A question for those who have kids and a CX-5

[jabba]

So here's the question: how's the CX-5 with kids and gear?

I have 2 young boys, and just want to make sure that the CX-5 does the trick for the occasional road trip, camping trip, etc, keeping in mind all the junk that you need to bring for kids. As well, is it roomy for sports gear, etc?

I'm pretty sure the CX-5 would do the trick, but I see how tight we've packed the CX-9 before and do worry. The only other option out there is the Highlander, which bridges the gap between a CX-5 and a CX-9, but I'm not in love with the Highlander, but I can see how it could be more "kid friendly" (i.e. captain's chairs in second row, 3rd row seats (small but useable for kids), and slightly bigger cargo area behind the second row.

Any thoughts?

It's getting harder and harder not to stop at the Mazda dealership and plunk down my money, this is really the only thing holding me back at the moment.

Thanks.

 

[CX-SV]

My opinion is the rear luggage area is pretty small compared to Highlander and CX-9 (and is smaller than Escape and CRV too). Do you plan on using a roof rack/pod for camping?

 

[MikeM.]

So here's the question: how's the CX-5 with kids and gear?

I have 2 young boys, and just want to make sure that the CX-5 does the trick for the occasional road trip, camping trip, etc, keeping in mind all the junk that you need to bring for kids. As well, is it roomy for sports gear, etc?

It depends more on how skilled you are at packing then how big the car is.

I know because I've been camping in New Zealand and watched locals pull into the adjacent campsite in a 1980's sub-compact. Within 30 minutes the family of four had erected their huge cabin tent (complete with bedroom, screened dining room, table, stools and foldable kitchen counter with built in sink basin, two burner stove, cooler, food, badminton court setup, soccer ball, etc). Never did figure out how they fit it all in there or set it up so fast but a little while later I saw the same thing happen on the other side of our site. We felt a little silly with our little backpacking style tent and miniature stove while they were camping in style.

Yes, the CX-5 has twice as much space as their little subcompacts, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Jonesey]

I have two young children and we all fit very well with full gear. I have roof racks so that helps however.

 

[SmurfaceWarfare]

The road trip is the only tricky question in there. For everything else the CX 5 will be fine. For the road trips I would say it depends on how much stuff you really take with you. People's opinions on what is needed for trips vary greatly. For my family and I the CX 5 is great, I have more room in the back than I need. Take some stuff to the dealer and throw it in the back to see how it works for you.

 

[CCR76]

Rooftop box. Added benefit is you can toss wet, dirty, sandy stuff up there and reduce soiling of the car's interior.

 

[Kayger12]

Recently did a one week road trip with wife, 2 kids, and plenty of luggage. The CX-5 was jam packed, but it was just enough room to do what we needed to do.