About to buy CX-5 Touring: FWD vs. AWD query

[CXfivertobe]

Live in downstate NY, where AWD is the norm for new CX-5s on dealer lots (occasionally, a FWD in Sport trim). I tend to favor FWD, though, for its greater simplicity, less weight, and bit better mileage. I don't need to get through blizzards to get to work (semi-retired) and FWD satisfies traction needs.

Arguments in favor of AWD from anyone?

Local dealer wants to "give" me AWD to move car on his lot, but would prefer he "give" me that thousand dollars as part of discount on FWD model. Dealer does now say he can find FWD Touring for me, though fear it may have significant miles on it at delivery.

Thanks in advance

 

[MikeM.]

It looks like you already have a good grip on AWD vs. FWD. Plenty will say "you never know when it might come in handy, just get AWD" but I think you know more what you need/don't need than anyone.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

If you are planning on mods and want max cornering ability I'd recommend the awd.

 

[mazdadude]

I too was "given" the AWD by the dealer, I never wanted it. I will admit that I have enjoyed it VERY MUCH in the rainy weather, but I have never "needed" it.

Besides the weight and MPG penalty, there is also a few other items to consider, for me this includes: extra fluid maintenance required for rear diff, faster tire wear, stiffer springs, bigger gas tank, extra insurance cost.

 

[Unobtanium]

Well, if you have no desire for the benefits of awd...why pay for it?

 

[brillo54]

Sounds like our situations are similar and I went the FWD route and don't regret it a bit. I have put winter tires and wheels on it to be safe but that hasn't hurt my enjoyment of the CX-5. Actually, the Latitude X-Ice Xi2's are quieter than the OE Toyo's. You can see by the Fuelly banner in my signature that I'm getting very close to the rated highway MPG overall. My dealer had what I wanted in stock so I didn't have that hassle. Good luck finding what you want.

 

[Anchorman]

The only thing I would add is that the VSC links with the AWD and can control a skid better than it can with FWD as it has a few more tools in the box. Some drivers that like to “have some fun” with “spirited” driving might get more out of an AWD.

 

[inlinev]

I was in a similar situation but I told the dealer the car had to be FWD. My reasoning was same as yours, lighter and more fuel efficient. We are averaging 31+ mpg in mostly rural driving. I did pickup a set of winter tires for the occasion.

My dealer ended up doing a trade with a dealer in MD.

 

[premio53]

Live in downstate NY, where AWD is the norm for new CX-5s on dealer lots (occasionally, a FWD in Sport trim). I tend to favor FWD, though, for its greater simplicity, less weight, and bit better mileage. I don't need to get through blizzards to get to work (semi-retired) and FWD satisfies traction needs.

Arguments in favor of AWD from anyone?

Local dealer wants to "give" me AWD to move car on his lot, but would prefer he "give" me that thousand dollars as part of discount on FWD model. Dealer does now say he can find FWD Touring for me, though fear it may have significant miles on it at delivery.

Thanks in advance

We bought the 2015 GT AWD and love it but didn't realize how careful one must be with replacing all four tires at the same time. On the cars I've owned in the past I would generally replace two tires at a time and if one was damaged I would simply replace that one tire with no problems. Isn't that simple with AWD and can cost almost $1,000 dollars when time comes to replace worn out tires. I live in N. Georgia and don't really need AWD that much but still enjoy it. If we had lots of snow there would be no question that I would pick AWD over FWD.

 

[bmninada]

I live in NJ, so near to you. I have AWD. But after going thru this forum and if I had a time machine and went back and re-purchased, I would have purchased FWD. Why? When it snows bad, I work from home. Roads do get cleared, quickly. Few side roads: I am fine with it. After extensive reading, I believe a FWD vehicle with GOOD snow tires will out-perform ANY AWD with all-seasons in icy conditions. Thus, the $$ saved I would do:

a) Sell my stock OEM tires.
b) Use the $$ from (a) and buy performance SUMMER tires.
c) The $$ saved from going FWD from AWD .. would use to buy MAX 16" winter tires.

Being semi retired, I am not sure if you'd like to turn at high speeds, etc., etc. Even if yes: those SUMMER tires would be real good.
Being semi retired, may be you like to ski, etc. which means going up few hills, etc. There also - those winter tires would be better than all-season TOYO/YOKOHOMA OEM tires.

 

[CXfivertobe]

What a wealth of issues I hadn't considered, and so quickly. Many thanks.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Never noticed this in FSM looking at the troubleshooting section.

"Tight corner braking

Because the coupling component locks up easily (similar to direct AWD), rotational difference between the front and rear wheels cannot be absorbed and brake-like phenomenon occurs.
Due to the coupling component construction, slight tight corner braking effect occurs during tight cornering on a paved road. (AWD system is okay)"

 

[Woodys2718]

If you don't want or need an AWD hold out until a FWD can be located.

 

[Anchorman]

You don't get tight corner braking on a CX-5. It decouples the drive to the rear axle proportional to the steering lock.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

You don't get tight corner braking on a CX-5. It decouples the drive to the rear axle proportional to the steering lock.

Just going off what the 2015 Mazda Factory Service Manual says in this section---> 2015 - CX-5 - DriveLine/Axle - 2
Tight corner braking

 

[Z06Trev]

You might also want to consider resale value. If you plan on keeping the car a long time, it doesn't matter. But if you only keep the car a couple of years, you will get a portion of the extra AWD cost back when you trade it in.

 

[bmninada]

You might also want to consider resale value. If you plan on keeping the car a long time, it doesn't matter. But if you only keep the car a couple of years, you will get a portion of the extra AWD cost back when you trade it in.

Very, very good point. In NJ/NY you'd definitely have a tough time selling FWD. 1st. : folks want AWD here. 2nd: Depreciation of FWD is more than AWD in terms of $ verses # of years old. However, the cost savings in maintenance, insurance and gas significantly offsets this difference. Only thing is when in a pinch it'll take longer to dispose.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

If one doesn't soft off-road on any common basis or have to traverse snowy mountain passes with chain requirements on anything but AWD/4WD one could forego AWD.

Although... someone with a steep driveway with lots of snow will definitely want AWD IMO.... I also like the extra traction one gets with AWD on wet pavement for dicey jack rabbit starts one may need for merging.

Throw Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires on both AWD and FWD and then throw a wet hill into mix and turning to say the right. AWD is going to give you far more options getting out into traffic.

 

[MikeM.]

The only thing I would add is that the VSC links with the AWD and can control a skid better than it can with FWD as it has a few more tools in the box. Some drivers that like to have some fun with spirited driving might get more out of an AWD.

CX-5 does not have any system called "VSC". I think you may be referring to "DSC", Dynamic Stability Control? Even so, I can't think of a single function that the DSC system (as amazing as it is) could perform more effectively with AWD vs. FWD. The reason for this is the heart of the DSC system (besides the Control Unit) is the hydraulic brake fluid pump and high speed electro-mechanical valves to apply brakes individually without operator intervention. While it's true the DSC system is connected to the PCM (power control module), I don't believe there are any instances in which the DSC system would command the PCM to increase power (typically it would reduce power if anything). The primary tool of DSC is independent braking and this would be equally effective on FWD as AWD.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

module), I don't believe there are any instances in which the DSC system would command the PCM to increase power (typically it would reduce power if anything). The primary tool of DSC is independent braking and this would be equally effective on FWD as AWD.

Yeah...I thought I saw something in FSM mentioning just that...reduction of AWD power into a curve. I'll see if I can re-find it.

Maybe CX-3 system is more involved with DSC?