How does CX-5 compare to Lexus NX?

[SpoofeeDotCom]

Sorry everyone. Didn't mean to troll.

I was genuinely comparing the two. If it was worth paying another $10k-15k for what the NX had to offer.

I did visit the Lexus dealership.

The Lexus was more comfortable and felt more refined (plush seats, quieter ride), BUT
I'm a 6'+ tall guy with big feet and I felt cramped in the Lexus. So the NX at this time is crossed out from my list.
If it was for anyone smaller, I think the NX is a great choice depending on how much $10k, comfort, and image matters to the person.

On a side note, the new RX felt AMAZING, but that's just a full on SUV. Maybe one day when I have kids

 

[yrwei52]

Not in my case, I have spent more money on my CX5 for maintenance with 36,000 miles on it. 109,000 on my 2011 328xi and its quiet and tighter than my noisy 2014. Why does everyone try to justify their purchase by comparing their cars to luxury models that flat out offer more amenities. I bought the top of the line CX5 and its missing basic amenities compared to SUV's in the same 30k price range. I took it on a 100 mile work trip this morning with the temperature in the 20's and enjoyed creaks and rattles all day. My brother has the same CX5 only its a 2015. I recommended it to him and he is pissed because his windows rattle, seat ripped, and has the 70mph transmission drone. My hood bounces up and down, the drivers side mirror has been replaced and started shaking again. Front rotors warped at 20k. Rear breaks gone in 30k. Interior center console lid rattles, wiggles and doesn't close right. Electric seat and Windows sound like they are on their last leg. The USB and 12 volt covers broke off. The CX5 is built like a tin can, a 30k tin can. Zoom Doom.

(boom01)
Why not sell it or trade it for something else?

To be fair, Heritage07's 2014 CX-5 is only two-plus years old. Selling or trading it for something else right now doesn't make any financial sense.

I know this is Mazda forum. But, it's his personal experience comparing his CX-5 to his BMW 328xi. Apparently CX-5 has failed his expectation after two years as he originally must be very high on CX-5 otherwise he wouldn't buy it and recommend it to his brother!

All CX-5 owners here liked the CX-5 when they made the purchase. But some owners eventually wear out on some minor problems such as creaks and rattles due to their high expectation. I'd imagine any CX-5 owner would be pissed if he has those problems like Heritage07 have had. I would too.

Mazda is not a luxury automobile manufacture. Their products will always be inferior on material used and amenities implemented comparing to Lexus or BMW. Few times when I took apart trims on our CX-5 and I could clearly see the plastic panels are not in the best quality material and not sturdy; and the fit is not exact like our BMW 528i. It's even worse than our Honda CR-V. By knowing Mazda has always been hesitating to put more insulation padding material, I can really see those creaks and rattles will eventually happen just like many people have experienced.

One day I had a rare chance sitting in the back. I suddenly saw the front door panel and B-pillar panel are totally out of line. They don't match each other and seem coming from two different vehicles, or just taking out from Mazda part bins. I don't see this kind of money saving thing will happen to other car manufactures, not to mention the luxury car manufactures like Lexus or BMW.

 

[Unobtanium]

Not in my case, I have spent more money on my CX5 for maintenance with 36,000 miles on it. 109,000 on my 2011 328xi and its quiet and tighter than my noisy 2014. Why does everyone try to justify their purchase by comparing their cars to luxury models that flat out offer more amenities. I bought the top of the line CX5 and its missing basic amenities compared to SUV's in the same 30k price range. I took it on a 100 mile work trip this morning with the temperature in the 20's and enjoyed creaks and rattles all day. My brother has the same CX5 only its a 2015. I recommended it to him and he is pissed because his windows rattle, seat ripped, and has the 70mph transmission drone. My hood bounces up and down, the drivers side mirror has been replaced and started shaking again. Front rotors warped at 20k. Rear breaks gone in 30k. Interior center console lid rattles, wiggles and doesn't close right. Electric seat and Windows sound like they are on their last leg. The USB and 12 volt covers broke off. The CX5 is built like a tin can, a 30k tin can. Zoom Doom.

I have not had any build quality issues with mine, and it was a rental for 28K miles before I got ahold of it. Yes, the hood flutters and mirror shakes, but I don't care. It's a cheap ride and that doesn't affect function. I don't get any noise or rattles though, other than road and wind noise (nothing particular, just in general "wind noise"). I have driven it down to near the single digit temperatures, as well. It didn't have any issues.

HOWEVER, every vehicle is different in that aspect. Yours may sound like crap, while mine is solid. I used to see that with F-body cars in particular "back in the day". Some were super tight, and some had the dog s*** run out of them while LOOKING the same, they FELT terrible to drive. Again, this is about price-point. I got lucky. You got unlucky. Mazda doesn't make "all lucky" vehicles, I bet, in that aspect. BMW does, typically (sometimes, friend's 2003 M3 was a pile of absolute CRAP, he was a mid 50's MD, not some "ricer", either. It randomly stalled when it was cold, had to be idled up to temp, was constantly at the dealership, etc.), but they DO charge.

I will agree on one thing though, the CX-5 has terrible amenities at any model-trim-level. The NAV is a joke from what I hear, and it lacks a lot of other things my other vehicles have had...but they also stickered for significantly more, too. Still, Mazda needs to go check out Hyundai in the amenity department. They could learn a few tricks. Just my .02.

Rotors warping. I would bet dollars to doughnuts it was the shop that did it. They very well could have over-tightened the lugs and warped those rotors. I had it happen multiple times on my 370Z. Simply put, cars do NOT warp rotors. External factors do. Also, the likelyhood of pad build-up causing hot-spots which COULD warp the rotor, are pretty darn low given Mazda's pad formulation.

The USB AND 12v covers broke off? Both? I lean toward someone being rough with them, personally. Some people just tear stuff up through their normal actions. I know people like that. Just like some people naturally punch/hit HARD, regardless of ever having any training, it's just a personal outlier/variance.


PS. What is "the 70mph transmission drone"? Is this a common issue?

 

[jhu8]

The NAV is a joke from what I hear, and it lacks a lot of other things my other vehicles have had...?

What year is your CX5 again? Navigation is definitely improved for 2016. Just horrible at entering directions/addresses on the go. I just wish they would add Android Auto/Carplay and let the known software companies take over that department.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Believe me when I say if things start breaking left and right on my CX-5 I will be here to comment on my dissatisfaction with vehicle.

Aside from some squeaky power door lock actuators that seemed to heal in the last 3-4 months I have not had any concerns.

I once had no regrets with my Infiniti purchase.... but would I buy another one? Not likely... but if you buy one and plan to keep 7+ years an extended warranty will pay for itself.

 

[jhu8]

Aside from some squeaky power door lock actuators that seemed to heal in the last 3-4 months I have not had any concerns.

I think I'm experiencing this issue as well. But it's intermittent. Like when the doors lock, it makes a weird squeaking noise. I actually filmed it. Did you do anything? Or did it just go away on its on.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I think I'm experiencing this issue as well. But it's intermittent. Like when the doors lock, it makes a weird squeaking noise. I actually filmed it. Did you do anything? Or did it just go away on its on.

Mine went intermittent, almost all the time, intermittent and then gone... it took a while though.

 

[jhu8]

Mine went intermittent, almost all the time, intermittent and then gone... it took a while though.

hmm okay good to know. Seems like the cold weather precipitated the issue. But hopefully like your situation, mine goes away.

 

[bmninada]

Any LUXURY branded cars will have better interior quality materials, fittings and significantly more sound/noise insulation. That's the premium $$ one pays. Frankly, when buying the Mazda I knew beforehand I'll be giving up most of these and it'll be apparent 2 to 3 years down the line. I have NEVER, EVER seen a Japanese car, non-luxury which hold its own after 3 to 4 years in terms of squeaks, rattles, exterior look and feel. They ALL start looking they are indeed +3 year old.
Next, many commented on cost of ownership - especially BMW. Yes, cost of parts are high. But my personal experience has been it's been a very reliable model. Furthermore, I see Mazda Corp has HUGE costs of parts and accessories. So, I strongly believe in the near future as and when in CX5 there's some serious replacement required; the associated part cost will be comparable to BMW part cost. Case in point - a headlight assembly in 2016 costs upwards of $2300. Comparable to the cost of BMW LED headlights of X3. Spark plugs in CX5 is +$100, BMW X3: OEM are $65.

 

[frenchbiker]

I just wish they would add Android Auto/Carplay and let the known software companies take over that department.

(iagree) $400 for this crappy navigation system, really? (rolleyes)

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Any LUXURY branded cars will have better interior quality materials, fittings and significantly more sound/noise insulation. That's the premium $$ one pays. Frankly, when buying the Mazda I knew beforehand I'll be giving up most of these and it'll be apparent 2 to 3 years down the line. I have NEVER, EVER seen a Japanese car, non-luxury which hold its own after 3 to 4 years in terms of squeaks, rattles, exterior look and feel. They ALL start looking they are indeed +3 year old.
Next, many commented on cost of ownership - especially BMW. Yes, cost of parts are high. But my personal experience has been it's been a very reliable model. Furthermore, I see Mazda Corp has HUGE costs of parts and accessories. So, I strongly believe in the near future as and when in CX5 there's some serious replacement required; the associated part cost will be comparable to BMW part cost. Case in point - a headlight assembly in 2016 costs upwards of $2300. Comparable to the cost of BMW LED headlights of X3. Spark plugs in CX5 is +$100, BMW X3: OEM are $65.

Well, our 2005 Mazda 6, purchased new and owned for 9 years was completely trouble free, and never had a single squeak/rattle during our entire ownership. Aside from a rust spot in one of the wheel wells and oxidized headlights, it looked brand new both inside and out. Our 2001 Toyota 4Runner, also owned for 9 years, never had a squeak or rattle either and looked mint on the inside.

Secondly, a replacement headlight unit is about $1,300 plus labor. Expensive, yes, but you're off by a grand.

 

[bmninada]

Interesting - since my dealer quoted me $2300.
I based my inputs on cars I see and hear, here in NJ/NY. 4Runner is an exception. It's an amazingly durable car. I stand by my comment on Mazda OEM parts, they are prohibitively expensive, almost same as German cars.

 

[Algernon6]

Sorry everyone. Didn't mean to troll.

I was genuinely comparing the two. If it was worth paying another $10k-15k for what the NX had to offer.

I did visit the Lexus dealership.

The Lexus was more comfortable and felt more refined (plush seats, quieter ride), BUT
I'm a 6'+ tall guy with big feet and I felt cramped in the Lexus. So the NX at this time is crossed out from my list.
If it was for anyone smaller, I think the NX is a great choice depending on how much $10k, comfort, and image matters to the person.

On a side note, the new RX felt AMAZING, but that's just a full on SUV. Maybe one day when I have kids

I'm personally enjoying the discussion. Publications / websites don't really compare them as they are in different classes, but surely lots of people wonder how much more car you are getting for the extra $10-15k. The CX-5 is generally rated higher than the NX, but is that because they are holding the NX to a different standard?

I've heard it before but it is interesting when you say how much smaller the driver area is in the NX when the car is almost 4" longer. The NX is almost as big as a Q5 which visually looks much larger to me. I guess that wider center stack is the issue.

 

[ALafya]

I have NEVER, EVER seen a Japanese car, non-luxury which hold its own after 3 to 4 years in terms of squeaks, rattles, exterior look and feel. They ALL start looking they are indeed +3 year old.

I don't know; 2 Honda Accords we owned held very well for the 5 and 8 years we owned them. Yes, some materials were cheap, but the last Accord I sold had no creaks, except very minor one in a very particular temperature and looked pretty good. I don't know what is the difference other than the cabin materials, but that Accord was the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. Germans can't compete other than with dangling amenities nobody really needs and everyone got along without just fine for decades.
In my family there is a used Civic that's already 5 y/o. It is the definition of no-frills. Despite that, I am impressed with that vehicle's reliability and value. That car cost less than the extra features and packages people get for their luxury vehicle.

At the end of the day, the NX is a RAV4 with a better engine and more amenities. It cannot possible have better handling compared with the CX-5.

 

[GP 2004]

Yup. I did a comparison.

The Lexus is really ugly and the Mazda is a good looking CUV.

+1

 

[Unobtanium]

Interesting - since my dealer quoted me $2300.
I based my inputs on cars I see and hear, here in NJ/NY. 4Runner is an exception. It's an amazingly durable car. I stand by my comment on Mazda OEM parts, they are prohibitively expensive, almost same as German cars.

It's Japanese. Of course it's going to be $$$.

 

[craigo]

I have not had any build quality issues with mine, and it was a rental for 28K miles before I got ahold of it. Yes, the hood flutters and mirror shakes, but I don't care. It's a cheap ride and that doesn't affect function. I don't get any noise or rattles though, other than road and wind noise (nothing particular, just in general "wind noise"). I have driven it down to near the single digit temperatures, as well. It didn't have any issues.

HOWEVER, every vehicle is different in that aspect. Yours may sound like crap, while mine is solid. I used to see that with F-body cars in particular "back in the day". Some were super tight, and some had the dog s*** run out of them while LOOKING the same, they FELT terrible to drive. Again, this is about price-point. I got lucky. You got unlucky. Mazda doesn't make "all lucky" vehicles, I bet, in that aspect. BMW does, typically (sometimes, friend's 2003 M3 was a pile of absolute CRAP, he was a mid 50's MD, not some "ricer", either. It randomly stalled when it was cold, had to be idled up to temp, was constantly at the dealership, etc.), but they DO charge.

I will agree on one thing though, the CX-5 has terrible amenities at any model-trim-level. The NAV is a joke from what I hear, and it lacks a lot of other things my other vehicles have had...but they also stickered for significantly more, too. Still, Mazda needs to go check out Hyundai in the amenity department. They could learn a few tricks. Just my .02.

Rotors warping. I would bet dollars to doughnuts it was the shop that did it. They very well could have over-tightened the lugs and warped those rotors. I had it happen multiple times on my 370Z. Simply put, cars do NOT warp rotors. External factors do. Also, the likelyhood of pad build-up causing hot-spots which COULD warp the rotor, are pretty darn low given Mazda's pad formulation.

The USB AND 12v covers broke off? Both? I lean toward someone being rough with them, personally. Some people just tear stuff up through their normal actions. I know people like that. Just like some people naturally punch/hit HARD, regardless of ever having any training, it's just a personal outlier/variance.


PS. What is "the 70mph transmission drone"? Is this a common issue?

I haven't heard of a 70 mph transmission drone before. There's a TSB about bearing issues, but it presents itself well before 70 mph.

My problem with Hyundai/Kia is they are poorly engineered and tuned. Engines make a ruckus, old-school suspension issues. They load the cars up with supplier sourced gadgets but underinvest on the basics. I'd rather a have a well tuned car that doesn't happen to have courtesy lights on the doors.

 

[SpoofeeDotCom]

I've heard it before but it is interesting when you say how much smaller the driver area is in the NX when the car is almost 4" longer.

It was really just where my left foot rested. Right now on my large sedan, I can rest my foot there with no issues.

The NX, my left foot would not fit down there.

Note : this is not my foot nor a NX

 

[123373]

I have not had any build quality issues with mine, and it was a rental for 28K miles before I got ahold of it. Yes, the hood flutters and mirror shakes, but I don't care. It's a cheap ride and that doesn't affect function. I don't get any noise or rattles though, other than road and wind noise (nothing particular, just in general "wind noise"). I have driven it down to near the single digit temperatures, as well. It didn't have any issues.

HOWEVER, every vehicle is different in that aspect. Yours may sound like crap, while mine is solid. I used to see that with F-body cars in particular "back in the day". Some were super tight, and some had the dog s*** run out of them while LOOKING the same, they FELT terrible to drive. Again, this is about price-point. I got lucky. You got unlucky. Mazda doesn't make "all lucky" vehicles, I bet, in that aspect. BMW does, typically (sometimes, friend's 2003 M3 was a pile of absolute CRAP, he was a mid 50's MD, not some "ricer", either. It randomly stalled when it was cold, had to be idled up to temp, was constantly at the dealership, etc.), but they DO charge.

I will agree on one thing though, the CX-5 has terrible amenities at any model-trim-level. The NAV is a joke from what I hear, and it lacks a lot of other things my other vehicles have had...but they also stickered for significantly more, too. Still, Mazda needs to go check out Hyundai in the amenity department. They could learn a few tricks. Just my .02.

Rotors warping. I would bet dollars to doughnuts it was the shop that did it. They very well could have over-tightened the lugs and warped those rotors. I had it happen multiple times on my 370Z. Simply put, cars do NOT warp rotors. External factors do. Also, the likelyhood of pad build-up causing hot-spots which COULD warp the rotor, are pretty darn low given Mazda's pad formulation.

The USB AND 12v covers broke off? Both? I lean toward someone being rough with them, personally. Some people just tear stuff up through their normal actions. I know people like that. Just like some people naturally punch/hit HARD, regardless of ever having any training, it's just a personal outlier/variance.


PS. What is "the 70mph transmission drone"? Is this a common issue?

I don't have the drone, but my brothers cx5 does. He took me for a ride and I heard it. Dealer told him they all do that! He said my brothers doesn't and there was silence. I think he has a bad bearing in the trans as he also has experience slipping and then banging into 2nd gear when cold. Dealer has not acknowledged that either. He also had the drivers window rattling when opened a 1/4 inch. Dealers just fixed that for him.

As far as the USB switch covers breaking off. I just flipped them up one day. The plastic is pretty thin so if you use your USB everyday I can see this happening more.

I agree that the warped rotors are from the dealer over tightening them, but off course the dealer said "we never heard of that".

Anyway I had high expectations after reading all the positive car mag reviews, unfortunately comparing this car to a Lexus or any other luxury CUV is ridiculous. The positive for Mazda is they seem to be improving, the challenge is competitors in the same price range offer more amenities.

 

[nmcbride]

Car Play isn't all that. Not sure if its Honda or Apple, but the only option you get is Apple Maps. Google Maps and Waze won't work with Car Play or over bluetooth or USB connection.

Apple Maps leaves a lot to be desired in mapping, directions and traffic info compared to Waze and Google Maps.

As for the NX, we cross shopped virtually everything in the CX-5s size range. Felt the interior and cargo areas seemed too cramped though I never really investigated the actual numbers. In the F-Sport model we drove, the high bolstered seats were way too "sport". Very uncomfortable for us. The build quality and material were superior though but we were looking at a model as equipped that was over $10k more than our CX-5.

I could never get beyond that hideous Lexus/Toyota ginormous grille thing either.