Mazda CX-5 Ride quality after wheel and spring upgrade?

[tsouzee]

Hello everyone,

Long time lurker here that will probably be picking up a lightly used CX-5 real soon ('14 or '15). I test drove the car the other day and really liked it (wish it had more power but pretty decent overall). I read through all 86 pages of the 'Show me your wheels' thread and saw some really nice setups. I do care how my car looks and agree with some that it needs a more aggressive stance. I live in NYC where the roads are atrocious (major potholes, speed bumps and broken roads), so I am looking to go as far as allowed to keep the ride close to stock. On the test drive I noticed the car was tight but comfortably firm, which is better than most over-sized SUV's I have driven.

I'm looking for some honest feedback from the members that dropped their CX-5 using H&R or Eibach and may have also increased their wheel size (up to 20" max). I personally prefer sedans but since we are planning on having a baby in the near future a CUV seems like a good trade-off, and my current vehicle needs to go soon.

Again, looking for honest feedback from members that share similar bad streets to NYC. Thanks.

 

[tibimakai]

I have the Corksports and 20" and they are hard core. Initially I have bottomed out twice, but I have learned how to drive the car and it is fine now.
In my area(San Gabriel Valley), the roads are pretty decent, but in LA area the roads are horrible and I would not recommend to anybody this extreme drop.

 

[paris1]

I have a 2013 Touring with H&Rs on stock 17" rubber. I always try to avoid roads with broken pavement in my town because that brings out the absolute worst in ride quality. If I lived in NYC I would not even consider dropping a CX-5, let alone going to lower profile tires. If you absolutely must lower the car (and I sympathize with you because this is a CUV that absolutely cries out for a lower stance!) I would suggest you pay the premium involved in importing the Eibach Sport springs with the 1" drop.

 

[CX5_QC]

I just bought H&R springs and will be installing them this week with my oem 19" wheels. i live in Montreal so roads here are worst than 3rd world countries. Will let u know in a week how they change the ride quality

Edit: my appointment is next Monday so will keep you posted

 

[Mondo]

My roads aren't that bad and after reading about the firmness I was a little worried about installing the used H*Rs I got. I installed them last week and was pleasantly surprised with the ride. Can't tell the difference at all on the freeway. Haven't run through any potholes or really broken up roads.

 

[tsouzee]

Thanks all. Looks like I have some thinking to do. I'll probably just pick up the vehicle and figure it out later on.

 

[tibimakai]

On a smooth surface, you can't tell the difference with the Corks. On a bad surface, is the problem.

 

[Mondo]

Yeah, I guess it's how bad the roads are where you drive. I don't live in a pot-hole laden, broken asphalt jungle. Its not a big difference on the roads I drive. Of course those Corks Springs are about twice as low as H&Rs