2016 CX5 GT AWD reduced power/sluggish acceleration in cold weather

Yeah, the winter tire O.D. is 1.2% smaller (28.4" vs 28.8") so it can contribute, fair point Red. But just the way the engine revs come up quicker when doing a normal acceleration, I think having 22% less mass to get rotating helps a lot too.
 
Over the last month or so I observed this issue a bit more, and I came to think that what is causing the decrease in power is actually the AWD system, that kicks in at different levels, based on different factors. Certainly the drop in temperature, coupled with slippery road conditions accentuate the issue. To some degree, I think this is a normal thing for a AWD vehicle: http://www.superstreetonline.com/how-to/engine/modp-1005-drivetrain-power-loss/ but I am wondering if anybody else notices this issue when the AWD system is engaged in their cars as well.
I wish Mazda would have given me a switch to be able to enable/disable the AWD (it would have come really handy now in troubleshooting this issue).
 
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Over the last month or so I observed this issue a bit more, and I came to think that what is causing the decrease in power is actually the AWD system, that kicks in at different levels, based on different factors. Certainly the drop in temperature, coupled with slippery road conditions accentuate the issue. To some degree, I think this is a normal thing for a AWD vehicle: http://www.superstreetonline.com/how-to/engine/modp-1005-drivetrain-power-loss/ but I am wondering if anybody else notices when the AWD system is engaged in their cars as well.
I wish Mazda would have given me a switch to be able to enable/disable the AWD (it would have come really handy now in troubleshooting this issue).


It’s all a personal preference and actually one I agree with. The Mitsubishi Outlander had that type of control with their S-AWC system and a Eco mode which kept the system in fwd until the front wheels spun in which awd would kick in. That type of system would be perfect for summer highway trips for example.

But it is what it is and I have noticed a little performance hit when the cold weather hits but only until everything is warmed up. That is normal for any engine and drivetrain as fluids need to thin out from being so cold. Once fully warmed up I feel no changes so I cannot tell if awd is on or not.
 
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