2014 CX5 questions

[Dimcorner]

Ok so I'm getting close on deciding to go for a CX-5 or a RAV4 (will go test RAV4 this weekend).

I haven't driven a 2014 CX5 yet but I did take a 2013 GT FWD out for a drive and it was nice so here are my questions...

1. Did they fix the mirror vibrations on the 2014's? (the 2013 I drove vibrated)
2. Are the A/C gauge lights and all still amber? I also drove the new 6 and that interior was a bit better (gauges and white a/c lights)
3. Can you fit easily all the cargo associated with an infant?
4. I drive to Boston (from SC) almost every winter. AWD worth it?

Finally, compared to RAV4 do you believe they are close? I know driving dynamics are different and all, but honestly most of the driving is done either in traffic or on a highway so I really don't get to toss it around. I'm mainly looking at practicality and comfort on long hauls.

For background info here are the cars I have owned.

86 Celica
96 Accord Coupe
93 RX7 R1
92 Soarer GT
96 Eclipse GSX
06 Mazda3 <--- wifey car and ex-AutoX car (wife not happy after eating a set of tires in 6 months...)
00 S4

Thanks in advanced!

 

[STE92VE]

1. Did they fix the mirror vibrations on the 2014's? (the 2013 I drove vibrated)
3. Can you fit easily all the cargo associated with an infant?

Just took delivery last night of 2014 GT AWD and have not noticed any mirror shake.
Even though the cargo area is quite adequate, I suggest placing any underage passengers in an approved car seat, attached securely to the rear seat.(hand)

Never really looked at the Rav4 myself since I was not interested in the styling.

 

[Bopper]

I haven't noticed the mirror shake yet, or the hood shake/bounce. I have come to like the two-tone amber/white lighting. I managed in NJ for the last 20+ years with front wheel drive. I bought AWD so I have no excuses, or at least less excuses for not getting to work. For one trip a year to Boston, AWD may be overkill. You must drive the 2.5L before you make any decision. For daily baby stuff, cargo should be enough. bring the Baby stuff into the showroom and give it a try. I am putting a CurtII hitch on for my cargo platform for bigger trips.

 

[MATR6]

Bought the CX-5 to fit our 2 y.o.'s stuff.
AWD for ~1mpg less is worth the extra traction when needed.
Definitely drive the 2.5l, it's got enough power to drive 'fast'.

 

[Kayger12]

No hood or mirror shake on my 2014.

AWD is one of those things that is worth its weight in gold the few times you need it.

Plenty of cargo room.

I was interested in the Rav4, but the lack of IIHS crash testing info and the fake leather were turn offs for me.

 

[Dimcorner]

Thanks for the insights!

I'll see if the local dealer here will have a '14 to test. I went to the Honda dealer to look at a CR-V but those guys were hounding me with "what will it take for you to get a car today". After answering different variations of that question with "not today" at least 3 times i broke and said if they gave me a new CRV for $10k I was game, needless to say they didn't really help me after that so I didn't get to drive one. I didn't like the interior anyway.

The new RAV4 looks interesting so I will check it out but it seems to not get near the EPA mileage from a few forum posts I have seen so far (mid 20's! only).

 

[Seminole]

^I might be in the minority with the hood and mirror shake. I tested a Meteor Gray 2014 GT and it had the mirror shake, and I picked up my 2014 GT this weekend and it has the mirror and hood shake. The hood shake hasn't been that noticeable until today when it was a little bit windy out and I was driving into a head wind, but the mirror has been pretty persistent at anything over 40mph or so. It wasn't enough to deter me from buying the car, but I will be bringing it up at the first service.

I had a similar encounter with Honda. They let me drive the car, but since I wouldn't give a solid time frame in which I would be buying a car, they refused to give me an appraisal on my trade in.

 

[by-you]

I follow more than I post and have to say there is great feedback and information here. I am considering the 14' Sport FWD and letting go of the CX7. Considering leasing one since I bought (used) the CX7 I have put at most in a year of 12,500 miles. Should I make the move, one thing that I will miss is the pep that the CX7 has when getting on it.

 

[ALafya]

The 2 CX-5 2014 I've test drove had driver-side mirror shake. I could not see hood shake though.
The issue was not very serious, but I would have gotten it fixed, had I took delivery (waiting for mine to arrive).

The new 2013 RAV-4 drives better than previous gen RAV-4, especially in turns. In base LE trim you get it with the same 2.5L engine as all other trims. The LE trim has pretty much all I care for, including back-up camera and USB/Bluetooth except for better wheels. The mid-level XLE trim comes standard with moon roof, roof rails, fog lights and cargo cover. With AWD you get differential lock, which is a good feature to have. The RAV-4 does 31/24 MPG in FWD 29/22 in AWD. It uses the same tried and true 2.5L engine also found in the Camry. The RAV-4 is priced very competitively, especially when you consider its standard features.

The CX-5 gets HD audio and blind spot monitoring in mid-level Touring, but you need to get moon-roof + Bose package if you want a moon roof (you need to get Entune package in the RAV-4 for better audio, though standard audio is pretty good). It drives better in turns if you are into it and AT shifts are more sporty, somewhat less smooth. The base model gets 2L engine but does get alloy wheels. It definitely looks better, inside and out. It gets 32/26 for base FWD MT, 32/26 base FWD AT, 31/25 base AWD, 32/25 2.5L FWD and 30/24 2.5L AWD. The base uses 2L Direct-injected engine found in the new 3 and other trims use the 2.5L DI engine found in the new 6.

 

[rcs914]

I have no hood/mirror shake in my '14. The 2.5 is fantastic. Almost thought about looking at the new Rav4 before buying mine, but decided not to. I knew what I wanted ;-)

 

[Reggae]

no mirror or hood shake here, but I have only had it since last Friday, only think I dislike is the sound of the (wtf) HORN (wtf)