CD-5 sport questions

[kelvincheu]

Hi

This is my 1st post. I am shopping for a CUV, and have narrowed down to CX-5 sport and 2013 RAV4 LE. Fuel economy, purchase price and brand reliability are the most important filters. RAV4 LE costs more but it does not have alloy wheels, has a rear view camera, Bluetooth/touch screen entertainment, 2 more air bags, auto off headlights, bigger cargo space. I have seen the CX-5 in showroom but have not taken the test drive. I have also read most of the posts in this forum. I know (from past experience) that when I test drive a I will get excited and will forget to ask many questions. My questions are:

1. Has any one ordered a CX-5 sport but had the dealer install a rear view camera? Local dealer here only sells CX-5 at spec, or add a $400 optional Bluetooth/touch screen entertainment package.

2. Can the 2nd row seat move slightly to the front and back (to adjust the leg/cargo room)? I have a family of 4 and if we go on a road trip all our luggage may not fit into the cargo area.

3. Will an adult size bicycle fit into the vehicle with the cargo door closed and 2nd row seat folded? If no one has tried it I may bring my mountain bike when I do my test drive.

Any answer is appreciated. Thank you.

Kelvin

 

[ekcooper]

Hey, there.
1. Don't know, I have the GT.
2. I haven't tried, but I don't think the back seats move.
3. Yes, you can easily fit two bikes (laid down with a blanket between) with one being size 58.
Good luck!

 

[HandA]

1. I think if a dealer did offer a back-up camera install it would have to be an aftermarket one and would vary from dealer to dealer and most would probably outsource it. They would also require a screen.
I don't know if any of the companies that offer the screen in the rear view mirror have one that would work on the CX5 or not. But that is the slick setup for add-on ones.

2. the 2nd row seats don't move forward or back. That would be kinda cool though as then you can vary it to either give the 2nd row passengers a lot of leg room or increase your storage space in the back depending on the need.

Trevor
Mazda CX5 Accessories

 

[hollis]

1. which model Sport are you looking at ? the 6 SPD MT doesnt allow for bluetooth/touch screen option. either MT or AT do not have rear view camera as an option but you should be able to have them install one for AT. maybe workaround is to attach a sensor in bumper that alerts you when their is an object behind the car, plenty of version available in the after market
2. seats in rear do not move, just recline fully vertical or flat
3. Plenty of room for mtn bike with the rear seat down. had couple 16" kid bikes in the back with the rear seat up and it offered plenty of room.

 

[kelvincheu]

I've scheduled a test drive tomorrow. I plan to try out the 2.0L Sport and 2014 2.5L Touring. I will post in the forum my impression on the 2.

I teted the 2014 RAV4 LE today. Don't like the engine - it sounded rougher and louder than my 2008 Corolla LE and 2005 Camry LE.

 

[kelvincheu]

Came back from test drive. I could hardly tell the difference between 2.0 L touring and 2.5L touring, in terms of acceleration, noise, cruising up slope. In fact the 2.0L felt a little smoother - may be because it has been driven a bit more. Both vehicles has almost the same cost. Time to think over it and decide if I want power or fuel economy.

 

[kelvincheu]

I've decided on a 2014 2.5L Touring, liquid silver. Reasons: 1-2 mpg is not a great deal to me. I will need the power when I have too climb mountain. I don't expect to drive more than $10K per year, so the model year also gives me a higher resale value. I don't know if 2.L or 2.5L will have higher resale value or easier to sale down the road - it depends on gas price.

 

[popeyecahn]

+1 on liquid silver and congrats on you decision. Personally I would not get the upgrade stereo if at all possible (I don't think it is...), I would add this later with the rearview cam/Bluetooth/nav from an aftermarket HU from JVC, Alpine or the like which is what I plan on doing at some point in the future.

Interesting that you found the 2.0 and the 2.5 to be similar in acceleration etc, I'm sure though that the difference would be noticeable when under a load and going up mountain passes.