Help Me Decide: CX-5 vs. CR-V

[Monterra]

To me the biggest issues between these 2 are- can you live w/the CVT and more so now than before does the Mazda have enough space (mainly cargo) to suit your needs.
My answers are NOOOO!!!!! and yes, even the '17 but I still don't understand why go and make it smaller tho..?
ACP/AA.. Nice feature, sure- to each their own but I think this is way oversold as omg I can't fathom possibly buying a car without it! Really?

 

[Dimcorner]

I felt cargo for the CR-v was basically mainly made up in height from floor to to top. Width wise I didn't see much difference.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

I felt cargo for the CR-v was basically mainly made up in height from floor to to top. Width wise I didn't see much difference.

As far as 2015 CRV vs 2016 CX5, the CRV has a slightly wider rear trunk area. You can fit a wooden pallet flat on the floor, where as the CX5 is an inch or two narrower, and the pallet would need to be positioned on one of the wheel wells. Not a major difference, but figured I'd point it out.

Having said that, the CX5s rear seats fold more flat than the CRVs.

And I agree a lot of the extra space is due to the rear hatch design, but who loads stuff right up to the ceiling against the rear window? Probably not very many folks.

 

[bigtex]

It's in the height and depth. But yeah, a lot of that space is not practical unless you stack to the ceiling.

 

[Kaps]

It's in the height and depth. But yeah, a lot of that space is not practical unless you stack to the ceiling.

Who would have thought on paper and in real world would be different?? Say vatt?

 

[Monterra]

Agreed it is mostly height but if this would be the car you're packing up w/all your crap for long wknds/vaca etc. and maybe a kid or 2 the CX-5 could leave you wanting:
39.2 vs 30.9
75.8 vs 59.6
Not insignificant differences there, but neither is the presence of a CVT

 

[paging_drburgos]

It's in the height and depth. But yeah, a lot of that space is not practical unless you stack to the ceiling.

Look at those big plastic panels in the CRV's cargo area. The devil is in the details. It's one of those intangible things that the numbers don't show.

 

[joe6864]

Look at those big plastic panels in the CRV's cargo area. The devil is in the details. It's one of those intangible things that the numbers don't show.

...and that middle fold-down piece. You can have two people in the back, and still fold down the middle to carry a long item. It's a nice touch that is often not appreciated enough.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

...and that middle fold-down piece. You can have two people in the back, and still fold down the middle to carry a long item. It's a nice touch that is often not appreciated enough.

skis, lumber, fishing pole, etc. yup.

 

[Monterra]

Good points..the middle fold down and new lining def both nice

 

[Studum]

Wow, at least 10 solid posts in a row without any race-car number toting nonsense that show real world examples of the little things that make the Mazda... a Mazda. Kudos!

The carpeted cargo sides sounds like a ridiculous benefit but it's these details that count towards the overall impression of quality. That center fold down too, I love it.

I also like how Mazda gave little panels to cover the corner cubbies in the floor, keeping the floor flat and making a nice little hiding spot for things that can be kept out of sight. It may be minimal, but there will be some space given up in the stats there too. And if you don't like the panels you have the option to completely remove them and leave the cubby fully open.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Ah the details. Further proving my disdain for the CR-V (for me).

I use my back with the 40-20-40 split and only putting down the middle all the time.

Plus that plastic in the back of the CR-V is bound to get scratched to hell and back if you carry anything back there. Looks like that's a nice little detail Mazda has improved on, as my 2014 is plastic above the wheel wells like that 2017 CR-V.

The stuff not in spec sheets and reviews.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Ah the details. Further proving my disdain for the CR-V (for me).

I use my back with the 40-20-40 split and only putting down the middle all the time.

Plus that plastic in the back of the CR-V is bound to get scratched to hell and back if you carry anything back there.

However, cleaning the carpet can be a pain... especially if you carry bales of hay back there. Had it in my 4Runner and it took forever to clean... minor tradeoff. it is a trunk area... will probably get scratched up/grundgy at some point.

 

[bigtex]

However, cleaning the carpet can be a pain... especially if you carry bales of hay back there. Had it in my 4Runner and it took forever to clean... minor tradeoff. it is a trunk area... will probably get scratched up/grundgy at some point.

Sounds like you need a small trailer.(yes) I used to fold down the seats and haul everything in mine too, but hooking up the trailer only takes a few minutes and keeps everything clean.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Sounds like you need a small trailer.(yes) I used to fold down the seats and haul everything in mine too, but hooking up the trailer only takes a few minutes and keeps everything clean.

yup... sure do.

(thumb)

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Good point. Though I never thought to use the CX-5 for hay. (drive)

 

[J.R.]

Don't forget the very last closing thought:

"Its a narrow margin of victory, but whether your other car is a Camaro or a Corolla, if you want a compact crossover, youll be slightly better served by the new Honda CR-V."

Or this one:

Frankly, we hate recommending the car we wouldnt spend our own money on, but we know the priorities of enthusiasts tend to be different than most people who buy crossovers. We get itwere outliers.

 

[Monterra]

Exactly, so the CR-V (despite its track dominance) still isn't the one they'd vote for with their own $ but it is the better overall CUV for most buyers a point I've made numerous times here.

 

[zweren]

I wonder if the CX-5 vs. 2019 Toyota Rav4 thread (or whenever the redesigned model comes out) will be as entertaining as this one. Doubtful, but it will be interesting to see how the competition heats up over the next few years.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Good point. Though I never thought to use the CX-5 for hay. (drive)

We stack it against the north and west walls of our chicken coop for winter. So it's usually just a once or twice a year event. But it makes a mess back there.