Mazda5 vs CX5 MPG question

[gumball]

Apologies if this has been discussed before, did a quick search but didn't find.
I've always been a bit confused why the Mazda5 doesn't get quite as good gas mileage as some mini-utes, despite not having AWD but same size, and sometimes lighter weight.
But since these were other manufacturers (Subaru, Honda) I figured it wasn't a good comparison.
But in looking at Mazda's own CX-5, with the same 2.5L displacement and AWD, plus greater HP and Torque, the CX-5 gets 24/30 to the 5 wagon's 22/28.
Does anyone know why this is? Both vehicles are about the same size and the CX-5 is even heavier, at 3,532 vs 3,366 lbs.

 

[rodslinger]

I think the short answer is the CX-5 has all the new SkyActive goodies. I'm sure the same technology applied to the 5 would give similar results.

 

[Orangutan]

Rodslinger is correct. The Mazda5 (in North America) is saddled with the old powertrain while the CX-5 gets the new SkyActiv stuff, same as the 6 and 3.

 

[sac02]

My answer is "SkyActiv". Has anyone said "SkyActiv" yet?

But yes, the SkyActiv in the cx5 is Mazda's latest and greatest piece of powertrain technology, and the MZR in the mz5 is year 2000 tech. On top of that, Mazda has been focused on the SkyActiv tech and has left the MZR by the side of the road with no tweaks or updates in the last 5 years at all.

 

[tuanies]

SkyActiv also encompasses aerodynamics and weight reduction too. The CX5 is a lighter car, even with AWD iirc.

 

[torquelover]

I had a 2.3 MZR in a manual transmission sedan and was not impressed by the MPGs. The gearing was terrible which did not help. I will also say the SkyActiv transmission seems to be a lot smarter and efficient than the auto trans we have in the 5. Much quicker shifting, earlier and firmer torque converter lockup, and tends to upshift as much as possible in my experience driving a new CX5 and 6.

 

[gumball]

The stats I looked at showed the CX-5 with AWD at 3,560, which is heavier than the Mazda5.
The CX-5 without AWD is 3,290 or around there. The Mazda5 is 3417-50 for 2015 but lower in earlier years ('06-'11).
RE: aerodynamics, I don't think the mpg tests factor in cd, I dunno, aren't they on a dynamometer?

 

[sac02]

When emissions (catch-all phrase, it also includes mpg) is done on the dyno (as most OEMs do- well, all I know of) aero drag is taken into account (simulated).

Source: work for an OEM as QC engineer; emissions is part of my responsibility.

 

[Silentnoise713]

^^ yup, and this often happens VV

http://m.green.autoblog.com/2014/06...ax-hybrid/?post=1&icid=autoblog_river_article


While these are two Mazda products, they are of different eras.

 

[thaxman]

IS the Mazda5 really only <3500 lbs? Doesn't seem right to me.

 

[tuanies]

IS the Mazda5 really only <3500 lbs? Doesn't seem right to me.

How does that not sound right? The 3 is just a little over 3000lbs. It's a compact wagon, hell 3400lbs seems a bit heavy to me.

 

[loosenut]

I think if the Skyactive engine were put in the 5 it would broaden the appeal in the U.S. Unfortunately, I don't think it will happen here soon, or at all. The U.S market is all about crossovers, be that good or bad. Oh well, I like mine, it fits my life right now and I enjoy driving it. I can get 32 mpg highway if I drive it right. Most of the time I tend to have a bit of a lead foot in the fun van/wagon though. I almost forgot to add, I rarely use the A/C and that does make a big difference to the four-banger.