This afternoon, I took some time out and test drove a '17 CX-5 GT FWD at my closest dealer in Fort Worth. I'm going to be doing some comparisons with my current car (a 2016 CX-5 GT FWD) and a 2017 Honda CR-V EX AWD that I drove earlier this year. Here are some observations:
1) Even with me (at 205 lb) and the sales person (est. 160 lbs) onboard the car feels far more powerful and responsive than a 3 hp increase would suggest. The car is has no difficulty overcoming its nearly 100 lb weight increase and then some. It must be a combination of a stronger torque curve (despite the same peak number) and the updated Skyactiv Drive transmission.
2) Refinement wise, this car feels on a far higher level than my '16 and the '17 CR-V. The CR-V felt like the bean counters won out. The 2017 CX-5 feels like whoever was in charge of the new car's development said to the bean counters: "Back off!" It does feel much more substantial than my '16, I must admit.
3) Despite the increased refinement, the car's handling, braking, and steering have not been diminished. After reading some of the other drives on here, that was a major relief! g-vectoring control is no gimmick! Where the new CR-V (with AWD) felt unstable in taking turns at above suggested speeds, the FWD CX-5 felt very confidence inspiring and a blast to drive.
4) The user interface is familiar and much improved. I don't know what is responsible (upgraded hardware, in-car network, and/or software) but the systems (e.g., the multi-information display and Mazda Connect) respond much more quickly! The slow response of the CR-V's infotainment was readily apparent compared with that of the new CX-5. There are aspects of the CR-V that feel unfinished (like it was rushed to sale); this isn't the case with the new CX-5.
5) I'll give you a couple of examples of the new features that I make me want to upgrade and soon: The auto-hold system is very easy to use and intuitive. I don't have a busy commute, but can see how it would be very helpful in stop and go traffic. That the Blind Spot monitoring system also shows up in the MID is helpful. I found the lane departure warning and assist systems to be effective and really intuitive. It's just a nudge; nothing scary.
6) Something interesting that I noticed is shown in the attached image of the fuel filler door. Notice the covered over place for a second filler. I'm going with the base 2.5 gas engine, but this seems to confirm (sorry, naysayers!) that this responsive, fuel efficient, reliable uplevel diesel engine option isn't vaporware this time!
7) Is the new car flawless? Of course not! I wish that the smartphone mirroring capabilities and diesel would be offered from day 1 (though given the laggy performance of the CR-V infotainment, maybe it's best that Mazda is not rushing such features to market). Would I like the 2.5 T gas engine to be offered? Sure. Still, I'm excited to get to sample what Mazda does have in store for its up-level power plant (like the Skyactiv G engines, the diesel's engine architecture is less than 6 years old; in comparison, the Honda's uplevel engine is the result of slapping a turbo and direct injection onto the 16 year old L series engine family). Other nits to pick: 1) I wish that the memory seat was standard on the GT and the power lift gate was in the premium package; 2) the hidden storage wells in the hatch area just pull out and click in (rather than being hinged doors as I would have preferred) and 3) Can I get a grocery bag hook or two like my '12 Mazda3 had?
Well, I hope this review is helpful to those looking at the new CX-5. I see a GT FWD in eternal blue and a few accessories in my future!
Peace,
Dr Kev
1) Even with me (at 205 lb) and the sales person (est. 160 lbs) onboard the car feels far more powerful and responsive than a 3 hp increase would suggest. The car is has no difficulty overcoming its nearly 100 lb weight increase and then some. It must be a combination of a stronger torque curve (despite the same peak number) and the updated Skyactiv Drive transmission.
2) Refinement wise, this car feels on a far higher level than my '16 and the '17 CR-V. The CR-V felt like the bean counters won out. The 2017 CX-5 feels like whoever was in charge of the new car's development said to the bean counters: "Back off!" It does feel much more substantial than my '16, I must admit.
3) Despite the increased refinement, the car's handling, braking, and steering have not been diminished. After reading some of the other drives on here, that was a major relief! g-vectoring control is no gimmick! Where the new CR-V (with AWD) felt unstable in taking turns at above suggested speeds, the FWD CX-5 felt very confidence inspiring and a blast to drive.
4) The user interface is familiar and much improved. I don't know what is responsible (upgraded hardware, in-car network, and/or software) but the systems (e.g., the multi-information display and Mazda Connect) respond much more quickly! The slow response of the CR-V's infotainment was readily apparent compared with that of the new CX-5. There are aspects of the CR-V that feel unfinished (like it was rushed to sale); this isn't the case with the new CX-5.
5) I'll give you a couple of examples of the new features that I make me want to upgrade and soon: The auto-hold system is very easy to use and intuitive. I don't have a busy commute, but can see how it would be very helpful in stop and go traffic. That the Blind Spot monitoring system also shows up in the MID is helpful. I found the lane departure warning and assist systems to be effective and really intuitive. It's just a nudge; nothing scary.
6) Something interesting that I noticed is shown in the attached image of the fuel filler door. Notice the covered over place for a second filler. I'm going with the base 2.5 gas engine, but this seems to confirm (sorry, naysayers!) that this responsive, fuel efficient, reliable uplevel diesel engine option isn't vaporware this time!
7) Is the new car flawless? Of course not! I wish that the smartphone mirroring capabilities and diesel would be offered from day 1 (though given the laggy performance of the CR-V infotainment, maybe it's best that Mazda is not rushing such features to market). Would I like the 2.5 T gas engine to be offered? Sure. Still, I'm excited to get to sample what Mazda does have in store for its up-level power plant (like the Skyactiv G engines, the diesel's engine architecture is less than 6 years old; in comparison, the Honda's uplevel engine is the result of slapping a turbo and direct injection onto the 16 year old L series engine family). Other nits to pick: 1) I wish that the memory seat was standard on the GT and the power lift gate was in the premium package; 2) the hidden storage wells in the hatch area just pull out and click in (rather than being hinged doors as I would have preferred) and 3) Can I get a grocery bag hook or two like my '12 Mazda3 had?
Well, I hope this review is helpful to those looking at the new CX-5. I see a GT FWD in eternal blue and a few accessories in my future!
Peace,
Dr Kev
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