As an owner of a 2018 CX-5 Touring, I agree with most all of this. Though I have to say I average 26.5 MPG and occasionally dip into sport mode. I also have no problems at all using the navigation. I don't care much for the sound of "her" voice, it functions fine. But really, how often are you going to talk to your car? The only time I use it is when I want to go home, simply say "navigate home". Done. Every time without fail. Furthermore, for us the closet competition were the CR-V and Forester. In fact, I was dead set on getting the CR-V due to its countless awards and Honda reliability. After several days of driving cars, the CX-5 is completely different than those two. CVT transmissions aren't for me. The CR-V is so loud you have to scream at passengers while on an on ramp. I think we need to get past this "hard plastic" thing. I also think its a shame to overlook some of the perks and downfalls while spending time regurgitating horsepower and torque numbers that most car shoppers don't understand or care about. How about mentioning that if the touchscreen was the only function, you'd have to roll yourself pretty far forward to poke at the high screen. I actually really like the knob. It doesn't take long for it to be second nature. I don't like the cup holders at all. They are too small and to shallow. So putting almost any size coffee travel mug in there will hit your hand when resting it on the armrest. Yadayady. Maybe I should make my own review... lol. My two cents. Still like to hear what everyone else thinks about this car. I really like it. In my opinion, its the best sub 35K car in its class, best looking as well.
My wife owns a 2017 Grand Touring and my daughter owns a 2018 Grand Touring, both with the premium package. I agree with all your comments and observations. They also cross shopped the CR-V and the Forester and both enjoyed the handling and feel of the CX-5. I can see young families preferring the CR-V or Forster if cargo and passenger room are priorities. As a self-admitted Toyota fanboy, it will be interesting to see how the 2019 RAV4 stacks up as well.
Yeah, way too many reviewers whine so much about "hard plastic"...LOL. I have this same vehicle in white and don't give a f*** about it's hard plastic nor near 10 second 0-60 time.
We own a 2018 BMW X5 but bought the magnificent Grand Touring, mainly for my wife. To me, it stands way above the competition (I tested the Honda Cr-v) in styling, both exterior as interior, and driving dynamics. It is luxurious and elegant, and it seems everyday we discover a new feature that the Beemer doesn't have. We love this car.
dude...no way older model looks better than previous.....design is spot on, makes old model looking outdated big time....this cx-5 kicks ass visually except instrument cluster which i would take something of new honda accord....
I am your size, very comfortable in the seats. Love the car, no complaints. 29.8 MPH (half city / half highway). So many "toys" inside, I have not figured them all out
actually , as someone who owned a 2015 GT model and now have a 2017 model, the front grille will have you having second thoughts upfront. I am not saying its bad , as a previous model owner it takes time to grow on you with the new one. Overall, Great bump n all aspects though, the 2017 model is amazing. Only wish they had upgraded the engine.
I actually like the look of the older models better, also. Especially the curved look to the bottom trim. That made it look sportier to me. To each his own, I guess.
Well, I like the 2017 design more than 2018, on the other hand eventhough the current generation isn't perfect lookswise, but i still prefer them to the past generation!
You can now get Aauto and Acarplay added to this model year. Just picked up a 2018 CX 5 GT. Great vehicle. Much more fun to drive than my 18 Honda CRV EXL.
I was down between deciding on the CX-5 GT AWD, tow package and Escape Titanium 2.0L AWD tow package and the Escape won, cause of watching various review of both brands, the Mazda won my heart on design it is best looking in the segment and it gear shifter, But the Escape is very much as fun to drive and agile like the CX-5, but a the power and towing capacity made the,Escape the clear winner. But fuel economy could be much better in the Escape I am averaging only 18 combo. Long trips I get 25 mpg, All with traction control disabled Worse than EPA, figures But it is still in the break in stage so after 10k I expect those #'s to improve,, slightly
Great review (all of yours are great); however, you did a disservice to the Acura at the beginning of the review. Yes, it's a Honda - a Honda with a standard 3.5l V6. Love that CX-5, though.
Hi Chris ! This Mazda overall is striking in appearance. Especially in one of the best shades of red on the market. ( IMO ). However, I agree with you on your preference of the last generation C-X5. I prefer it as well. I think the overall design of the new one works but on a smaller scale like the C-X3. I will say this about Mazda's, their not boring! Great review as always.
I hate when people say the Acura RDX is just a Honda. Of course it is. The Lexus is a Toyota, the Infiniti is a Nissan, the Audi is a Volkswagon and so on. The Acura RDX is an awesome car. I've been driving the RDXs since 2015 and absolutely love them. I love the look of the CX-5 but that engine with only 187hp is pretty weak IMHO.
I'll take the base Sport model with front wheel drive and cloth interior. White leather is a nightmare. Too bad the Sport model doesn't come with Sirius radio. Can it be installed and how much does that cost ? By the way, I agree with Chris, the styling of the 2016 model was just about perfect. This one is still one of the best looking small SUV's. Thanks.
Interior space has me leaning much more toward the CR-V. I feel like the Mazda feels very cramped and I'm not a tall person 5'9. Drove both and really enjoy the Mazda but the Honda just seems better for the things I want in an suv right now. Seems the Honda is able to return better mpg as well. As much as I like my Mazda 3 it is just too small and the CX-5 feels the same. Can't justify it based on my current needs. Just thought I'd offer my opinion in case anyone was on the fence. Honda CR-V Touring model is more then likely my next vehicle this time around.
It has been confirmed by Mazda Canada Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto are coming to Canada in September 2018. 2018 models can be retrofitted via software change. I am sure that will be the same for the US.
They made the refreshed verrsion jeaavier and as a result so much slower. The 2.5L now feels anemic. No zoom zoom here. Add to that the numb steering and soft ride, it's no longer a fun drive. Chris absolutely nailed this review. Agree a about the looks and horrid wheels of the Chevy Malibu
Agree about numbness on center. I was surprised by it a well, considering Mazda reputation, but it was evident compared to SEAT Ateca, with has a far more engaging and immediate steering. This is a good review overall, but it completely omits ( as most car reviews) the reliability factor. I test drove this Mazda as well as Ateca and the SEAT was superior in most departments, bar one albeit very important one: with its VW TSI engine and DSG gearbox it is less reliable than Mazda in the long run. That makes it such a difficult choice. Mazda has a great reliable naturally aspirated engine, but it is also worth mentioning that the engine and exhaust manifold take a lot of space, resulting in a poor package: Ateca is significantly shorter, yet its' cabin feels more spacious, it has much more rear seat space with the same size boot. (SEAT Ateca is a VW group SUV that is sold in Europe and South America)
Chris, Nice review.... two things though: - What about the sound level? - What looks absolutely awful - and I repeated, awful - is that the center console is huge resulting in : it doesn't look at all that you can move your right knee / leg to the right, which I always do when putting the car on cruise control on a longer drive. You look really boxed in leg wise. This is tremendously annoying, at least for me. Who's ft size is 13 also.
Struggling with deciding on the CX-5 vs the Tiguan. I prefer the exterior styling and the 2 tone leather on the CX-5 but I personally hate those tablet style consoles protruding from the dash. The Tiguan has led accents, pano moonroof, more cargo, customizable drive modes, and unlike him I actually prefer the digital guages. I'm just not sure it's worth the 4-5k extra on the pricetag
Mazda promised since 2015 they will come out aa and carplay but nothing. Recently it came out but it requires extra hardware which means we have to pay for it. Forget it.
Weak engine and no passing power, I drove this thing. It has a nice ride if you don't live in a hilly area. This car is terrible with hills. They should offer turbo.
110% WRONG! I have this same vehicle in white and drive up and over the California Grapevine every weekend with my 2 kids and husband. 4000+ feet elevation without any problems at all and passing power is more than adequate. So no...it's not "terrible with hills"...LOL
Can’t say I agree with the “no passing power” and being “terrible on hills”, but I definitely agree that this model should come with the option for a turbo or a bigger engine. As much fun as I have in this vehicle, it does feel sluggish sometimes
asking for my daughter, she likes it, Im worried this doesn't have enough power. Anyone own one that can give an opinion on day to day real world driving?
ron davis got mine two weeks ago and absolutely love it. The ride is very comfortable and peaceful with the quiet cabin. Power is fine for daily driving and I have no problems passing on the freeway. It’s a mid market SUV, if you want to drive super aggressively get a sports car.
C J great because I’m getting delivered cx-5 on 21st of November and I’m tired of renting Mitsubishi from enterprise with car play that’s $148 every 4 days been that for nearly 3 weeks now
Volkswagen "premium"? Kia "premium"? Mazda "premium"? Any automaker who offers a car that starts under $20k can not compete with truly "premium" entry level luxury brands such as Acura or Buick.
"Premium" mean less and less these days, as budget cars get better materials and same options. I drove this Mazda and the interior looked more "premium" than some Mercs, Lexus and BMWs.
Yes, I agree that the interior quality on cheaper cars has become more upmarket and "premium." However, I highly doubt that people in the market for a Buick Enclave or say a BMW X5 will be cross-shopping with a $30,000 compact SUV made by Mazda.
@@ethanhess246 People buying a Mercedes GLE or BMW X5 probably won't be cross shopping it with a much cheaper Mazda, but quality is certainly not their only reason not to. Features, engine, brand image, and design may all influence a buyers decision.
@hvcshow Yet Buick is still considered an entry level luxury brand... Look at Lincoln. Their average owner's age is older than Buick's. It is common for luxury cars to have older owners because the people who buy luxury cars have more money than a 19 year old kid working at Subway who just bought a $20k Mazda3. A brand having an older buyer age further emphasizes the point that Buick is an entry level luxury brand because older people typically have more money than younger people who would buy your main stream Toyota, Honda, etc.
@@ethanhess246 I AM AN OLDER person.....and I don't think half of these cars are worth what they want for them. I do not believe the hype (EVEN if I DO have the money to pay for it). It's all geared towards the the younger buyers who think they're getting a GREAT DEAL because they have "Leather Interior" LOL LOL LOL LOL. BS I say. Just sell me a Quiet, Comfortable, Economic car with the HP to get out the way or Go Around (pass) the other car!! It's a CAR not my living room .
My brand new Mazda 2018 CX-5 lasted all of 4 months. With only 5,700 miles, the engine needs to be replaced. Yeah, I brought a true lemon. What's worst is the dealership is of no help. I have requested for Mazda to buy back their crap car. Wow, don't believe the hype, the Mazda CX-5 is not well made. It has been in the shop twice already and now needs an engine so I can't even drive my own car. Please look around for something more reliable. My previous vehicle, a 2005 Mazda Tribute which was purchased used in 2007 and lasted 13 years and never had any engine problems. It was probably because Ford designed the truck.
