How does CX-5 compare to the Mazda6 in driving experience?

[ALafya]

I haven't driven a Mazda 6, but I test drove its little brother, the Mazda 3 sedan, while my cx-5 car was getting serviced.

Due to the lower center of gravity and lighter weight I was expecting it to handle better than the CX-5, but I came away from the test drive unimpressed.

The dealer let me take the car out without a sales person, so I got to drive the car on the same windy roads in the Santa Monica mountains that I frequent in my cx-5.
I wasn't familiar with the 3, so that probably contributed to my impression, but to me, the CX-5 feels better when driven spiritedly than the Mazda 3.

It might be partially due to the brand new tires on the 3 vs my cx-5 with 39k on the rubber, but the Mazda 3 just didn't feel as fun. The 3 was definitely more planted and I probably took the corners faster, but under-steer was more noticeable and the car just didn't feel as "right" as the CX-5 does.

I disagree.
The 3 (hatchback, in my case) handled better than the CX-5. It feels much more stable and flat in turns and its lighter weight is definitely a big plus.
However, when it comes to ride quality, the 3 does have more road noise come into the cabin, especially coming from the tires.

I never drove the 6, but I believe it would be as good as the 3 but with better ride quality.

 

[Driving4Truth]

I know exactly what you mean - I've hated SUV's with a passion ever since they first became popular. The CX-5 was the first one I could actually enjoy driving due to it's excellent driving dynamics. And I disagree that all decent modern sedans offer a better driving experience. I recently rented a 2014 Nissan Altima for two weeks and it drove like crap. The expected better handling due to lower center of gravity never materialized and the steering felt numb and vague. In a corner the Altima did not hold a line requiring multiple mid-corner corrections on a constant radius turn. The biggest difference was bumpy paved roads that the CX-5 would have consumed without a second thought caused the Altima to pitch and roll in a very harsh and uncomfortable manner.

I had similar experiences driving a Hyundai Elantra, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry in the past, either meh, or harsh experiences. The Mazda6 was the only sedan I truly enjoyed driving.

 

[Driving4Truth]

Your question (and my response) pertained to "fun factor", not reliability (or gas mileage). If driving enjoyment were your primary concern, any decent modern sedan would win hands-down over a CUV. What can be said for the CX-5 (IMO), is that it is the least onerous of the current crop of SUVs. I know that's kind of a back-handed compliment, but I'm not a big fan of SUVs like many are here.

Yeah, I don't expect SUVs to drive precisely like sedans, but it is nice to know the CX-5 can get close. I'm actually curious about the CX-3 as well and how it will compare. I prefer the raised elevation of a SUV as well as the ground clearance, but this time around I'm looking for better mileage and driving experience, without ultimately going with a sedan/hatchback. (Another reason why the CX-3 piques my interest, since it looks like more of a raised hatchback than a SUV)

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

I own a 6, and have had a CX5 loaner twice now while my CX9 was being serviced.

There not really comparable in any way. The 6 just sticks to the corners when pushed, where as the CX5 has alot more weigh up high which you can really feel in the turns. But ill say this, Its a SUV, so thats really to be expected. My CX9 does it even worse. I do hope to add a CX5 to my stable down the road though, as i do really like the cars. Im just waiting for Mazda to actually give us a MANUAL trans option that isnt complete GARBAGE...

 

[MikeM.]

I do hope to add a CX5 to my stable down the road though, as i do really like the cars. Im just waiting for Mazda to actually give us a MANUAL trans option that isnt complete GARBAGE...

I was under the strong impression that automotive journalists and manual transmission CX-5 owners really liked the feel and action of the manual transmission.

What's up?

 

[dragonteeth]

I was under the strong impression that automotive journalists and manual transmission CX-5 owners really liked the feel and action of the manual transmission.

What's up?

Agreed. I've heard complaints about the fact that there isn't a manual option for T/GT models, but I've never heard it being called garbage.

 

[Gio26NJ]

Driving the 6 is much much more pleasant than driving the CX-5 totally different classes and if you really wanted an honest opinion there it is. 2013 CX-5 (30,000 miles) 2014 Mazda 6 (22,000 miles)

Long drive I'd prefer the 6 as well but had to take the CX-5 down to Florida last summer 2,500 mile round trip due to the need for Cargo space.

 

[paris1]

Driving the 6 is much much more pleasant than driving the CX-5 totally different classes and if you really wanted an honest opinion there it is. 2013 CX-5 (30,000 miles) 2014 Mazda 6 (22,000 miles) Long drive I'd prefer the 6 as well but had to take the CX-5 down to Florida last summer 2,500 mile round trip due to the need for Cargo space.

There's only so much a manufacturer can do with a jacked up platform on low rolling resistance, skinny tires and a center of gravity somewhere in the stratosphere to make it handle even as decently as Mazda has done with the CX-5. Thanks for your objective opinion. It's exactly what I would expect from someone with plenty of seat time in both vehicles.

 

[V8toilet]

I bought the CX5 because my tall frame fit better in it compared to the 6, but I prefer the 6. I also needed the ground clearance too and the more upright storage. My brother bought a 2013 6 because of me and I've driven it many times. As others said its an apples to oranges comparison. The 6 handles better than the CX5 and gets much better gas mileage. My brother has a lifetime average of over 35 mpg. It's also quieter and you get more options for the same money when compared to the CX5; probably because small SUV's are hot. They both feel about the same in acceleration to me although I've never tested his or pushed it very hard. It's just my impression in normal driving. So to conclude if you want more highway comfort, better mileage, and handling than get the 6. If you need a taller vehicle, more upright storage, or AWD than get the CX5. As good as the CX5 is it just can't match the driving dynamics of the 6. Even my Mazda 5 feels better in the twisties than my CX5. For an SUV though it handles extremely well and for that I am happy with my CX5 because it strikes a great compromise.

 

[Gio26NJ]

No problem, both are used for different occasions. Wife uses the CX-5 for the most part but I love how smooth the auto shifts and how it feels like you're gliding at speeds of 45mph and below. The CX-5 I consider to be the the best in it's class otherwise I wouldn't have purchased it. For a CUV it has exceptional handling. I'm very happy with both purchases. I have a bit of a lead foot so I know I'm not getting the best mileage both vehicles are capable of but on that trip down to Florida the CX-5 was putting up some impressive numbers. But if I had to give one up I would never part ways with the 6

 

[agog]

2 cents from my side.

I have not driven a Mazda6 but I have driven:
- 2013 Focus for a month
- 2014 Elanta for 2 months
- 2013 Sonic for 15 days
- 2015 Mazda 3 S GT for a test drive
- other CUVs competing with CX-5 for a test drive

I find my CX-5 GT to drive better than all the cars above except 3 GT. 3 GT HB is more planted in turns and probably has a better braking performance. Steering feel is same. Cabin noise and comfort were almost same. I liked 3 a bit more than CX-5 on almost all the aspects - interior, driving feel and tech features. Had to go with the second best because of our space requirements but now I am happy with the roominess it provides over a 3.
I never liked sedans over HBs or CUVs, so had not test driven any new sedans.

 

[Driving4Truth]

2 cents from my side.

I have not driven a Mazda6 but I have driven:
- 2013 Focus for a month
- 2014 Elanta for 2 months
- 2013 Sonic for 15 days
- 2015 Mazda 3 S GT for a test drive
- other CUVs competing with CX-5 for a test drive

I find my CX-5 GT to drive better than all the cars above except 3 GT. 3 GT HB is more planted in turns and probably has a better braking performance. Steering feel is same. Cabin noise and comfort were almost same. I liked 3 a bit more than CX-5 on almost all the aspects - interior, driving feel and tech features. Had to go with the second best because of our space requirements but now I am happy with the roominess it provides over a 3.
I never liked sedans over HBs or CUVs, so had not test driven any new sedans.

Interesting, seems like the CX-5 can't compare to Mazda sedans/hatchbacks in driving experience, but it can to non-Mazda sedans.

 

[dragonteeth]

Interesting, seems like the CX-5 can't compare to Mazda sedans/hatchbacks in driving experience, but it can to non-Mazda sedans.

Because Mazda makes nice cars! B)

 

[MikeM.]

Because Mazda makes nice cars! B)

Primarily because Mazda doesn't soften the suspension to suit perceived preferences of the American market.

Most other manufacturers make cars that feel isolated and numb in an attempt to give them a plush ride. Fortunately, Mazda has learned how to retain road feel without causing the sensation that every road imperfection is in your spine.