shopping for a CX-5 and comparing it to its competition

[CaboWabo]

I'm shopping for a new CUV. So far the 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L FWD Touring (approx. $25k) is at the top of my list which includes in alphabetical order:

Chevy Trax
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V (fall 2015)
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-3 (fall 2015)
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4

Help me narrow the list. I realize that this is a Mazda board and opinions will of course be biased, but please answer honestly. If your budget was around $25k today which of these cars listed above would you buy above all the others and why? After reading, watching vids, researching, test-driving so many of these I start to lose focus of how they compare/contrast and which to totally scratch off my list. A bit of what I'm looking for: FWD AUTO is just fine with me in my area and for my needs; AWD would just be a bonus if its cost effective. I need the passenger and cargo space for work. I need towing capability to pull a small boat a few times a year down to the lake ramp. Long-term reliability, fuel economy, and cost of maintenance are important to me. I tend to keep my vehicles a very long time. Been driving my Mazda Tribute since 2002 and never had a major problem. So far I like the CX-5 primarily due to its good handling and sporty feel on the road. Also the base features on the Touring seem to meet my needs without adding on more expensive packages. Thanks for any info and opinions.

 

[Karel]

Faced similar dilemma 6 months ago to replace wife's 2009 CRV (a good car). Decided on the new, 2015 CRV. Then, the 2015 CRV "developed a vibration" problem, so we dropped it - the new CRV owners are very unhappy with the CVT trany. Discovered the 2016 CX-5, not the 2015 model, and was overwhelmed with the upgraded model - great mechanically, superior styling and "european", advanced interior features - compare inside and outside photos of the models on Edmunds. Bought the soul red 2016 CX-5 GT a month ago - best choice since I started to drive cars in Germany in 1971. In US, I owned Nissan, Subaru (Forester), Honda (CRV) and VW (Tiguan) - The CX-5 is by far the best, for the money, compared to only Audi Q-5 and BMW X-3 ($15,000+ more). It is probably sensitive subject, but it is mportant to consider here the care is made - the CX-5 is made in Hiroshima (?!), Japan, which is decisive to me. Get the CX, besides, the selection of colors is the best On the market right now.

 

[Buzzer777]

Faced the same tough choices myself

I'm shopping for a new CUV. So far the 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L FWD Touring (approx. $25k) is at the top of my list which includes in alphabetical order:

Chevy Trax
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V (fall 2015)
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-3 (fall 2015)
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4

Help me narrow the list. I realize that this is a Mazda board and opinions will of course be biased, but please answer honestly. If your budget was around $25k today which of these cars listed above would you buy above all the others and why? After reading, watching vids, researching, test-driving so many of these I start to lose focus of how they compare/contrast and which to totally scratch off my list. A bit of what I'm looking for: FWD AUTO is just fine with me in my area and for my needs; AWD would just be a bonus if its cost effective. I need the passenger and cargo space for work. I need towing capability to pull a small boat a few times a year down to the lake ramp. Long-term reliability, fuel economy, and cost of maintenance are important to me. I tend to keep my vehicles a very long time. Been driving my Mazda Tribute since 2002 and never had a major problem. So far I like the CX-5 primarily due to its good handling and sporty feel on the road. Also the base features on the Touring seem to meet my needs without adding on more expensive packages. Thanks for any info and opinions.

This is ONLY my own opinion. Remember that your Tribute is a re-badged Ford. The new escape was nice but too expensive. The newer Mazdas are made by Mazda not Ford.

I found the CRV too noisy but otherwise good. The Forester was and is a a good vehicle if you can live with noise; Toyota Rav4 was also on my list.

Nissan was never considered due to reliability issues. I owned a 2011 Tuscon and it was the harshest ride ever...dumped!!

After numerous test drives, I finally chose a New Mazda CX-5 GT and so far have been most Pleased! I came out of a 2013 Subaru Outback that was just ok. Since prices rise, the new OB was not considered! I found the CX-5 to be a solid choice! Good Luck.

 

[Dean_TO]

Not sure at your time frame. I am about a year away from making my decision once my current lease is up. The CX-5 is on the top of the list and checks off most of the boxes. However in the Fall the new 2016 Toyota Rav4 comes out and they have done some interesting things. My biggest complaint about the current gen Rav4 is the power. I think it is one of the most under powered cars in this segment., however with the new Hybrid model coming out it will be curious to see what the new power output will be as well as what the hybrid will cost. So far the speculation is that it will be near 200BPH total with the Hybrid engine.

The CX-5 is a little more fun to drive then the current Rav4 and I really like the look of the new CX-5 as well. It will be a tough decision for sure. Good luck!

 

[52804x4]

I had almost the same list last month when I set out for a new ride. I drove the Forester, the Escape, and then the CX-5. I planed on driving the Rogue, and the RAV-4 the next day. It only took the one test drive of the CX-5, and I left the lot with it. I did not consider the CRV on looks alone. My boss owned the Tucson and complained about it quite often for noise, and a cheap interior that was falling apart after only a year. (she now drives a "13 CX-5) Bang for your buck, I really don't think you can go wrong with the CX-5!

 

[CaboWabo]

Thank you...lots of great feedback so far. First cut! I've decided that a CVT tranny is not for me. So I guess I can scratch off the Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester. That now leaves:

Chevy Trax - Probably underpowered for my needs
Ford Escape - Seems to be overpriced once you add options. Also way too many recalls.
Hyundai Tucson - I like the look of it, but I still need to test drive to see if the ride is harsh.
Kia Sportage - Great warranty. Looks good and drives well. Not sure about the long-term reliability. Dealership is far from me.
Mazda CX-3 (fall 2015) - Might not have the tow rating I need. Too small?
Mazda CX-5 - Still like it best so far!
Toyota RAV4 - Underpowered? Need to check it out again

 

[mazdadude]

Thank you...lots of great feedback so far. First cut! I've decided that a CVT tranny is not for me. So I guess I can scratch off the Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester. That now leaves:

Chevy Trax - Probably underpowered for my needs
Ford Escape - Seems to be overpriced once you add options. Also way too many recalls.
Hyundai Tucson - I like the look of it, but I still need to test drive to see if the ride is harsh.
Kia Sportage - Great warranty. Looks good and drives well. Not sure about the long-term reliability. Dealership is far from me.
Mazda CX-3 (fall 2015) - Might not have the tow rating I need. Too small?
Mazda CX-5 - Still like it best so far!
Toyota RAV4 - Underpowered? Need to check it out again

The Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota do not have the same connected driving feel as the Mazda. These fall more towards the appliance and comfort side of the spectrum.

The Toyota and the Mazda will have a higher % resale value after 3yrs.

If you are concerned about size or towing something, the CX-3 will not suit you.

The CX-5 would be the remaining vehicle distilled from your list. (popcorn)

I would personally examine the RAV-4, Tucson, and CX-5.

RAV-4 for resale value and reliability.
Tucson for Bang for buck.
CX-5 for resale value and fun to drive.

 

[Buzzer777]

My Take on your short list

Thank you...lots of great feedback so far. First cut! I've decided that a CVT tranny is not for me. So I guess I can scratch off the Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester. That now leaves:


I will try not to get another CVT myself
Chevy Trax - Probably underpowered for my needs - Never checked it out
Ford Escape - Seems to be overpriced once you add options. Also way too many recalls. Agreed
Hyundai Tucson - I like the look of it, but I still need to test drive to see if the ride is harsh. YEP
Kia Sportage - Great warranty. Looks good and drives well. Not sure about the long-term reliability. Dealership is far from me. Same as Tuscon
Mazda CX-3 (fall 2015) - Might not have the tow rating I need. Too small? YEP
Mazda CX-5 - Still like it best so far! YOU GOT IT!!
Toyota RAV4 - Underpowered? Need to check it out again

Agreed

 

[old-school]

We actually drove 10 cars in this class, and quickly whittled it down to the Rav4 or CX-5. Like you didn't care for the CVT trans so the Nissan, Subaru and Honda were out right off.

The CX-5 was clearly more interesting and more fun to drive. Again, like you we tend to use up our vehicles. The '06 Escape Hybrid in the drive way has 260,000 miles the '97 Nissan pickup has 270,000.

Ended up with the Mazda, the only unknown and it's a big one is the longevity. Clearly Toyota has a track record here, the SkyActiv motor and trans is a roll of the dice at this point. But it is fun to drive!

 

[JonW]

FWIW, I've owned 3 long term Miatas that were rock solid reliable. two of them were the first year after being redesigned. I sold my 91 to a friend and it's approaching 200,000 miles and still going strong.

Mazda's reliability is a main reason I changed from a CRV to a CX-5 and so far no regrets (except the infortainment system on my 2014 CX-5).

 

[wcjeep]

I would immediately scratch anything with a CVT. The 2015 Honda CRV's also have vibration issues. I have driven a few 2014/2015 Nissan vehicles. They were all horrible.

The Rav4 has a slight design refresh coming for 2016. Ford Escape has never been accused of being reliable.

Also check Edmunds.com for professional and user reviews.

 

[CaboWabo]

Again, like you we tend to use up our vehicles. The '06 Escape Hybrid in the drive way has 260,000 miles the '97 Nissan pickup has 270,000.

Wow, congrats on the mileage so far on your Escape and Nissan. Hope the CX-5 is as good to you over the years. From everything I've been reading I think you stand a good chance there.

 

[CaboWabo]

Ford Escape has never been accused of being reliable.

I think I must have been among the lucky few with a reliable 02 Tribute (re-badged Escape). I'm not sure what, if anything, Mazda changed on this 3.0L V6 engine compared to the Escape and Mariner...but I've been quite happy with my Tribute over the past 13 years and the old girl still has a lot of 200HP Zoom Zoom left in her. I certainly got my money's worth at least. I do baby my vehicles though, never off-road, and stick to all the maintenance schedules. This reminds me I have another checkbox to fill in for the CX-5.....$500 Loyalty Cash

 

[123373]

My mother in law has a 2013 escape and I drove her on a 7 hour trip. I can tell you that it was the most uncomfortable drive I ever experienced as far as the seating position. The left wheel well encroaches on you left foot. There is no place to put you left foot without placing it under the steering wheel or pulling your leg back, resting your knee against the door. I am only 5'10" and this was very annoying. This was the top of the line titanium version and there are so many small buttons on the dash it was a hazard to find them while driving.

 

[RG_Flyer]

I think I must have been among the lucky few with a reliable 02 Tribute (re-badged Escape). I'm not sure what, if anything, Mazda changed on this 3.0L V6 engine compared to the Escape and Mariner...but I've been quite happy with my Tribute over the past 13 years and the old girl still has a lot of 200HP Zoom Zoom left in her. I certainly got my money's worth at least. I do baby my vehicles though, never off-road, and stick to all the maintenance schedules. This reminds me I have another checkbox to fill in for the CX-5.....$500 Loyalty Cash

Agreed. While I'm not a fan of the current generation Escape, I own an '06 that has never been recalled nor been back to dealer or any mechanic in all of the 190,000 miles I've driven it.

 

[CaboWabo]

Agreed. While I'm not a fan of the current generation Escape, I own an '06 that has never been recalled nor been back to dealer or any mechanic in all of the 190,000 miles I've driven it.

My 02 Tribby had three recalls over the years that Mazda mailed me notices about. I took it to the dealer and they repaired them promptly and free of charge every time.
Interestingly, the redesigned Escape and new CX-5 were both introduced in 2013. Since then the new Escape has had 23 recalls so far while the CX-5 has had ZERO! That speaks volumes and makes me want to put and extra big strike through the Escape again on my list.

 

[bxpretzel]

My 02 Tribby had three recalls over the years that Mazda mailed me notices about. I took it to the dealer and they repaired them promptly and free of charge every time.
Interestingly, the redesigned Escape and new CX-5 were both introduced in 2013. Since then the new Escape has had 23 recalls so far while the CX-5 has had ZERO! That speaks volumes and makes me want to put and extra big strike through the Escape again on my list.

+1 my '05 Tribute is still a great car despite the few minor recalls. I remember one was for the engine cover. Little things like that, never big mechanical issues. A friend is driving it now and has nearly 150,000 miles. Excited to put at least that much on my CX-5.

 

[Ride92]

For pure driving enjoyment I think the CX-5 wins hands down. I'm coming from a 5spd protege5 that I still love to drive. I like the sporty look and feel of the CX-5. The 2016 interior pushes it to the top of the list as I feel it's the nicest. I remember one review said something along the lines of "if you enjoy the art of driving and don't want to the give that up but need more space and room for a growing family, the CX-5 is the perfect vehicle." That's exactly me. Know if I needed more towing capability I would consider the Jeep Cherokee. I think it has a 4400lb towing capacity with the tow package, they add a transmission cooler. I just can't get over the ugly front end on that car. I want the Utility that comes with a small SUV/CUV but the driving dynamic of a Miata, or least my protege5 (which handles great) the CX-5 is the car for me.

 

[deepfriedsushi]

I also came from a P5 and the CX5 was basically just a bigger/taller P5. The P5 spoils you with it's handling dynamics and steering feel/precision. So when it comes to driving any other car, the bar is set "high". I've driven other new bmw's and porsche's and the cx5's steering feels pretty on par with those.

I compared the CX5 to the 2014 CRV (non cvt) and just couldn't get over how bland it drives over the CX5. I've driven the new accord with the cvt, who's engine is now in the latest CRV and found it to be pretty nice. Honda's CVT's don't drive like subaru or nissan CVT's. They did a really good job with it's tuning and makes it feel more natural and less rubber band like. I can't comment on their vibration issues in them though.

 

[dragonteeth]

I'm shopping for a new CUV. So far the 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L FWD Touring (approx. $25k) is at the top of my list which includes in alphabetical order:

Chevy Trax
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V (fall 2015)
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-3 (fall 2015)
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4

Help me narrow the list. I realize that this is a Mazda board and opinions will of course be biased, but please answer honestly. If your budget was around $25k today which of these cars listed above would you buy above all the others and why?

Well... Coming to a Mazda forum, you are going to receive biased answers, but I will say that the CX-5 is absolutely in the top 3 of CUV's, IMO. It was a hard battle between the Forester vs. CX-5 for me, personally, and it took a few weeks to boil it down to which one I really wanted. I marked off Chevy, Ford, KIA, and Hyundai because I don't trust their brand and as far as Toyota goes, they're a snooze-fest. The Nissan Rogue was my most disliked test-drive and cannot understand what the appeal is as both the ride and the exterior are absolute garbage. The CR-V was in the top 3 for awhile because it felt comfortable and was a bit bigger, but after test-driving it a second time, it was considerably boring when compared to the CX-5.

The Forester was up there for awhile due to spectacular reviews, the AWD system, and the color options (yes, I am a sucker for green vehicles). However, this was going to be a daily driver, so I wanted to pick something that was fun yet reliable with space to haul my s*** in. The CX-5 trumped all of that, hands-down.