Questions after test driving 2017 CX-5 and CRV

One final question for the owners of these cars: How is the heat/AC? They both seemed fine on the test drive, but that's only one day. I know that the heat and AC on my 2004 Mazda3 never were great and have been really lousy for years and years, even after taking it in. My wife's 2006 CRV, on the other hand, has fantastic heat/AC.



I have a 2005 Mazda myself and I know EXACTLY what you mean with the crappy AC system. What's funny is when I took it for a test drive the AC seemed fine, but as I started heading into summer I realized how crappy and weak it really was. The AC in the 2017 CRV blows ice cold, I've taken it out in 100 degree weather and it will cool the cabin within a few minutes. Don't know about the AC in the 2017 CX-5, but if you go over to the CX-9 forums there are quite a few threads on how crappy the AC system is in the new CX-9. Maybe Mazda just doesn't know how to do AC?(lol)

https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/sho...9-signature-quot-dreadful-A-C-quot-is-correct
 
I also compared the CX5 and CRV w/1.5 Turbo. I can't speak for prices where you are, but here in Central Florida the CX5 Grand Touring is 29K, the CRV EX-L (which is the equivalent model) is 34K PLUS the dealers here add a 2K "pack", You are talking a 5K+ difference in price. For me, I thought the CX5 was the better car, more fun to drive, and 5K stayed in my pocket.

Yes, Honda dealers generally do not budge. When we were looking at the Mazda 3 or the new Civic Hatch - the price difference was close to 4K and the Mazda was better in many ways. Both were very good cars and the Civic was very appealing but 4K is a lot of money.
 
have you considered the mazda 6 if you need more room? i personally much prefer the feel of being low to the ground in a sedan and can never seen myself going to a crossover. plus the mazda 6 sales arent so good, you can help support the brand by picking one up. its more fuel efficient, faster and handles better then the cx-5.
 
I have a 2005 Mazda myself and I know EXACTLY what you mean with the crappy AC system. What's funny is when I took it for a test drive the AC seemed fine, but as I started heading into summer I realized how crappy and weak it really was. The AC in the 2017 CRV blows ice cold, I've taken it out in 100 degree weather and it will cool the cabin within a few minutes. Don't know about the AC in the 2017 CX-5, but if you go over to the CX-9 forums there are quite a few threads on how crappy the AC system is in the new CX-9. Maybe Mazda just doesn't know how to do AC?(lol)

https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/sho...9-signature-quot-dreadful-A-C-quot-is-correct

My 2017 AC is a beast, especially when compared to my 2006 Mazda 5's. Thankfully all of the seats are heated for when it gets a little too cold too fast. :p OP -Don't worry about the AC system, it works great. At this point it seems like you're "pixel peeping" (sorry for the camera term). Just go test drive each of them again and see which one's right for you. Stop obsessing over the numbers, because if you do the Honda will win. Go with what feels right. This car is about all of the little things, and it does them very well.

My opinion after owning the car for 3 months is this. It's plenty fast in the city and the highway, it's quiet, it's comfortable for 4 adults, and people actually come up to me and compliment the car. Can't say that would happen very often in a any other CUV.
3 months in and i'm still in love with it. Also, from my past experience with Mazda, they're damn reliable. You may want to visit the CRV forums to see what they like wand dislike about their cars. Also asked them why they kicked Mango out. ;)
 
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You may want to visit the CRV forums to see what they like and dislike about their cars. Also asked them why they kicked Mango out. ;)

Very interesting. There are multiple Honda forums out there. Any idea which one, and why? Just curious.
 
Very interesting. There are multiple Honda forums out there. Any idea which one, and why? Just curious.

He's referring to this CR-V forum here. Mango is on there as well, but somehow has more posts here which is the joke. ;)

Anyway, they already have a CR-V vs CX-5 thread on there. I think they chased the OP out, accusing him of trolling because he hadn't bought either car yet. Boils down to Honda folks arguing the numbers and stats, Mazda folks arguing the "soul" and "feel" of driving (which apparently the Honda folks say is just marketing. Apparently I am delusional because I have fun in my CX-5 according to those Honda folks (2thumbs)). I say the Honda folks are just vanilla in their tastes and don't see past a car being an "appliance on wheels". ;)
 
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Very interesting. There are multiple Honda forums out there. Any idea which one, and why? Just curious.



CRVForums. No major issues with the 17 CRV. There have been some recalls that affected a small batch of CRVs that needed battery reprogramming and something to do with a fuel line. Some have also reported software bugs in the headunit. Other than that no real issues.
 
Different day somewhat different conditions but seems pretty clear which one is more winter worthy cuv out the box..crv just had no chance he seemed pretty shocked himself
 
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But if you drive it as a 2nd car - daily driver with family in it on weekends / short trips the CX5 makes a good case.

Hi - new here & thinking of buying a CX5 (AWD Premium w/remote start) but would like to know why you mention "short trips" as I would be taking long trips as well. What is your reasoning the CX5 is not for those? Lack of comfort? Fuel usage? Tks as going back today with hubby so he can see one. (he has Infinity G37X but I can't take long trips in it as my lower back goes out after 20 mins in the G...I'm praying the Mazda will fare better with my back!) Tks!
 
This film is lacking in details & I'm a 65 yr old female about to buy a '17 CX-5 AWD! Did all cars have same tires (I think they did). Who produced the tests to prevent bias? Was the AWD switch "on" in the Subaru & Honda? I no nothing re AWD in Subaru/Hond but if they have an AWD switch, & if Mazda did the tests, then that switch could have been left off deliberately. It looked to me like the Subaru & Honda rear tires weren't even trying to rotate off that hill. Something seems fishy to this old granny..But I'm sold on the AWD on the CX5 now even more!
 

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