New CX5?

[DurhamProPhoto]

Well it is about time to get rid of my 06 Mazda 5. - It has been a great car and currently is close to 200k with nothing but basic maintenance on it.

Thinking about the CX5 it looks sweet.

Trying to decide on fwd vs awd, we live in the Toronto area so we get snow. Does awd drive like 4wd? Does it typically use more fuel?

Thanks

 

[Pipemajor]

AWD only kicks in after the front wheels lose traction. Power is diverted to the rear wheels up to 50%. We get a lot of snow and ice in Minneapolis so yes, I chose the AWD version.

Mileage penalty is 1-2 mpg - whatever that converts to in metric.

 

[DurhamProPhoto]

AWD only kicks in after the front wheels lose traction. Power is diverted to the rear wheels up to 50%. We get a lot of snow and ice in Minneapolis so yes, I chose the AWD version.

Mileage penalty is 1-2 mpg - whatever that converts to in metric.

So it doesn't always run in all wheel drive, just when it requires it?

 

[Voda Pas]

Currently seeing 31.5 mpg on my CX-5 GT with AWD (actual figure not what the dash tells me) and that's with 20" wheels and 295 width tires. It will dip in the winter as all cars do. Anyhow, considering the car is only EPA rated for 30 mpg highway that's pretty impressive. Speaking of impressive, the AWD is incredible in the winter. I don't live in Canada, but the Midwest took a bating this winter and with just the OEM tires my little CX-5 never once let me down. These cars are little tanks in snowy weather! I also own a Mazda5 and I will tell you the CX-5 is a HUGE step up.

 

[metalfab]

CX-5 is not a huge step up from the Mazda 5. Lots more tech (issues with the audio/NAV unit) in the CX-5, yes. You lose cargo area, shifting is not as intelligent and not quite the same handling. I'd go back to a 5 if I had the option.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

CX-5 has a high safety rating too.

 

[tjka4231]

So it doesn't always run in all wheel drive, just when it requires it?

The CX 5 AWD uses Mazda's Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive system. It's not quite a full-time all-wheel drive system. Here's a video showing how it works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VrFAutcaig

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

The CX 5 AWD uses Mazda's Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive system. It's not quite a full-time all-wheel drive system. Here's a video showing how it works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VrFAutcaig

Have you seen any confirmation that the CX-5 has the LSD in the rear diff? I thought I read somewhere that aspect was a Mazdaspeed 6 AWD only feature.

 

[cybercruiser]

The car makers gotta love giving the cars over for crash testing. Here's a brand new car, now go crash it!! Of course, it's necessary for our safety. But, gotta be expensive.

 

[tjka4231]

Have you seen any confirmation that the CX-5 has the LSD in the rear diff? I thought I read somewhere that aspect was a Mazdaspeed 6 AWD only feature.

I haven't seen any confirmation. It'll be nice if it does have it.

 

[jjac28]

CX-5 is not a huge step up from the Mazda 5. Lots more tech (issues with the audio/NAV unit) in the CX-5, yes. You lose cargo area, shifting is not as intelligent and not quite the same handling. I'd go back to a 5 if I had the option.

We also have a 2008 Mazda 5 and the CX-5 is definitely a step up. Why do you think the Mazda 5 is not selling too well and is being phased out? I was told by my salesguy that its not selling too well, instead people are opting for the CX-5.

CX-5 is better in everything, especially in fuel consumption and safety

 

[IHeartGroceries]

I was under the impression that the CX-5 doesn't utilize LSD.

The AWD system works fine. It's a similar Haldex type system, which is used in tons of makes and models. It isn't full time, but it is able to produce torque in a fraction of a second. Most anybody wouldn't notice the difference.

 

[metalfab]

We also have a 2008 Mazda 5 and the CX-5 is definitely a step up. Why do you think the Mazda 5 is not selling too well and is being phased out? I was told by my salesguy that its not selling too well, instead people are opting for the CX-5.

CX-5 is better in everything, especially in fuel consumption and safety

Can't compare a 2008 Mazda 5 with 6 years of wear with a new car. Your salesman just wants you to spend more, that's all. The 5 with the 2.5 handles better and has more space, its a fact. Mazda never markets well; eg MPV, 5, 6 wagon, etc. all great cars with proper capacities, meaning no sloping rear window so all space can be utilized.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Everyone has their own subjective opinions & needs. I know for one a 5 wouldn't address my needs or desires. I need AWD, additional ground clearance and the ability to tow a small trailer.

The Mazda 5 manual on page 4-12 says the vehicle is not designed for towing. You could probably do it but you would likely have to deal with some liability issues if you got into a wreck with it attached.

A CUV is about as close to a minivan as I want to get.

 

[ALafya]

Have you seen any confirmation that the CX-5 has the LSD in the rear diff? I thought I read somewhere that aspect was a Mazdaspeed 6 AWD only feature.

I believe there is no LSD: http://www.awdwiki.com/en/mazda/
I don't think the system is on-slip only, as it proactively engages the rear axle to varying degrees.

 

[V8toilet]

The AWD CX5 is around 164 lbs heavier than the FWD. I own a FWD CX5 and in New England we get a decent amount of snow. I feel the FWD CX5 with winter tires (even the OEM tires) does just fine in the snow. I also happen to own a 2012 Mazda 5 and I DONT think that the CX5 is a huge step up from the Mazda 5 depending on what you are comparing. In the latest crash tests and tech the CX5 is better. In ride, handling, cargo capacity, and overall driving experience I think the Mazda 5 has an edge. The CX5 has about 33 cubic feet of cargo volume and the Mazda 5 has almost 40 and getting in and out of the Mazda 5 overall is easier. The Mazda 5 also costs significantly less than the CX5 and it's going to be easier to negotiate a deal on a 5. It all depends on your needs and likes. Resale value is also going to be better with the CX5 especially with AWD.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I believe there is no LSD: http://www.awdwiki.com/en/mazda/
I don't think the system is on-slip only, as it proactively engages the rear axle to varying degrees.

Finding info on Mazda system seems difficult... If I needed to find info on the ATTESA E-TS system on my Infiniti it is plentiful. Maybe Mazda is more humble about their system.

 

[Voda Pas]

Well, as has been said everyone's view is subjective and I ws not bashing on the 5. Nor am I trying to jack the OP's topic. But, bottom line I currently own both the 5 and the CX-5. Both GTs and they are the current iterations, not models 5 or 6 years apart. They were both bought within 3 months of each other. Here's what I am saying by the CX-5 being a HUGE step up. The 5 is noisier (interior noise), harsher (ride, shifts), far more cramped in the front and of course the 3rd row, gets worse gas mileage even though it is lighter, does not have the option of AWD, the front seats are far less comfortable and the brakes are noticeably weaker. As was already noted the tech is much more outdated (not like the CX-5 is very advanced) and the 5 is not designed to tow. That said I ADORE the 5. I was the big proponent in my household for buying it. To my mind it is one of the best minivans on the market and should be on the shortlist of any family of four or less. It's handling is amazing, so easy to drive, parking is a breeze and it is definitely snappier feeling that the CX-5 although I would bet their acceleration is really about the same. You can tell there's a 3 (first gen) underneath there. I would not put much stock in the rumors of the 5 being discontinued as I have heard from plenty of salesman that the 5 is a strong seller in its own right it's just not huge volume which is fine as there hasn't been much investment in the platform since what? 2005? The reason the CX-5 is HUGE step up from the 5 is because it is a newer platform. Simple as that. I have no doubt that if the 5 gets moved over to the new 3's (I know 3, 6 and CX-5 are basically the same) platform the 5 would be just as compelling of vehicle as the CX-5. The sad truth is that CUV's are a hotter market than minivans. That is complicated by the fact that the 5 is the mighty mouse of that market it can't compete head on with the Odyssey, Town & Country, etc. So, my concern is the 5 may not get to keep being the mini-minivan which is one of the things that makes it so cool. Ok, threadjacking over.

 

[xtrailman]

Personally I find the CX-5 noisy.

Wind and tyre noise, the wind noise can be really bad on the motorways and is very trying at times, wind direction seems to play a huge part.

Its probably the noisiest car I have had for over a decade.

Not really a problem for me as 95% of my driving is at speeds below 60mph.

 

[piotrek91]

Personally I find the CX-5 noisy.

Wind and trey noise, the wind noise can be really bad on the motorways and is very trying at times, wind direction seems to play a huge part.

Its probably the noisiest car I have had for over a decade.

Not really a problem for me as 95% of my driving is at speeds below 60mph.

I agree. The cx-5 is louder than the mazda 5.

I took my car in to the dealer for an oil change and got a ride back to work on their mazda 5 shuttle. The mazda 5, despite being several years older and 2x more miles than my CX-5 was noticeably quieter on the freeway than my cx-5.

As many others have noticed before, my stock 17" yokohomas got somewhat loud at ~30,000 miles.

Unless I'm on a long road trip I do't normally mind the tire noise. It almost makes me feel more in tune with the road surface