I have 2500 miles in 3 weeks and am really happy with my CX 5. I know the benefits of a diesel and was waiting for the Mazda diesel but I pulled the trigger and the only regrets that I have is the 12-20 mpg difference between the gas and diesel. Ive adapted to the mileage thing and in 3 weeks it isnt a big deal.
Happy because:
The 2.5L engine is powerful and quick enough for my aggressive moments behind the wheel.
The engine has been a proven over time.
Any diesel will have more complexity (filters and sensors) and the regeneration thing sounds if-y for my driving habits. The Mazda diesel might be adapted/changed for our market and that scares me a bit.
The 2018 2.5L hasnt been around as long as the existing 2.5L and who knows if its worth 1 mpg gain.
If you dont trailer distances or often, pull the trigger!
I wish you a good experience whatever decision you make.
Great car!
I wanted the diesel for the low end torque as much as the fuel economy. I drove a bunch of different diesel cars between 2010 and 2014, mostly over in the UK, and came to love the power delivery. They cruise effortlessly, they have enough torque reserve at cruising RPM that you can climb hills or accelerate moderately without downshifting, and throttle response feels more linear. A lot of the gasoline turbos now make full torque from around 2000 rpm, and in some cases below, which makes them feel somewhat diesel-like. When I test drove the CX-5, it felt "busy" during just casual driving: downshifting a lot, spending a lot of time up around 3-4k rpm. And it felt kind of wheezy when trying to simulate a passing maneuver (e.g. 40-60 mph, 50-70). Most of the alternatives I'm considering make more power and considerably more low end torque.
There's a lot of things I like about the CX-5: steering feel, styling, interior design, quiet cabin (except for engine noise), 40/20/40 rear seat. But I do not like the infotainment system (at all), and would like a stronger engine.
I'm contemplating a Mazda 3 Sport GT with a manual, or a Golf SportWagen with a manual. Both have the same power as the CX5, lower/better handling, cheaper and the Golf has just as much space and available AWD (albeit I'd prefer a Mazda product).
I've only ever owned manual transmissions, but I'm probably going to throw in the towel this time and get an auto. My wife is on my case about getting an automatic, so she can drive it as a backup, and if I insist on a manual that really limits my choices. For example, if I want a manual in an AWD wagon, I have to buy a lower trim Golf Sportwagen or Alltrack. You can't even get a manual in the 3-series wagon anymore. And if I want a manual in a SUV/CUV, I think my only option might be a lower trim Crosstrek (no thanks).
I test drove the Alltrack SEL and crossed it off my list. The back seat is too tight and a rear-facing car seat won't fit. It handles OK, probably about the same as the CX-5. Surprisingly, it feels a fair bit quicker than the CX-5. I liked the DSG. The interior is at the level of a $25k car though, not a $35k car.
Other than the CX-5, the only options left on my list are AWD sedans. Yesterday, I test drove a Ford Fusion Platinum AWD which I can get now for ~$30k thanks to the huge discounts. I liked the looks and the Platinum trim was fully loaded and very nice inside. It also handles very good for a family sedan and has decent power. Downsides are fuel economy and cargo space. The instrument cluster also looks dated. I also test drove a Subaru Legacy 3.6R. I know I said I wouldn't buy another Subaru, but it honestly wasn't bad. It didn't handle as good as the Fusion, but it was far from being a pig like my Outback. Better than the CX-5 I'd say. The CVT makes it slow off the line, but passing power is strong.
One more that I want to look at is the new Buick Regal Sportback, which is a rebadged German-built Opel Insignia. Dealers are just getting them now. The thing I like about it is that it has 30 cf of cargo space in the rear, or 60 with the seats folded, and has a 40/20/40 rear seat. So it's got the cargo space and flexibility of the CX-5 in a sedan body. The downside is that they're showing up fully loaded with sticker prices of $38-39k, and like the Alltrack the interior is at the $25k level.
