The CX-5 may seem dated to many people since it's been essentially unchanged since 2017, but I love my 2024 Signature. It's simplicity, physical controls for everything, driving dynamics and a rock solid engine/transmission combination sold it for me. If and when it does get a complete redesign for 2025/2026, there will most likely be a new powertrain. I can see the used market for gas engine CX-5's, 2022+ going through the roof.
Well maybe the engine will carry over with a new 8-speed automatic, unless they're planning to switch to a RWD-biased AWD platform like the CX-70 & CX-90 that's smaller than the CX-70 & closer in size to the CX-60 from other markets
We own a 2017 CX-5 and can honestly say it’s the best aging car we’ve ever owned. It still feels so fresh and has been mechanically excellent. Only issues have been a cracked serpentine belt and a door hinge that needed tightening.
@@Sami.the.auto.advisor yeah it was interesting. He also mentions similar at 13:03 regarding offroading. I havent been in either but always presumed the 5 was a bit more polished over imperfections. I guess it comes down to preference but suggests they could be quite close.
But won’t Evie still drive it like in your previous segment? 😂 Probably it’s the Cx-50’s enormous claddings is the deal breaker why we ended up in cx-5
Yes seats are a bit hard, not sure why Mazda don’t improve that, very easy to improve on. Reason for the 2 heights in the cargo is to accomodate a full size spare. Lower level fits temporary spare, high height fits a full size spare or your cars flat wheel once it’s removed.
I love how cx5 look its so simple good looking suv never gets old unlike other over styled suv plus the driving experience love it especially on curvy winding roads so smooth and agile compare to other suv! Close to luxury brands!
Wow! Thanks for the touchscreen tip, Micah! I traded my Kia Seltos for a New CX-5 in October (& LOVE IT) but I missed using the touchscreen for maps and carplay. Your tip worked!!!🎉
If you don't mention that the CX-5 design is nearing 10 years old, a lot of people won't believe you. It still looks fresh after all those years. I'm sure that when Mazda decides to redesign the CX-5, they won't go far from the current design, which for me is a good thing because this CX-5 is already a beautiful design to start with.
Loved my carbon CX5 with the red guts. Everything I practically needed for my small family. Cursed with loving manuals, I had to get back into a Accord 2.0t 6speed. No regrets with the Mazda, though.
One of the reasons I went with the Cx-50, was my elbows could rest on both the left and right arm rests. I couldn't hold the CX-5 wheel and rest arms. Door too far away and the middle arm rest was behind me.
Solid little SUV despite the age. My family has had 3 of them (1 1st gen and 2 2nd gen) and all have been trouble-free. Was the most refined in the class when new and still plenty competitive, if a little small now.
As a previous owner. 3 things are critical first if you long drive the seats are very bad for your hips and back. You should drive before you buy. Second this car suspension also firm side so it has some shocked coming in Cabin easily that feel uncomfy. Third size wise back room and cargos are smaller than competitors. This is really good for sports driving vehicle not for family like comfy. This must buy witb 2.5 turbo and if you like sport driving one of the best.
Completely agree. And one of the main problems is that it has remained essentially the same for many years. It’s a simple, pleasing, and safe design, but essentially quite plain except for the front grill. Which at this point is also boring.
I think the replacement for it, the CX60, is the replacement for it. Sooo I think they won't be refreshing it anymore. However, I think they keep it around because it's a cash cow for them
Let's move this along:)! Your dialogue is almost more interesting than the vehicles you review and your reviews are always very informative and well done! Thank you...
I'm with Evie on this one, I much prefer the (Kodo) design of this CX-5 over the new CX50. I own a 2018 Mazda 6 Grand Touring and this CX-5 is very much in line with my Mazda 6's design, which I love.
In my opinion, yes, but can’t go wrong with either. I prefer the taller body design of the CX-5, which kind of looks Mercedes GLE-ish. And I found the CX-50 to be too wide. The independent suspension is a nice plus.
Micah 6 speed auto is bulletproof. People dont need 8,9 or 10 speed that will be always hunting gears and confused most of the time. Cx50 built quality sucks and its no way near the japan built cx5. Forgot which one but either the engine or transmission is made in mexico. We almost got the 50 but when we saw it and test drive it its more expensive and built quality and feel is no way near the cx5. We have now the ‘23 and 24 which we love so much. 50 is handsome tho! But i will always pick made in japan!!! If you guys are on a market for the cx5 much better review would be on CARE CARE NUT REVIEWS. Micah complains too much with tech and doesnt know anything technical specially with the engine. Car care nut will be best route!
I've been researching these and the CX-50. I keep seeing problems reported with the CX-50, I don't think it's a coincidence that it's also manufactured in Alabama.
There are always problems in new models. Very brave person to buy a new model vehicle. CX5 is well established with many tweaks over the years. I got a 2023 top spec turbo, it’s very very good.
Micah, Compared to the CX-50, the rear seat headroom is far more generous and the independent rear suspension is VASTLY superior. Does that make the CX-5 a better choice? 🤔
Having driven both, “vastly” seems like an exaggeration. It is nicer over moderate bumps but the rest of the time I couldn’t notice the different over many test drives.
I'm also CX-5 over CX-50 - I like the styling better (I don't want gentle aggro faux-overlanding in a Mazda), we still get the base cloth seat GX in Canada at about $4k cheaper, and as much as it's a small thing, it's a couple inches narrower, which is nice with a tight driveway. Really, except for the bit of extra space, there wasn't anything the CX-50 does better to justify spending more, and coming out of a Mazda2, the CX-5 is enormous enough.
Setting the cargo floor in the high position creates voids in the corners for better performance from the subwoofer (which is mounted inside the spare tire). It's also helpful when loading heavy items in and out because the floor is level with the liftgate threshold.
I'm on my 3rd CX5 (2021) Touring. It's my wife's primary car, but I really like driving it. Mazda's are fun to drive, sporty, feature rich, AND it has two major pluses: Bose sound system and a spare tire. We may be looking to get a new CX5 for me soon. I'll consider the Honda CRV (non-hybird) and compare it to the Mazda. Great review. BTW: we're empty nest Boomers.
I’ve always liked the CX5, but I liked the looks of the CX 50 a little bit better and also a panoramic sunroof plus the center console is longer than the CX five so I bought the CX 50. That Soul Red Crystal metallic paint is 🔥🔥
They failed to mention the most important point about the C-5. It's made in Japan. These cars will likely last even longer than Toyota Rav4s and Honda CR-Vs. Long term durability is a critical aspect of a vehicle. The CX-5 being an older model just makes it even more perfected than most in terms of working out the kinks.
The cx 50 is actually 185” in lenght, competing in size with the Outlander, Venza, and some 2 row mid size suvs. The cx 5 beats the 50 in height, tough.
It's kind of looking old, my neighbor has had two of them over the past ten years, and they never charge the exterior, engine or transmission (six-speed).
The refresh occurred in 2017, which included I think newer platform and the turbocharged engine. So if it was truly over the past 10 years, one would have been quite different in terms of the design, chassis and potentially engine.
SUVs are getting too blocky in their design, CX-5 is the only one with amazing curves. The height of the cargo space is also unmatched. We were able to move our entire apartment (in stages) and several couches with CX5.
44% and 57%?.. 🤔 I like the CX50 better...Roof Rails are standard. Auto makers are making less practical vehicles I think. For instance the new Impreza does not come with them either. Every hatchback wagon or SUV should have a rack.
After test driving both the 5 and 50 I also landed on the 50. Small differences in the ride comfort for my height and shape made it much more comfortable keeping than the 5. Only difference I felt was in moderate bumps with some turning. The 5 was a bit smoother there.
I don't think it will be a good idea to discontinue their best seller. The CX-60 (if it was available in North America) would have occupied the space where the CX-70 now sits, above this and below the CX-90.
I also like the CX-60 design but not available in the Americas. But I see no need to discontinue their best selling CX-5, that one is very reliable… They should keep both and get rid of the CX-70.
I had a 2020 CX-5 GT grand touring same color and inside color definitely did not like it when we had it in he soul red definitely was an amazing color when we had it
Just test drove the CX5 Carbon (non turbo), instrument cluster is odd. In Premium the instrument cluster gets upgraded to digital 7 inch. Wish the Carbon had the better instrument cluster or all digital like the newer models. That said, nice ride..Agree with you, arm rests annoying. Right one is behind you and left one, hard to rest left elbow on
They made the CX50 to replace the CX5, but the CX5 continues to outsell it by a large margin and they don't want to discontinue the CX5 because it's Mazda's best selling vehicle and they don't know if all their customers would switch to the CX50 or go to a different manufacturer. I'm guessing, but the CX3 was discontinued shortly after the CX30 was introduced. 🤷
Likes: the red color; no CVT. Dislikes: infotainment knob, gas mileage below average, not comfortable when I sat in one, expensive with the turbo, not many Mazda dealerships near me.
