New owner of 2015 CX-5 Sport Manual

I feel your pain......my 2002 Ford Escape has 297,000 miles on it-have not had a 3rd gear for over 80,000 miles. Was wary of the CX-5 Sport manual for the same reason you stated, but pulled the trigger in April.....do a lot of interstate driving and so far, "peppy" enough. Something about doing 75 in 6th gear and not quite to 3,000 rpms that intrigues me :) I would buy the CX-5 again........

Thanks, that is good to know. The CX-5 Sport MT-6 is definitely my goto choice if I am forced to suddenly replace the Escape. That being said, since I'm keeping vehicles much longer these day, my choice would be a higher trim level 2.5L MT-6, like they do with the Mazda 6. At this point, I will drive the Escape and see what my choices are next year. I will eventually pull the trigger too, and whatever it is, it will be a manual, perhaps a 2.0 Sport. I appreciate the input.
 
Thanks, that is good to know. The CX-5 Sport MT-6 is definitely my goto choice if I am forced to suddenly replace the Escape. That being said, since I'm keeping vehicles much longer these day, my choice would be a higher trim level 2.5L MT-6, like they do with the Mazda 6. At this point, I will drive the Escape and see what my choices are next year. I will eventually pull the trigger too, and whatever it is, it will be a manual, perhaps a 2.0 Sport. I appreciate the input.


Im about to get the 2.0 Sport next month, my only hesitation to pull the trigger is the small engine. The 2.5 and with the manual would be perfect, having said that ,after doing some research it seems that the basic 2.0 engine and manual combo performance is good enough for the light chassis. I really like the car, I just wish i knew what Mazda will offer next year...
 
I would suggest you look at the 2.0 with the automatic. This automatic has that same direct feel as a manual. I owned a 2.0 for 37,500 miles and now a 2.5 Touring. The 2.0 with the automatic feels somewhat peppy in and around town. I test drove a manual sport back to back with my auto 2.0 sport and to me the manual felt painfully gutless in comparison. My auto sport went 0-60 mph in just 8.44 seconds measured with a G-tech. My 2.5 does it in 7.5 seconds on the same level road. That is a .94 second difference, which isn't that big. My 2.0 sport could do consistent 35 mpg trips going 69 mph on the highway pretty easily back and forth to work. It's really hard to get 33 mpg with the 2.5.
 
After over 10,000 miles with my manual 2.0 I am very satisfied. Live in Colorado, drive on some hills often(if you can call the rockies hills). My gas mileage is excellent. Drove it on a Moab trip with 4 people, 3 dogs, and 2 space cases. It didn't miss a beat.
 
After over 10,000 miles with my manual 2.0 I am very satisfied. Live in Colorado, drive on some hills often(if you can call the rockies hills). My gas mileage is excellent. Drove it on a Moab trip with 4 people, 3 dogs, and 2 space cases. It didn't miss a beat.


Looks like the 2.0 is a solid performing engine paired with the manual transmission. I wasnt sure at first but now im convinced...so many good reviews on here.... Will be getting one soon :)
 
I'll be honest. I was originally very cautious about the fact that the manual transmission CX-5 was only offered as FWD and with a 2.0 liter engine... but I am very happy with the way that the motor handles everyday driving and some spirited activity from time to time. Not to mention the mileage.

Things I was very surprised by:

- It doesn't feel like it has had it's motor replaced with the lawnmower equivalent when you turn on the air conditioning
- It feels respectably agile for it's size
- The brakes grab much better than I expected
- Since I took delivery, I have been averaging approximately 33 MPG combined with about 60% highway / 40% city

Things I was disappointed by:

- Overall lack of options if you take delivery of the manual transmission (I was particularly disappointed by the lack of Bluetooth)
 
I'll be honest. I was originally very cautious about the fact that the manual transmission CX-5 was only offered as FWD and with a 2.0 liter engine... but I am very happy with the way that the motor handles everyday driving and some spirited activity from time to time. Not to mention the mileage.

Things I was very surprised by:

- It doesn't feel like it has had it's motor replaced with the lawnmower equivalent when you turn on the air conditioning
- It feels respectably agile for it's size
- The brakes grab much better than I expected
- Since I took delivery, I have been averaging approximately 33 MPG combined with about 60% highway / 40% city

Things I was disappointed by:

- Overall lack of options if you take delivery of the manual transmission (I was particularly disappointed by the lack of Bluetooth)


Im disappointed that Mazda doesnt offer the 2.5 with a manual but that engine costs $5k extra up here in Canada. Its little bit too expensive for bit more power but less mpg.
The smaller engine offers good performance CX-5 for much less money, they also offer the convenience package with alloy wheels , touch screen hd radio, bluetooth and privacy glass. To me the base manual CX-5 is the most sensible option.
 
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I have a 2014 Sport 6 speed, I have no complaints coming from a VW TDI with 310,000 miles on it. The CX-5 is a dream.
 
FYI: if you've got a manual transmission and want to get great fuel economy, try pulse and neutral gliding. It seems to do fuel cut-off (99.9 mpg) while maintaining speed well, compared to keeping it in gear for fuel cut-off.
 
It seems to do fuel cut-off (99.9 mpg)

Unless you're stopping the engine you can't do fuel fut-off in neutral. The car uses gas to keep the engine spinning at idle.
The amount of gas used at idle is so small that at any speed over ~20MPH you'll see 99.MPG indicated.

Using pulse and neutral glide can save a little bit of gas as opposed to in gear pulse and glide, or just steady speed driving.
I doubt that the small gas savings are worth the effort and increased use of the clutch system (hydraulics, release baring etc.)
 
Unless you're stopping the engine you can't do fuel fut-off in neutral. The car uses gas to keep the engine spinning at idle.
The amount of gas used at idle is so small that at any speed over ~20MPH you'll see 99.MPG indicated.

Using pulse and neutral glide can save a little bit of gas as opposed to in gear pulse and glide, or just steady speed driving.
I doubt that the small gas savings are worth the effort and increased use of the clutch system (hydraulics, release baring etc.)

Thanks for clearing that up. I guess it can't show over 99.9 mpg.
 
I know this thread is a bit old, but just wanted to add I just got what I think was a decent deal on a leftover 2014 CX5 manual. I too was afraid the 2.0 wouldn't be enough for me, but sure enough it feels great to me, and enjoy the fact you have to shift to keep the power up. I got used to this type of driving with my RX8. It would be cool to have a 2.5 manual option, but honestly not sure how much of a premium I would have been willing to pay for a 2.5 (maybe $1K) especially at the cost of MPG.

As others have said the cars is much more nimble then I thought it would be, and the amount of space it has it amazing. My previous DD was a protege5 and this feels like basically a larger protege5. No regrets! Hope to have this car for at least a decade! Zoom Zoom!
 
I've only ever driven a 3 or 4 speed manual. Isn't a 6 speed manual, a heck of a lot of shifting?? Or, do you only hit those upper two gears out on the freeway?? Seriously considering how I might be able to get a 2016 Miata when they come out, of course with the 6 speed manual :-)
 
I've only ever driven a 3 or 4 speed manual. Isn't a 6 speed manual, a heck of a lot of shifting?? Or, do you only hit those upper two gears out on the freeway?? Seriously considering how I might be able to get a 2016 Miata when they come out, of course with the 6 speed manual :-)

Compared to a 3 or 4 speed, of course you'll shift more but you get better acceleration and efficiency because of it. 6th is the highway cruise gear, 1-4 for around town and 5th is for the faster in town roads. It's not unusual to skip gears as well.
 
I know this thread is a bit old, but just wanted to add I just got what I think was a decent deal on a leftover 2014 CX5 manual. I too was afraid the 2.0 wouldn't be enough for me, but sure enough it feels great to me, and enjoy the fact you have to shift to keep the power up. I got used to this type of driving with my RX8. It would be cool to have a 2.5 manual option, but honestly not sure how much of a premium I would have been willing to pay for a 2.5 (maybe $1K) especially at the cost of MPG.

As others have said the cars is much more nimble then I thought it would be, and the amount of space it has it amazing. My previous DD was a protege5 and this feels like basically a larger protege5. No regrets! Hope to have this car for at least a decade! Zoom Zoom!

Welcome to the forum!
I agree about the 2.5 manual option.. it would be nice to have, but I'm not sure how much extra I would be willing to pay for it.

I also came from a protege5. Fun little car, but once you get used to the higher center of gravity I really think that the CX-5 actually handles better and it more fun to toss around.
The protege5 would understeer when pushed, but the CX-5 does not, making corners fun.
 
Welcome to the forum!
I agree about the 2.5 manual option.. it would be nice to have, but I'm not sure how much extra I would be willing to pay for it.

I also came from a protege5. Fun little car, but once you get used to the higher center of gravity I really think that the CX-5 actually handles better and it more fun to toss around.
The protege5 would understeer when pushed, but the CX-5 does not, making corners fun.

It is so funny you say that. I kept saying I swear this thing handles better! I am still in "break in" period so I haven't full hammered her yet. With that being said I've taken a few off ramps as fast as the protege5 and she wants more, and like you said no understeer! It really is an awesome vehicle! So glad I pulled the trigger.
 
It is so funny you say that. I kept saying I swear this thing handles better! I am still in "break in" period so I haven't full hammered her yet. With that being said I've taken a few off ramps as fast as the protege5 and she wants more, and like you said no understeer! It really is an awesome vehicle! So glad I pulled the trigger.


The cx-5 with a manual and 2.0 engine is a great combo, Its never short on power and if i need sudden acceleration i rev it to 4-5k or downshift and the car pulls really well. THat engine loves to rev and it sounds really good :)
On top of that im getting excellent mileage with 5.6l/100 km on the hwy cruising at a steady 100km/h , no A/C and no cruise control. Im really impressed with this caR!
 
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The cx-5 with a manual and 2.0 engine is a great combo, Its never short on power and if i need sudden acceleration i rev it to 4-5k or downshift and the car pulls really well. THat engine loves to rev and it sounds really good :)
On top of that im getting excellent mileage with 5.6l/100 km on the hwy cruising at a steady 100km/h , no A/C and no cruise control. Im really impressed with this caR!

Good to hear! I suspect the 2.0 MT-6 in Liquid Silver will be my next vehicle also. Just debating whether to wait for the next model year to see what options are available.
 
Good to hear! I suspect the 2.0 MT-6 in Liquid Silver will be my next vehicle also. Just debating whether to wait for the next model year to see what options are available.

For whatever reason I like the look of the honeycomb grill. So perhaps look at the recently posted spy shots if looks matter much to you.
 
Hope it works for you in terms of MT.

I had 2013 MT which I did like a lot. Yet, I had to get AT due to horrible Chicago traffic which I do 2x a day.
Also, 2.5L MT would be really, really great.
 
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