Tell me if im crazy--Does your car ride noticeably different with weight/full tank

[tfalse99]

I'm coming from a Lexus RX350... I just purchased a 2016.5 GT...Now I'm not expecting the ride to be close to that.... However I'm noticing that the car rides differently when I have a single person, full tank or multiple people.. Now I realize it will always drive a little different different weights..... But just wondering if anyone has any comments... Or recommendations what scenario is best to give a smooth ride.
Thanks in advance

 

[myke232]

No because it would only add about 100lbs at the most. But if you have 2 or 3 people at 150-200 bills each then yeah the car will handle differently...

 

[Kaps]

Or recommendations what scenario is best to give a smooth ride.

104.9 FM gives me a smooth ride, multiple people or not, gas in tank or not.

Jokes apart - what is your definition of a smooth ride? Soft as Lexus then I don't think you will get close.

 

[mazdadude]

For a smooth ride bring the tires down to the factory recommended pressure.
Gas is 6.2lbs per gallon, so an "empty" to full tank is a diff of approx. ~13 gallons or 80lbs

 

[davesxx01]

Yes, the "5" rides noticeably smoother with about 100# in the trunk or a couple passengers.

 

[PatrickGSR94]

Nope, I notice no difference whatsoever.

 

[Unobtanium]

I could tell in some of my more front-heavy pony cars in the past, but not with the CX5.

 

[minnesotaart]

I'm coming from a Lexus RX350... Or recommendations what scenario is best to give a smooth ride.

The RX350 comes with tires that have a 65 aspect ratio. Your GT comes with 55 aspect ratio tires. Translation: there is more rubber and air between the rim and the road on your Lexus than there is on your GT. Therefore, all other things being equal, the ride will be smoother on the Lexus just from the tires alone. 17 inch, 65 aspect ratio tires are the standard tire on the Touring CX-5 and the Sport CX-5 and anecdotally, most say that they ride smoother than the GT. So, if you switch your GT to smaller rims with tires that have a larger aspect ratio, the ride will get smoother.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

No, you're not crazy. I have noticed it with every CUV/SUV I have owned. The reason is the fact that (most OEM) factory spring rates and shock dampening is designed to accommodate additional load for optimum ride quality. Applying a slight load puts it into the prime of its operating range. Keep in mind that most if not all OEM springs are linear rates.

 

[Tom 6-6]

Yes, I have noticed when I pack the CX-5 for a trip with say 150 pounds of luggage and such in the back the ride is much smoother. When I put 15 bags of mulch it is smoother. I have the AWD system and I think it might have a little stiffer suspension.

 

[craigo]

No, you're not crazy. I have noticed it with every CUV/SUV I have owned. The reason is the fact that (most OEM) factory spring rates and shock dampening is designed to accommodate additional load for optimum ride quality. Applying a slight load puts it into the prime of its operating range. Keep in mind that most if not all OEM springs are linear rates.

This. I routinely carry 400+ lbs in people and cargo and its a bit less sharp over bumps you might say. That's right in the middle of its stated capacity. Of course while the ride may feel smoother, its slower to accelerate, slower to brake and less confident in turns.

OP: Your Lexus is optimized for a smooth ride while Mazda favors keeping handling tight. Necessarily this means the suspension is bit stiffer. Adding weight masks that, at the expense of handling.

 

[PatrickGSR94]

I haven't noticed it just from refueling, but it's definitely possible with large cargo loads or people loads. Think of an empty wheelbarrow bouncing around vs. a loaded wheelbarrow riding smoothly across the ground. Or an empty trailer vs. a loaded trailer.

 

[Ziggity]

Tyre pressures will make the largest difference under normal loads.