Pros...Cons... Touring vs Grand Touring

[zoomzoom_cx9]

Owner of a CX-9 and we are highly considering the purchase of a CX-5. Looking for some pros and cons to which model. Besides what comes with each model why would you puchase one vs. the other. Does the extra cost of the GT vs Touring make sense? For example people mention the tires on the larger wheels are much more expensive to replace. Thanks everyone.

 

[ReManG]

We really considered the GT, but got a Touring with the Moon-roof/Tech package. Part of the decision was due to the wheel/tire combo, the salesman originally said it was about $40 a wheel difference in the tire prices....more like $120 a wheel from what I found. As a personal preference, the leather in the GT did not appeal to us, it seemed more stiff in the cushioning, and the grade of leather on the one we test drove was pretty slick. As we live in the south, the cloth is also significantly cooler....so it was our choice.

The only thing that I am missing on our model is the Advanced key-less entry, but not a big deal, just would have been a +1 on all trim levels as they all have push button start.......

The Eight way power seat is supposedly an upgrade, but the other two axis for it seem to be the in/out function on the power lumbar, how often do you adjust that? As for the heated seats, we live in the south, so not an issue for us.
The heated mirrors may just be a wiring connector on the mirrors, currently I am researching this and will post on what I can find.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123819567-heated-mirrors-on-touring
The dual zone climate control is a bit crowded, I actually like the cleaner interior look on the Touring, so it is a personal preference.

The only other item that the GT with Tech has over the Touring with Tech has is the Sirius XM radio...... plenty of aftermarket/dealer options there.

The CX-5 has no engine options and only minimal transmission options, as for AWD..... Not my thing, but does not seem too bad on this model for penalties/bonuses such as MPG and handling.

Whatever trim level you choose, I think you will be happy.....

 

[under200]

The touring had everything wanted. Pretty impressive how they packaged it. Only want I really would like that the gt has I do not have is the true keyless entry and auto on lights. Other than that the touring is almost custom fit for me. Maybe the 19 inch wheels would fill in the wheel wells more but like you mentioned, the tires are more. Plus I heard that the ride suffers a little.

 

[katmar]

Only want I really would like that the gt has I do not have is the true keyless entry...

I think I read somewhere that the 2013 Mazda3 will have the Advanced Keyless Entry available on Touring, not just the GT. I suspect they'll do the same for the 2014 CX-5.

 

[CX-SV]

My only choice was the GT. It has nearly all the important features of much more expensive premium luxury cars, amazing for the price.

I've driven both versions, ride quality difference is insignificant and the 19" Toyos wear slowly with good handling and ride.

 

[Nodnerb]

I found the ride quality difference negligible, if it's there at all, between the 17s and 19s. I think I was just expecting the ride quality to suffer but I don't know if there is a noticeable difference. In fact some reviews have stated that they only notice the positives of the larger wheels with none of the negative hits to ride quality.
I got the GT, just because I liked it and its options. I went there initially to look at the touring though, they only had one base model and a loaded GT/tech. I bought the GT/tech.

 

[Gio26NJ]

I have the GT, Leather seats are amazing. I've always had leather seats in my vehicles and always bought my cars new but this one beats all previous vehicles so stylish and comfortable. 19" wheels are just sick, they could have even done 20".

Also I think of it like this, if you're going to buy a car that you'll keep for years to come why not spend the extra money to get the top of the line model? unless you absolutely hate leather seats then I can understand. I keep my cars forever, have no intentions of trading this one in or selling in the future.

 

[zoomzoom_cx9]

Thanks for all the comments so far, keep them coming.

 

[sdpadsfan]

I would have loved the leather seats in the GT (although I would have cringed at the tire price), but really had no choice because of my height. I fit very nicely in the Touring, but the two inches of headroom you lose for the moonroof made it impossible for me to fit comfortably.

 

[MikeM.]

I would have loved the leather seats in the GT (although I would have cringed at the tire price), but really had no choice because of my height. I fit very nicely in the Touring, but the two inches of headroom you lose for the moonroof made it impossible for me to fit comfortably.

The specs say a moon roof has 1.1" less headroom.

I wanted one without a moon roof but had to take it to get the tech package (even though I did a factory order). That sucks.

But how tall are you? I'm 6'-04" and have plenty of headroom even with the moon roof. More important to me than the lost headroom was the added weight up high that affects handling. I like that the Mazda is rigid while controlling weight very well but forcing people into a heavy power moon roof just to get the other options they want is ridiculous. I almost opted out because of that lack of freedom.

 

[sdpadsfan]

But how tall are you? I'm 6'-04" and have plenty of headroom even with the moon roof. More important to me than the lost headroom was the added weight up high that affects handling. I like that the Mazda is rigid while controlling weight very well but forcing people into a heavy power moon roof just to get the other options they want is ridiculous. I almost opted out because of that lack of freedom.

I'm 6'05" with most of my height in my torso (my dad was 6'02" and we wore the same inseam). In my touring I have about 1/2" of clearance. I test drove a GT and had to hold my head at an angle to keep from banging it on the ceiling surrounding the moon roof. Apparently even getting a touring without a moon roof in So.Cal is difficult because I had to wait six weeks until my dealer was able to acquire one for me, but I could have had one with a moon roof in a day.

 

[IHeartGroceries]

Can't do leather seats (especially black) here in Texas. But, oh, how I long for a host of other features available only on GT trim, true keyless (smart key) and dual auto climate included.

We were in a major crunch to purchase a new car ASAP. Being back at the beginning of March, there weren't many colors or options on the lots yet. If we found a GT in Stormy Blue or Metro Gray, we would have bought it. But, the Sky Blue is putrid, and don't care for the red or white colors either, and that's what was available in GT trim. So, we settled on a loaded Touring. Eh...it get's the job done. And my ass doesn't get scalded.

Personally, I believe the smart key and dual auto climate features are worth the added cost over a loaded Touring.

 

[cdjeffcoat]

Touring doesn't have leather 19 in rims dual climate control or the cool lol lock request button. That being said.I have the touring model with moon roof and tech package and I love it.

 

[thegrapeguy]

I chose the GT because the seat adjustment included one other adjustment besides the lumbar - it tilted the seat you sit on higher than the Touring. (i.e. - the front of the seat can be tilted up). This takes some pressure of my lower back (got some old man, back in the day skiing issues)...

Other than that the bigger wheels provided an aesthetic look that I really liked. I too plan on keeping the car for awhile and knowing that I got it fully loaded makes me happy...

 

[ReManG]

Thanks thegrapeguy, I had forgotten that the front bolster also adjusts, only test drove the GT model, thanks for that update.

 

[MikeM.]

What's the difference between the Keyless Entry I'm getting on my Touring model with Tech Package compared to Keyless Entry on GT model?

 

[Macksma]

With the keyless entry on the Touring, you use your key fob to unlock the doors (press the lock or unlock button on the fob), the GT model (Advanced Keyless Entry) is proximity and you just need to have the fob on you (pocket, purse) and you can press the request switch on the door and it will unlock.