CX-5 6 MT owner opinions?

[eclypsecl]

I've been lurking all of these sections on CX-5 for half a year now; waiting for my elantra lease to end.

My Elantra...

- Do you like being micromanaged at work? Well now you can micromanage your steering wheel all over the highway for the duration of your trip. Car doesn't keep center no matter what you do, it's a feature, really.
- Have you owned a car with a blown rear suspension? Well now you can have this experience from the factory. (Loading 4 people and some luggage in the trunk allows you the pleasant exercise of riding on the bump stops in the rear)
- Redeeming features, some items soft touch, not so budget exterior suprisingly
- Reliable
- 39 mpg on the highway consistently
- Best of all..................................................ROW MY OWN DAMN GEARS, shortish throws, very easy shifting, great econobox without econobox looks.

I've tried owning automatics, and ended up miserable. Had a 2008 g35 fully loaded, but with automatic it was boring, plus terrible mileage 19 mpg average.

Your 6 speed Sport?
How's the steering, good suspension, easy shifting, fun factor, regrets on getting an suv with manual? Any of you upgraded to leather seats, navigation, aftermarket sunroof?

^^^ Directed at 6 speed owners because I think we're a different kind of driver, and unfortunately punished for it with a bare car.

 

[Fleeecy]

Hi! If you're happy with the interior space in your Elantra, you might enjoy a Mazda3 more than the CX-5. You'll be able to buy it fully-loaded with a MT soon.

Can't comment on the MT for the CX-5, but Mazda manuals have historically been really good. Better than Hyundai offerings, no contest!

 

[NinjaNoises]

Hi! If you're happy with the interior space in your Elantra, you might enjoy a Mazda3 more than the CX-5. You'll be able to buy it fully-loaded with a MT soon.

Can't comment on the MT for the CX-5, but Mazda manuals have historically been really good. Better than Hyundai offerings, no contest!

Agreed.

I have the 6MT CX-5. Steering feel, shifter/pedal feel, handling(for such a tall car) is all great. Except that it's a little low on power so I rev mine out all the time. And while it handles great for an SUV, there is still a lot of suspension travel and roll. It'll do what you want it to do in the turns, just not with a lot of confidence while you do it.

If you want an SUV of this size in a manual, the CX-5 can't be beat. Hell, it's not like you have another MT SUV to choose from. But if fun to drive is your priority, then stick to a car. Mazda 3 or 6 is a great choice.

 

[RG_Flyer]

If you've been lurking, you do doubt have seen my comments on this subject - I'm a diehard manual driver too. I will buy the CX-5 MT-6 with the 2.0L if nothing else becomes available, but I have been holding out in hope of a 2.5L MT-6 option. Based on what I'm used to, I think the CX-5 will be "fun enough" as I need a commuter/light hauler in one. My 2006 2.3L manual Escape has served me well, but I will have to replace it sometime (168,000 miles and counting).

 

[dad of jon]

I have a 6mt tranny but bolted onto a 2.2 diesel. The gearchange is excellent with a short quick crisp throw.

i'd have to say its the best manual transmission I've ever used. ford mondeo 5mt from 1998 was my previous fav.

 

[Dr_Watson]

Same as above.

Surprisingly short shift, sports car like.

Steering is fine, would like a slightly quicker rack, slightly dull in a straight line, not much feel. Possible due to previous cars being Golf R32 and Subaru Impreza Turbo so maybe expecting too much!

Its fairy fun to drive, I am a petrol head really and in the 6 mile trip to work on early Sunday mornings, I can get lift of oversteer drifts into roundabouts, I have managed to get the hazard warnings to go off on about 5 corners from heavy braking, the seats are completely unsupportive, so hold on the the wheel tight, it doesnt drift at all, even in ice and snow, the rear wheels really do not want to help out even when stuck in snow. Sadly the worst AWD system I have seen but I really dont need it and didnt buy it for that feature.

No regrets buying it, certainly dont miss the extra bhp of the 175 model. Higher driving position is nice to have too, something new for me. Its a nice motorway cruiser too, tempomat works perfectly, even at German Autobahn speeds!

 

[Cold Road]

I'am also a manual enthusiast. I did end up with the 2.5 for the extra power and hoping the manual mode will be enough to help with the gear withdrawal.
Its unfortunate that there is isn't more manual choices these days.

 

[Jonesey]

1.5 years later I love my 6MT with the 2.0 - I really get to drive the car. It's truly a small SUV with a tight feel. I love the high mpg and and I love to rev any gear I want as high as I want if I want.

 

[Buzzx6r]

I've been lurking all of these sections on CX-5 for half a year now; waiting for my elantra lease to end.

- Best of all..................................................ROW MY OWN DAMN GEARS, shortish throws, very easy shifting, great econobox without econobox looks.

I've tried owning automatics, and ended up miserable. Had a 2008 g35 fully loaded, but with automatic it was boring, plus terrible mileage 19 mpg average.

Your 6 speed Sport?
How's the steering, good suspension, easy shifting, fun factor, regrets on getting an suv with manual? Any of you upgraded to leather seats, navigation, aftermarket sunroof?

^^^ Directed at 6 speed owners because I think we're a different kind of driver, and unfortunately punished for it with a bare car.

One's opinion is of course based on experience of driving / owning other cars. My comparison is therefore v's my M3. Is this fair, probably not. However, steering is light and easy to use but there is zero steering feel. I have no idea what tyres are doing in the CX-5.

Suspension is OK. Lots of roll and ride can be fidgety on broken roads. When hitting a bump at speed, the feeling is quite severe initially but then the damping controls the movement OK. Overall the suspension ride / handling / fun factor is the best when compared to the latest Honda CRV, BMW X3 Msport and Kia Sportage that I drove before ordering my CX-5.

Manual gearbox - it has nice short throw action that is at odds with the rest of the car but none-the-less, is a pleasure to use. Again not much feel and changes are not very positive.

Leather - we get real leather for the UK market though is of lowish quality and has manufactured grain pressed in.

Sat nav / infotainment system is rubbish. Compared to BMW HD sat nav idrive system it is hopeless, unituitve, expensive to update maps, graphics from the 90s, slow to react and don't get me started on the 'USB always plays the 1st track issue.'

Overall I very much like the car, it's like a domestic appliance for the road.

 

[Jcanracer]

My previous ride was a 2003 Toyota Matrix with a 5 spd which I had riced out with every conceivable mod short of turbo or nitrous. I really put that 1.8L through hell.
I wanted something with comparable or better utility & economy while still having a fun experience and a manual transmission. I also did not want to modify again, I like having a factory warranty, I must be getting old. Anyways...
I have not been disappointed with my 2013 CX5 Sport.
- Many people say the steering lacks feeling, but I think its good for a non-hydraulic system.
- The shifter is a joy: crisp throws, not as short as a sports car but not as long as my old Matrix or Hilux.
- The handling is great for this class of car. Its not a Miata, but at the same time it handles infinitely better than some of the other small SUVs on the market (Forde Edge, I'm looking at you).
- The power is polarizing: depending on your frame of reference its either good enough, or slow. With a manual transmission you can use the nice flat torque band that the direct injection and high compression have bestowed on this 2.0 liter engine. Personally since my last car was a torqueless wonder, I am happy with this engine-transmission combo. Whereas in my last car I had to rev out and struggle to get to and stay above 70, now I find myself at citation speeds without even noticing I'm doing 80+mph.

The only car I would rather have (using the same criteria as when I replaced my Matrix) is maybe a Mazda6 wagon with skyactiv engine and manual transmission. However, since that is NOT offered here in the USA, I will continue to love my CX5 for many years to come.

 

[rjdee]

I too am very happy with my 6mt CX5. I bought the CX5 to replace a 07 Mazda 6S 5dr hatch 5speed. I was looking for better mileage and greater cargo capacity. I really wanted a manual and would've bought a higher end version of the cx5 if it was available. I've had the windows tinted and would like a sunroof or heated seats and hate the basic 60/40 rear folding seats. Handling and responsiveness is lower than the 6 but much better than the Escape, CRV, Rav4. Onramps I'd take at 60mph in the 6 I now max out at 50. I'll probably upgrade the swaybars down the road but I doubt I'll lower it since I do load it up regularly.

Power is lower but the manual helps to offset it if I plan my shifts. Some times I skip a gear (6->3rd for a fast pass) but I'm cool with it. Better shifting quality and clutch feel than the 6. I've never owned a true sports car but have a Miata in the sights. I also own a Suburban as my gear vehicle. Out of my 9 vehicles only 3 have been automatics so I consider myself a manual fan. While not fast, I have no problem keeping up with traffic and shifting more aggressively.

I drive to Boston on a regular basis and prefer a manual in traffic over an automatic. I'd much rather hold a gear and use engine braking over having to ride the brake pedal constantly in stop and go traffic. My ideal vehicle would've been a new Mazda6 wagon but that's not happening anytime soon and the CX5 is pretty close just with lower handling limits.

 

[eclypsecl]

Thanks for the replies, I need the space for my bike, hiking gear etc, and it was a pain in the butt constantly taking down rear seats and fishing stuff through the trunk. That and I need something fuel efficient, still fun to drive, higher seating, looks and feels good. I'm going to try and wait as long as I can for the facelift that may or may not come for the cx-5. I may just get like a couple hundred dollar beater for a few months after my lease is up until the car arrives.

RJDEE you hit the nail on the head with engine braking. I hate riding the brake or holding it at red lights and the 6->3 is a good point.

If they don't come out with an upgraded Sport model, I'll grab katzkins, nav/audio, heated mirrors, and sunroof..but haven't seen one made by webasto..which is odd.

 

[RG_Flyer]

Excellent Thread (for me)

Thanks for the replies, I need the space for my bike, hiking gear etc, and it was a pain in the butt constantly taking down rear seats and fishing stuff through the trunk. That and I need something fuel efficient, still fun to drive, higher seating, looks and feels good. I'm going to try and wait as long as I can for the facelift that may or may not come for the cx-5. I may just get like a couple hundred dollar beater for a few months after my lease is up until the car arrives.

RJDEE you hit the nail on the head with engine braking. I hate riding the brake or holding it at red lights and the 6->3 is a good point.

If they don't come out with an upgraded Sport model, I'll grab katzkins, nav/audio, heated mirrors, and sunroof..but haven't seen one made by webasto..which is odd.

Thanks eclypsecl for starting this thread and all others who responded. This has been very informative to me. I have been researching my next vehicle and this feedback has been very helpful in confirming my path forward when I'm ready to purchase.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

well this was the first car I bought on my own credit and actually wanted to do mods with. I intend to keep it for a long time but I want a diesel (I've already had so much done to the car) unless some performance enhancing comes to the SA engine. Dynotronics is working on the ecu for SA right now so that is a good start

 

[rjdee]

I'll add in that I love the hill hold feature. Anyone who has driven a manual knows the trickiest of times is starting smoothly on a hill. Pulling away from a traffic light when you have someone up your ass so you can't roll back. The Hill hold is simple and works with minimal intrusion.

 

[Buzzx6r]

I'll add in that I love the hill hold feature. Anyone who has driven a manual knows the trickiest of times is starting smoothly on a hill. Pulling away from a traffic light when you have someone up your ass so you can't roll back. The Hill hold is simple and works with minimal intrusion.

Using the handbrake to hold the car whilst balancing the clutch and throttle is not a tricky task. I would say it's a basic driving skill.

 

[RG_Flyer]

Using the handbrake to hold the car whilst balancing the clutch and throttle is not a tricky task. I would say it's a basic driving skill.

Agreed. However, while I have done the brake/throttle/clutch thing on the side of mountain on a dirtbike, I don't think I have done that in a four-wheeled vehicle in a long time. I live in a hilly, mountainous area and manage the hill starts with just coordinating the throttle & clutch with careful timing. It becomes second nature after a while, with no rollback.

That being said, it is nice to hear the Mazda system works with minimal obtrusion. I had read another post somewhere that indicated otherwise.

 

[rjdee]

Using the handbrake to hold the car whilst balancing the clutch and throttle is not a tricky task. I would say it's a basic driving skill.

Definitely agree. However here in the US, folks b**** about using a manual in hilly cities due to their lack of coordination or even education. Many people (myself being one) learned to drive a manual in a truck or older car with no handbrake, only a foot activated parking brake. This ups the complexity and may have scarred them for life. We need more demand for manual transmissions here in the US and subtle aids like the HillHold help.

 

[speedtrader]

Approaching 2 years of ownership, I still echo all the positives mentioned in this thread, i.e. handling, steering, shifter, clutch, etc. Power from the 2.0 is not an issue for me since I mostly commute in stop and go traffic or cruise on road trips. Also because my last car was a 1.6L Protege that barely put out 100hp. MPG is better than my Protege even though the CX-5 is a bigger vehicle. I actually enjoy the simple interior and don't mind things like cloth seats and mechanical seat adjusters. I prefer the extra headroom over the moon roof. I like that it came with no window tint at all so I can tint it myself with the tint of my choice.

Biggest gripes: Shaky driver side and rear view mirrors, poor rearview, noisy interior, head unit (prefer one with bluetooth and backup cam, speakers), no rear seat cup holders

My additions: Fog lights, floor liners, cargo tray, cargo cover, rear bumper guard, window tint

Upgrades pending: Head unit, speakers, leather wrap steering wheel

Even with all the upgrades, I think I still spend less than if I purchased a Touring.

 

[pt00323i]

I think we all wish there is a 2.5L 6MT, but it will not happen, even the mazda3 will not have that combo only mazda 6.

I did add leather, upgraded speakers, and few others, head unit haven't been changed waiting for a salvaged one on ebay one day, no AWD, so I got some Thule chains for ski trips....so far no snow at Tahoe

so far 13month, 19k miles, still enjoy it, great gas mileage, handles great, roomy enough for few hockey kids w/ gears what else do you need?

I think the new Subi is comparable and w/ MT, but is not as good on gas and handling, but it has AWD and looks ugly to me, so choices are out there.