5 also has a very stiff gas pedal. I noticed it being a little jerky in the beginning. It went away or I got used to it. I also did not notice it at first with the test drives. Could have been trained and worked in by then. IMO. Kudos with the engine braking. It should help the brakes last a long time. I love my cx5 as much as my wife luvs her VW beetle, OK maybe not that much. Lol

 

[ALafya]

While I liked the AT transmission in the test-drive, it seems Mazda could have done better when looking at the drop of 3 MPG highway 35/26 of manual vs 32/26 of AT.
Most other brands had similar fuel-economy penalty, but with exception like the Accord and Civic, which get better MPG with an automatic (a CR-V is not offered with MT).
That said, the bright side is that city numbers in either AT or manual are pretty impressive and are better than the competition.

 

[paris1]

While I liked the AT transmission in the test-drive, it seems Mazda could have done better when looking at the drop of 3 MPG highway 35/26 of manual vs 32/26 of AT.
Most other brands had similar fuel-economy penalty, but with exception like the Accord and Civic, which get better MPG with an automatic (a CR-V is not offered with MT).
That said, the bright side is that city numbers in either AT or manual are pretty impressive and are better than the competition.

Plus, most owners are exceeding the EPA ratings pretty regularly.

 

[Bombadil]

Plus, most owners are exceeding the EPA ratings pretty regularly.

Yes, this is something I'm paying attention to, in my purchase decision. The CX-5 w/2.5L FWD has an EPA estimate of 25/32. The new Toyota RAV4 w/2.5L FWD is 24/31. And using their traditional tried and true 2.5L engine and tranny. No Skyactiv technology. Makes one wonder if all of this hoopla about SkyActiv is exaggerated if all it does is improve mpg by 1.

However the RAV4 has traditionally gotten under EPA estimates. And now they have jumped from 22/28 to 24/31 with a transmission change, it makes me skeptical that they can jump from their old real life mileage of 22 up to 28 with a tranny change. I would be surprised.

However Mazda has been meeting their EPA estimates, with several people doing better. Makes me have a lot more confidence in those EPA numbers, and perhaps the SkyActiv technology is really boosting mileage by 3-4 mpg, instead of the 1 per EPA estimate.

 

[Decade84]

So I am going to be going back to the dealer on Friday to drive another 2014 CX5 to compare the feeling I am experiencing. I don't think I will be able to rest until I confirm if it's normal or not. The best way I think I can describe the feeling is usually during lower speeds around 30mph or below (mostly in stop and go traffic) it feels like a manual does when it is about to stall b/c you have it in too high of a gear.

 

[Bopper]

Your description, sounds like "lugging" . Thats the word for it. When you are in too high a gear, right around idle, and you step on the gas lightly, like in stop and go traffic, the car may buck or lug. I did notice the 2013 I drove did this a little. I would gather that the trans is trying to keep the rpms low, mileage high. With more aggressive throttle movement, this would goes away, or the tranny downshifts. My guess is that is normal and the more you focus on it, the worse it gets. Go put your mind at ease, good luck.

 

[Decade84]

Your description, sounds like "lugging" . Thats the word for it. When you are in too high a gear, right around idle, and you step on the gas lightly, like in stop and go traffic, the car may buck or lug. I did notice the 2013 I drove did this a little. I would gather that the trans is trying to keep the rpms low, mileage high.

Yeah it seems this is probably normal but for my own sanity I need to make sure it's normal bc now that I've noticed it I am focused on it for some reason. It's driving me crazy!!!

 

[Bombadil]

So I am going to be going back to the dealer on Friday to drive another 2014 CX5 to compare the feeling I am experiencing. I don't think I will be able to rest until I confirm if it's normal or not. The best way I think I can describe the feeling is usually during lower speeds around 30mph or below (mostly in stop and go traffic) it feels like a manual does when it is about to stall b/c you have it in too high of a gear.

This is common on many of the new vehicles which have a target of maximum gas mileage. Their transmissions are programmed to upshift as soon as possible and be slow to downshift. The Ford DSG trannies are infamous for this. The SkyActiv automatics will definitely exhibit this behavior.

 

[HandA]

Plus, most owners are exceeding the EPA ratings pretty regularly.

no kidding, it cracks me up that I just got 32.5 on my last fill up with 70/30 hwy/city driving with a car that is supposed to get 32 on the highway.

 

[Aviboy97]

The CX-5 w/2.5L FWD has an EPA estimate of 25/32. The new Toyota RAV4 w/2.5L FWD is 24/31. And using their traditional tried and true 2.5L engine and tranny. No Skyactiv technology. Makes one wonder if all of this hoopla about SkyActiv is exaggerated if all it does is improve mpg by 1.

Something of note...

CX-5: 184hp @ 5,700 / 185lb-ft tq @ 3,250
RAV4: 176hp @ 6,000 / 172lb-ft tq @ 4,100

The CX-5 produces 9hp more at 300 rpm earlier and the real story teller is the additional 13lb-ft of tq 850 rpm sooner. According to Mazda, the torque band is very, very good. Add this to the better fuel efficiency (especially in AWD form) and Mazda also trumps the Toyota in average economy.

If Mazda ever decided to gear the transmission like Honda and Toyota does, I would not be surprised to see the highway number jump up one or two mpgs, but they refuse to to due to hindering performance. So, yes, SKYACTIV is real.

 

[CX-SV]

Wtf, all the off topic political rhetoric has nothing to do with Skyactiv auto tranny, especially given all the legal and technical exceptions currently in place to sidestep and water down meeting CAFE requirements (one example is the classification of the CX-5, it's a "SUV").

As MikeM described well, this is no ordinary slushbox, the feel is much more direct. And Mazda engineering a automatic transmission with above average efficiency is commendable.

 

[Decade84]

Yeah my thread was a little hijacked by a few.

I still plan on driving another at the dealer but it seems like all are feeling what I am obsessing over?

 

[IHeartGroceries]

Bahaha!

Skimming this thread about transmissions and saw the word, "Obama," and immidiately knew this thread went to s***. (cryhard)