Bought my '17 CX-5 couple of weeks ago. Already clocked +1000 miles. Apart from the Mazda Infotainment System (which is decent), I loved this SUV. It is better than most of the vehicles in its class. With 2.0 litre 187 BHP and 185 lb-ft engine, I am still getting around 28 mpg city+highway which is unbelievable. Put this thing in SPORT mode and it will take off like a rocket. Front of the CX-5 gives you aggressive vibe and don't get started me on it's interior. The interior quality cannot be matches by any of its rivals. Best decision over...
I just bought a CX-5 GT model. Spot on with your praise and criticism. The infotainment system needs some work still, but I hear that there will be a software update in the near future to enable Apple and Google Play. I'm getting 23 mph in the Tucson desert heat, so I am a bit disappointed in that, but the trade off, coming out of a 2013 model CX-5, is a much more mature and solid feel on this car. Also much quieter. Hardware on my 2013 model began to show a great deal of wear relatively quickly, so I am anxious to see how this one, which feels far more substantial, holds up over time. Thanks for the solid review!
Thomas Herrera The charcoal gray is the model in this video right? Some call it machine grey I believe. Does your color get dirty fast or does it maintain pretty well without having to do much cleans? Also, do you believe the charcoal gray is a better long term color option? I'm currently deciding between this and the Eternal blue. Thanks for any suggestions added.
The 2.2 diesel in my 2012 CX5 is fantastic with 420Nm of torqe. And why l just upgraded to the new model with the same diesel engine. The only car better than mine is my wifes car which is the Mazda 3 with the 2.2 diesel in manual transmission (6 gears) ..... Boy oh boy, does that go.... Cheers
Great review apart from a few missing things (USB ports in the rear, powered tailgate...) and the commentary on the infotainment system. I've had my CX-5 for 2 months and the system is very responsive and extremely easy to use, you simply use the puck wheel to control it above 5mph - it's intuitive and much safer than touching a screen while driving at speed.
I've had my new 2017 GT since June 12, and I LOVE IT!!!! This is my 9th car, and it's the BEST driving experience I've ever had! I actually look forward to going to work so I can drive it. LOL The new interior is sharp (I have the black/parchment combination) and it feels upscale. The Bose sound system is excellent, and I love being able to connect my iPod via Bluetooth and listen to my tunes while enjoying the drive! I have only two complaints: 1) I'm not getting the city mileage claimed by Mazda...I barely get 21mpg versus their claim of 24 (I haven't made any long highway trips yet, so I don't have a number for that mileage). 2) I don't care much for the darker wheels; I would have much preferred that they were silver instead, as I think the vehicle would look even better with all silver, but that's just my preference. Other than that, Mazda has done a great job with the 2017 CX-5, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves driving! ZOOM-ZOOM!!!!!! :-)
The infotainment system takes a few minutes to learn and all it takes is a brief glance while driving. No different and maybe easier than using a touchscreen since a lot of touchscreens react very slowly. There are also short cuts for favorites, nav, etc. on the center console and prev/next/volume on the steering wheel so you rarely ever use the knob or touchscreen itself.
I would much rather see Mazda develop a 2.0T to throw in in the CX-5 (think Forester XT) ...not only would the 2.0T be nice in the CX-5, but it would be nice in the Mazda 6, MazdaSpeed-3, MazdaSpeed MX-5, and an upper trim CX-3
Yeah. I would love a vented/cooled seat and a panoramic sunroof. Otherwise I'm quite happy 3 months into ownership. The rest of the vehicle and driving more than make up for those two features missing.
Good review, but I think one thing you should've spent some talking about is the HUD. A very useful and unique addition in this segment. The GT trim you had offers it and it's one one of the best out there. If the CX5 had slightly more power or a 0-60 around 7 seconds, it would be a lot more competitive and start to sell more. Sorry but a CRV with more space, better mileage and CVT can beat it.. There's nothing zoom zoom about that.
W-T. Good points but hauling a bunch of stuff and a couple dollars more per year in gas savings - does NOT negate a better driving experience. Also, r/w pricing in So Cal where I live means CX-5 is THOUSANDS less $$$ !!! The HUD display is a HUGE plus and the Infotainment interface easily reduced by using Voice Recognition... Many marks were missed here.
Really??? CVT great? I owned a hybrid car previously with CVT and god awful drone feeling was so annoying I hated it aside from fact that CVTs are expensive to fix/replace than a traditional matic. Some manufacturers use CVT simply to improve fuel economy without thinking about the drivers...glad Mazda didn't use CVT and their 6speed auto albeit older tech vs 8-speeds are still one of the best tuned trans in market!
Mazda is late to the game wth car play and android auto but they have said both are coming with an update for vehicles having the mazda connect system which I think was put in their cars beginning in 2014. How many car manufacturers are willing to update older models? Nobody else is doing that as far as I know.
It's really stylish, but crazy that it's gotten heavier than it's predecessor. By contrast, the new CRV grew bigger inside, dropped 100lbs, and added more HP and mpgs. While it might not look or feel as "sporty" as the CX5, it's actually faster to 60, stops shorter, and with better lateral skidpad numbers according to Motortrend. Come on Mazda! If you're gonna be smaller and less fuel efficient - at least beat the Honda in actual driving performance. Style will only get you so far...
Oh dear Phrancis.....you really need to drive both vehicles before sprouting such nonsense. Mazdas are not only a driver's car and fun to drive but are ALSO more comfortable than the Honda CR-V. Noice, vibration, and handling all are superior with the Mazda. The CX-5 also has G- vectoring making curvy roads so much better with no body roll. And no rubber band CVT engine. More torque than the Honda. And heated rear seats - the Honda does not offer that.
Oh dear Irena, have you forgotten our last conversation where I already told you I've test driven both? You never responded to my last lengthy retort filled with engineering facts that proved your claims about the CX5's performance was false. Your bias is showing - simply by looking at your liked channels in your profile. Do yourself a favor and maybe read the neutral facts. www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/cr-v/2017/2017-honda-cr-v-vs-2017-mazda-cx-5-comparison-review/
Oh dear Phrancis - learn to move on. The CRV is ugly and fewer people are buying them month after month. And that awful leather interior is hideous looking and uncomfortable in the Honda. Perhaps if you started listening to others who know a thing or 2 about driving rather than the idiot in the mirror, you'd understand your shortcomings a little better. Give my love to your Mom upstairs in the main house that she owns.
Ah yes, hit a nerve did I? That's when the childish insults come out - when you can't factually deny your car has less zoom than the marketing hype told you and isn't even as good of an SUV in practical terms compared to the Honda. But go ahead and look up the sales numbers over the past 20 years. Try getting a discount on pretty much any new Honda - especially this CRV. They can't keep up with buyer's demand, but you can look in the mirror and spout your lies if it makes you feel better. And one day when a new CRV with an aggressive driver leaves you in the dust, maybe you'll understand your shortcomings.
Well Phrancis, I guess you win. Another know-it-all man who can't quite listen to anything that a woman has to say or offer, because of course all of her data is flawed and she is just terribly terribly wrong about everything. So thank you for saving me from myself as I was pondering just how to pick up the pieces of my life and move on. Financing a CRV with no special offers or rates is going to cost me thousands of dollars more than a 0% financed Mazda CX-5....but again....you are the smart man who knows everything and I should just listen to you. Guess what? Not today, bud. Happily purchasing a Mazda that will save me a lot more money down the road and will make me smile as I'm driving it and passing you by. Zoom zoom.
Interesting - The CX-5 gets the exact same overall rating you gave the the Honda CR-V last month - yet you didn't have to change a flat tire in the Mazda ;)
Nice review but if you really want to make the most the new 2017 CX5s good looks, sporty dynamics and road handling ability you really need to get the 2.2 turbo diesel.All of a sudden the power and performance is there which the sluggish 2.5 petrol doesn't provideand with 420nm of torque it is quick off the mark and holds that power right through the rev range .
Wowzy! Did you see that cow Yawning through the curves? CX-5 must be bovine for Edsel. And three years later: they still have their info screen crazy glued to the dash!
Joe Wigfall I went to a mazda dealership this weekend and told me they're getting ready to do it. even if you buy a car without it they will call you to install it
Not sure if you're dismissing him or not, but it is coming and not just in 2018 models. 2017 models will get it in a software update. It's been reported many times now and confirmed online and at the dealerships.
I'm surprised you gave the infotainment system 3-stars and not 2...driving enjoyment is intangible (subjective) whereas panoramic sunroof and AA/ACP are tangible and buyers like to "see" things they are buying so the things the Mazda doesn't have will be reasons why some won't buy it...why or how did you manage 21 mpg? - Sport mode everywhere; full-throttle acceleration all the time; manual shifting and never going above 4th gear; A/C on all the time; long periods of idling in the Starbucks drive thru? Our '16 manages 23-24 with a bunch of short city trips and 30 on long hwy ones. At least there are no paddle shifters like in the Escape and other competitors; Mazda got that one thing right.
I disagree on the infotainment system puck. Touch screens are the worst trying to touch the right spot on uneven pavement while driving. It's dangerous! A Mazda rep at the NY Auto show told me they don't want to do AA/Carplay until they can make them work with the puck system. Not sure I buy that. Maybe 50%.
Lexus has a puck only system we rate as one of the best in the business. The difference is that the graphic and menu interface makes sense and is well thought out. If Mazda fixed that one issue, it would go a long way. If they additionally allowed a driver to use the touch screen like almost every other brand on planet earth, it would complete the picture.
the touch screen lock out can be by-passed by putting the radio in a diagnostic more, but you didn't hear that from me...what about the steering wheel controls; do they not get the job done?...our CX-5 doesn't have NAV (so those buttons don't work) and changing the radio station can be done by cycling through the presets or a few clicks/twists of the control knob, which w/time is no big deal. Sure, not as easy as hitting 1 of 6 preset buttons, but in this age where the cell phone rules our lives, how much FM do people listen to...at most, the wife and I flip btwn 2 FM stations, but we have 6 programmed
Overall it´s a great SUV, don't agree with your assessment on the infotainment system, yes it needs an upgrade, but it works great and not that hard to understand, come on, its not rocket science
There is nothing on the dashboard design that I like. To me it looks dated with all these dust catching dead corners and crevices and I hate these dreaded V shape design cues. Thats something that most Chinese like so much. Lame engines.
I'm in the market for a car in this class and I'm putting the new CRV and the CX5 head to head (both top spec). I currently own a top spec 2015 HRV and very happy with it but not blindly loyal to Honda (or any brand for that matter). But when I objectively look at the specs, features and value proposition, CRV is ahead for me. Bigger, more spacious, more practical car, MUCH better infotainment and info cluster, same power but better power delivery (albeit via the CVT which I don't mind in the HRV - personal choice), way better fuel economy (especially in urban, where I spend most of my time). Just all-round a better car IMHO. Yes, Mazda probably drives/handles a bit better and feels a bit more premium (although not by much as the new CRV really upped the game) but in almost everything else (including looks - again, personal) I take the CRV. Oh, it's also cheaper to buy and own to boot.
I own both vehicles and despite of slight more trunk space in CRV (my wife drives it) I decided to buy Mazda a month ago. We have had Hondas for 13 years now (just sold mine) and Mazda is such a step up from CRV 2014 fully loaded (I checked newest CRV 2017 before making decisions as well as RAV and Tuscan etc.) that no way I could drive any other SUV. It is such a luxurious interior, quiet, incredible handling, ACC with stop and go, rain-sensing wipers. I get 25 MPG in Atlanta mixed traffic (designed for 87 fuel). It is entirely made in Japan 100% with Japanese parts. By the way my wife wants only now to drive Mazda only. When I sit back in CRV it is such a step down in quality of interior, exterior, noise, vibration etc. Good luck with whatever you choose! There is always going to be a compromise in any car or device we buy.
That's what we did and went Mazda even though the CRV is more practical and sensible. I think that's what turned us off in the end. We still wanted some driving excitement. It's nice to look forward to driving somewhere even if it is a CUV and not some dream sports car. We were going CRV until we test drove the Mazda and then my wife just wouldn't let it go. I agreed in the end.
Good for you guys for picking CX5 over CRV...it's also nice to drive something you don't see every 5 mins wherever you go out on the roads! CRV so common it's boringly pathetic!
Using a touchscreen on the move is every bit as dangerous as using a hand held phone. They should be banned. Aside from that who wants to look at a screen covered in fingerprints?
![ค้าง (STILL) - GEMINI [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ftxx3hk5vkU/mqdefault.jpg)
Changing from radio to navigation is just 1 button push, not 4-5.
If you want get to your favorites, that's also 1 button push.
Best interior in its class + best handling in its class = massive win for people that like to drive.
Bought my '17 CX-5 couple of weeks ago. Already clocked +1000 miles. Apart from the Mazda Infotainment System (which is decent), I loved this SUV. It is better than most of the vehicles in its class. With 2.0 litre 187 BHP and 185 lb-ft engine, I am still getting around 28 mpg city+highway which is unbelievable. Put this thing in SPORT mode and it will take off like a rocket. Front of the CX-5 gives you aggressive vibe and don't get started me on it's interior. The interior quality cannot be matches by any of its rivals. Best decision over...
Vivek Ugale which color did you get? I'm having a hard time picking a color.
goo.gl/maps/AuMN5FEU4e42
Matt, see this review and you will find the color of my car. Its Deep Crystal Mica Blue and looks great.
why is Chuck Liddel reviewing cars?
You don't need to use the puck to do simple switches if you've set up your favorites and use the shortcuts.
I just bought a CX-5 GT model. Spot on with your praise and criticism. The infotainment system needs some work still, but I hear that there will be a software update in the near future to enable Apple and Google Play. I'm getting 23 mph in the Tucson desert heat, so I am a bit disappointed in that, but the trade off, coming out of a 2013 model CX-5, is a much more mature and solid feel on this car. Also much quieter. Hardware on my 2013 model began to show a great deal of wear relatively quickly, so I am anxious to see how this one, which feels far more substantial, holds up over time. Thanks for the solid review!
Thomas Herrera which color did you get? I'm having a hard time picking a color.
Matthew Moscotto I bought the charcoal grey. Mileage is now up to 29 mpg; I suppose that earlier figure was the break-in figure.
Thomas Herrera The charcoal gray is the model in this video right? Some call it machine grey I believe. Does your color get dirty fast or does it maintain pretty well without having to do much cleans? Also, do you believe the charcoal gray is a better long term color option? I'm currently deciding between this and the Eternal blue. Thanks for any suggestions added.
I'll wait to see what you say about the 2.2 diesel I think coming this fall. Thanks for the review!
The 2.2 diesel in my 2012 CX5 is fantastic with 420Nm of torqe. And why l just upgraded to the new model with the same diesel engine. The only car better than mine is my wifes car which is the Mazda 3 with the 2.2 diesel in manual transmission (6 gears) ..... Boy oh boy, does that go.... Cheers
When you are driving, you don't need the touch screen. Use the voice commands, they work perfectly!
Just subscribed, but have been watching TDTV for some time. Sam is one of the best evaluators out there.
So many top quality features to discuss with this new CX-5. Great video!
cool I just bought it yesterday and I'm loving it
You forgot the heated rear seats and USB ports in the center air rest
Noah Damoose 6
And Power Lift gate unless I missed it
Great review of the CX-5. Look forward to seeing it in the UK.
Great review apart from a few missing things (USB ports in the rear, powered tailgate...) and the commentary on the infotainment system. I've had my CX-5 for 2 months and the system is very responsive and extremely easy to use, you simply use the puck wheel to control it above 5mph - it's intuitive and much safer than touching a screen while driving at speed.
the best review online
I've had my new 2017 GT since June 12, and I LOVE IT!!!! This is my 9th car, and it's the BEST driving experience I've ever had! I actually look forward to going to work so I can drive it. LOL The new interior is sharp (I have the black/parchment combination) and it feels upscale. The Bose sound system is excellent, and I love being able to connect my iPod via Bluetooth and listen to my tunes while enjoying the drive! I have only two complaints: 1) I'm not getting the city mileage claimed by Mazda...I barely get 21mpg versus their claim of 24 (I haven't made any long highway trips yet, so I don't have a number for that mileage). 2) I don't care much for the darker wheels; I would have much preferred that they were silver instead, as I think the vehicle would look even better with all silver, but that's just my preference. Other than that, Mazda has done a great job with the 2017 CX-5, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves driving! ZOOM-ZOOM!!!!!! :-)
Dancer810 which color did you get? I'm having a hard time picking a color.
The way he said "It's coming right up." XD
Man this was a good review. Love your voice. Subbed 👊🏻
I have a 2017 CX5 if I did a review of my car I would end up with your review almost exactly. Great review
What do you get on combined MPG? Is your AWD?
Seanster Yu In Hawaii it's a lot of stop and go tons of traffic. My 2wd is averaging just a tick over 22 mpg
I liked the review very much, thanks!
How did I miss this review?
It's a looker! The drive is it's hallmark. However, the drivetrain/motor is just O.K. I too am more interested in the diesel!
The infotainment system takes a few minutes to learn and all it takes is a brief glance while driving. No different and maybe easier than using a touchscreen since a lot of touchscreens react very slowly. There are also short cuts for favorites, nav, etc. on the center console and prev/next/volume on the steering wheel so you rarely ever use the knob or touchscreen itself.
Wow, 5:16 warning exclamation! 121°F in dash very hot indeed.
Can you compare the 2018 cx5 when released with the 2018 VW Tiguan in terms of quality, drive dynamics and quiet interior
I hate that hump on the dash for the projected display. went with the 2016.5. i agree the advertised MPG numbers are not there. great car though
Test drove this twice. I can't make up my made. ATLAS or CX5. Both are awesome.
Sam, your overall rating for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is 4.5 stars, same as that given to the 2017 Honda CRV. Which one will you buy if it's your money ?
Neither. The CVT in the CRV is a deal killer. The infotainment system in the CX9 is a dealkiller.
TestDrivenTV you're comparing CRV and CX9 or it was just a typo and you're referring to CX5? What would you recommend in this class/price range?
If neither of these two (CRV, CX5) is your choice for compact SUV, what will be your personal pick for this class of vehicle ?
hey i didnt know that chuck liddell did car review videos
Lol
They should offer the turbo engine from the CX-9 in this thing. Having handling without power is like having peanut butter without jelly.
I would much rather see Mazda develop a 2.0T to throw in in the CX-5 (think Forester XT) ...not only would the 2.0T be nice in the CX-5, but it would be nice in the Mazda 6, MazdaSpeed-3, MazdaSpeed MX-5, and an upper trim CX-3
Is there not a 2018 cx5 in the u s? Just can't find any review on one
Yeah. I would love a vented/cooled seat and a panoramic sunroof. Otherwise I'm quite happy 3 months into ownership. The rest of the vehicle and driving more than make up for those two features missing.
Good review, but I think one thing you should've spent some talking about is the HUD. A very useful and unique addition in this segment. The GT trim you had offers it and it's one one of the best out there. If the CX5 had slightly more power or a 0-60 around 7 seconds, it would be a lot more competitive and start to sell more. Sorry but a CRV with more space, better mileage and CVT can beat it.. There's nothing zoom zoom about that.
CVT...The comparison stops there for me...
W-_-T CVT. 😂😂😂😂
W-T. Good points but hauling a bunch of stuff and a couple dollars more per year in gas savings - does NOT negate a better driving experience.
Also, r/w pricing in So Cal where I live means CX-5 is THOUSANDS less $$$ !!!
The HUD display is a HUGE plus and the Infotainment interface easily reduced by using Voice Recognition...
Many marks were missed here.
Really??? CVT great? I owned a hybrid car previously with CVT and god awful drone feeling was so annoying I hated it aside from fact that CVTs are expensive to fix/replace than a traditional matic. Some manufacturers use CVT simply to improve fuel economy without thinking about the drivers...glad Mazda didn't use CVT and their 6speed auto albeit older tech vs 8-speeds are still one of the best tuned trans in market!
looks like Chuck Liddell has lost a lot of weight and does car reviews now. such a legend
What city do you live in? It always looks beautiful
This video was shot in the East Valley area of the Phoenix, AZ metro area
How is this color called exactly please? Is this the titanium flash?
If you had to choose between Espace Initiale Paris and Mazda CX-5 top trim AWD AT 175 diesel, which car would you pick?
Mazda is late to the game wth car play and android auto but they have said both are coming with an update for vehicles having the mazda connect system which I think was put in their cars beginning in 2014. How many car manufacturers are willing to update older models? Nobody else is doing that as far as I know.
It's really stylish, but crazy that it's gotten heavier than it's predecessor. By contrast, the new CRV grew bigger inside, dropped 100lbs, and added more HP and mpgs. While it might not look or feel as "sporty" as the CX5, it's actually faster to 60, stops shorter, and with better lateral skidpad numbers according to Motortrend. Come on Mazda! If you're gonna be smaller and less fuel efficient - at least beat the Honda in actual driving performance. Style will only get you so far...
Oh dear Phrancis.....you really need to drive both vehicles before sprouting such nonsense. Mazdas are not only a driver's car and fun to drive but are ALSO more comfortable than the Honda CR-V. Noice, vibration, and handling all are superior with the Mazda. The CX-5 also has G- vectoring making curvy roads so much better with no body roll. And no rubber band CVT engine. More torque than the Honda. And heated rear seats - the Honda does not offer that.
Oh dear Irena, have you forgotten our last conversation where I already told you I've test driven both? You never responded to my last lengthy retort filled with engineering facts that proved your claims about the CX5's performance was false. Your bias is showing - simply by looking at your liked channels in your profile. Do yourself a favor and maybe read the neutral facts. www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/cr-v/2017/2017-honda-cr-v-vs-2017-mazda-cx-5-comparison-review/
Oh dear Phrancis - learn to move on. The CRV is ugly and fewer people are buying them month after month. And that awful leather interior is hideous looking and uncomfortable in the Honda. Perhaps if you started listening to others who know a thing or 2 about driving rather than the idiot in the mirror, you'd understand your shortcomings a little better. Give my love to your Mom upstairs in the main house that she owns.
Ah yes, hit a nerve did I? That's when the childish insults come out - when you can't factually deny your car has less zoom than the marketing hype told you and isn't even as good of an SUV in practical terms compared to the Honda. But go ahead and look up the sales numbers over the past 20 years. Try getting a discount on pretty much any new Honda - especially this CRV. They can't keep up with buyer's demand, but you can look in the mirror and spout your lies if it makes you feel better. And one day when a new CRV with an aggressive driver leaves you in the dust, maybe you'll understand your shortcomings.
Well Phrancis, I guess you win. Another know-it-all man who can't quite listen to anything that a woman has to say or offer, because of course all of her data is flawed and she is just terribly terribly wrong about everything. So thank you for saving me from myself as I was pondering just how to pick up the pieces of my life and move on. Financing a CRV with no special offers or rates is going to cost me thousands of dollars more than a 0% financed Mazda CX-5....but again....you are the smart man who knows everything and I should just listen to you. Guess what? Not today, bud. Happily purchasing a Mazda that will save me a lot more money down the road and will make me smile as I'm driving it and passing you by. Zoom zoom.
I'm 6ft 2". Can someone comment on the driver's seat comfort. How spacious is it??
I've been thinking about trading in my Mazda 5 for this car
Srt Charger Old Man 2006 how much you think your mazda5 would value
ROY PARK I think I should probably just keep it and give it to my daughter that's probably what it's worth 90,000 miles
Interesting - The CX-5 gets the exact same overall rating you gave the the Honda CR-V last month - yet you didn't have to change a flat tire in the Mazda ;)
Nice review but if you really want to make the most the new 2017 CX5s good looks, sporty dynamics and road handling ability you really need to get the 2.2 turbo diesel.All of a sudden the power and performance is there which the sluggish 2.5 petrol doesn't provideand with 420nm of torque it is quick off the mark and holds that power right through the rev range .
Phillippe Blackburn
Wowzy! Did you see that cow Yawning through the curves? CX-5 must be bovine for Edsel. And three years later: they still have their info screen crazy glued to the dash!
Is this model a 4WD ?
Get AA/CP and that 2.5 T in there already!
android auto & apple play are coming this year to all mazda cars
Aldrin Guzman where did you hear that?
Joe Wigfall I went to a mazda dealership this weekend and told me they're getting ready to do it. even if you buy a car without it they will call you to install it
Aldrin Guzman yes ready for the 2018 6
Not sure if you're dismissing him or not, but it is coming and not just in 2018 models. 2017 models will get it in a software update. It's been reported many times now and confirmed online and at the dealerships.
I now hear 2019 for auto & apple play
I'm surprised you gave the infotainment system 3-stars and not 2...driving enjoyment is intangible (subjective) whereas panoramic sunroof and AA/ACP are tangible and buyers like to "see" things they are buying so the things the Mazda doesn't have will be reasons why some won't buy it...why or how did you manage 21 mpg? - Sport mode everywhere; full-throttle acceleration all the time; manual shifting and never going above 4th gear; A/C on all the time; long periods of idling in the Starbucks drive thru? Our '16 manages 23-24 with a bunch of short city trips and 30 on long hwy ones. At least there are no paddle shifters like in the Escape and other competitors; Mazda got that one thing right.
What's wrong with having paddle shifters?
Only a 21 mpg observed fuel economy is pretty bad. No apple carplay or android auto is another big miss.
Christopher W alken
Are you sure you are 5'9"?
bahhaziz the same
Cx5 or a Rav4 for a family of 5 with three children?
violin maestro CX-9 or a minivan
Yeah, the new CRV is technically bigger, more powerful, and better mpgs than this or the Rav4.
violin maestro 00000iikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkherry
violin maestro .
I disagree on the infotainment system puck. Touch screens are the worst trying to touch the right spot on uneven pavement while driving. It's dangerous! A Mazda rep at the NY Auto show told me they don't want to do AA/Carplay until they can make them work with the puck system. Not sure I buy that. Maybe 50%.
Lexus has a puck only system we rate as one of the best in the business. The difference is that the graphic and menu interface makes sense and is well thought out. If Mazda fixed that one issue, it would go a long way. If they additionally allowed a driver to use the touch screen like almost every other brand on planet earth, it would complete the picture.
the touch screen lock out can be by-passed by putting the radio in a diagnostic more, but you didn't hear that from me...what about the steering wheel controls; do they not get the job done?...our CX-5 doesn't have NAV (so those buttons don't work) and changing the radio station can be done by cycling through the presets or a few clicks/twists of the control knob, which w/time is no big deal. Sure, not as easy as hitting 1 of 6 preset buttons, but in this age where the cell phone rules our lives, how much FM do people listen to...at most, the wife and I flip btwn 2 FM stations, but we have 6 programmed
Overall it´s a great SUV, don't agree with your assessment on the infotainment system, yes it needs an upgrade, but it works great and not that hard to understand, come on, its not rocket science
Chuck Liddell
it is 179" long...not 197" long
197 inch in length? I don't think so.
The heat got to him and made him transpose his numbers. It's 179-inches ;)
There is nothing on the dashboard design that I like. To me it looks dated with all these dust catching dead corners and crevices and I hate these dreaded V shape design cues. Thats something that most Chinese like so much. Lame engines.
I'm in the market for a car in this class and I'm putting the new CRV and the CX5 head to head (both top spec). I currently own a top spec 2015 HRV and very happy with it but not blindly loyal to Honda (or any brand for that matter). But when I objectively look at the specs, features and value proposition, CRV is ahead for me. Bigger, more spacious, more practical car, MUCH better infotainment and info cluster, same power but better power delivery (albeit via the CVT which I don't mind in the HRV - personal choice), way better fuel economy (especially in urban, where I spend most of my time). Just all-round a better car IMHO. Yes, Mazda probably drives/handles a bit better and feels a bit more premium (although not by much as the new CRV really upped the game) but in almost everything else (including looks - again, personal) I take the CRV. Oh, it's also cheaper to buy and own to boot.
I own both vehicles and despite of slight more trunk space in CRV (my wife drives it) I decided to buy Mazda a month ago. We have had Hondas for 13 years now (just sold mine) and Mazda is such a step up from CRV 2014 fully loaded (I checked newest CRV 2017 before making decisions as well as RAV and Tuscan etc.) that no way I could drive any other SUV.
It is such a luxurious interior, quiet, incredible handling, ACC with stop and go, rain-sensing wipers. I get 25 MPG in Atlanta mixed traffic (designed for 87 fuel). It is entirely made in Japan 100% with Japanese parts.
By the way my wife wants only now to drive Mazda only. When I sit back in CRV it is such a step down in quality of interior, exterior, noise, vibration etc.
Good luck with whatever you choose! There is always going to be a compromise in any car or device we buy.
That's what we did and went Mazda even though the CRV is more practical and sensible. I think that's what turned us off in the end. We still wanted some driving excitement. It's nice to look forward to driving somewhere even if it is a CUV and not some dream sports car.
We were going CRV until we test drove the Mazda and then my wife just wouldn't let it go. I agreed in the end.
Looks no way the Crv is known as the Mules ass around here lol..
Good for you guys for picking CX5 over CRV...it's also nice to drive something you don't see every 5 mins wherever you go out on the roads! CRV so common it's boringly pathetic!
Exactly people just cant think out the box it amazes me..Good for those that can!
Give me the diesel and I am sold
You are definitely not 5 ft 9". You look taller.
Using a touchscreen on the move is every bit as dangerous as using a hand held phone. They should be banned. Aside from that who wants to look at a screen covered in fingerprints?
Very nice car review. Thank you!