2019 Mazda CX-5 debuts with turbocharged engine
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
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From: Canada
EDIT: I test drove a CX-9, Pilot, Grand Cherokee, 4runner, Santa Fe and Sorento when I was shopping. CX-9 outperformed all of them in the areas I was most interested in (ride quality, interior/exterior quality and design, and to a lesser extent, mileage), and that's why I bought it. Easy decision for me. Seems that a lot of CR-V owners are switching over to the CX-5 as well.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,497
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From: Illinois
While certainly not the final word U.S. News has the CX-5 ranked tied for #2 in the segment using info from eight different sources. It's safe to say it is one of the better CUV's in the segment. Whether it's the best or second or third best isn't really relevant. Overall, the consensus is that it's a good compact CUV. Sales, IMO is another discussion.
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...s/compact-suvs
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...s/compact-suvs
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
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From: ON/NY
While certainly not the final word U.S. News has the CX-5 ranked tied for #2 in the segment using info from eight different sources. It's safe to say it is one of the better CUV's in the segment. Whether it's the best or second or third best isn't really relevant. Overall, the consensus is that it's a good compact CUV. Sales, IMO is another discussion.
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...s/compact-suvs
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...s/compact-suvs
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,497
Likes: 251
From: Illinois
[QUOTE=LexsCTJill;10363251]
Better at what? Car & Driver says it’s not the “best” at anything in its verdict.
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
Read on in the same link. PS, C&D was one of the sources used in the US News ranking.
"the CX-5 isn't the best at anything. But it is the best looking and best driving compact crossover. That makes it a winner in our book and earned it a spot on our 10 Best Trucks and SUV's list."
Better at what? Car & Driver says it’s not the “best” at anything in its verdict.
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
Read on in the same link. PS, C&D was one of the sources used in the US News ranking.
"the CX-5 isn't the best at anything. But it is the best looking and best driving compact crossover. That makes it a winner in our book and earned it a spot on our 10 Best Trucks and SUV's list."
Last edited by LexBob2; Nov 19, 2018 at 11:29 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,213
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no, they like overall package.
Anyway, when it comes to Mazda, they did manage to find their niche in Europe, and they are doing better than Honda there (or Subaru of course). But in largest markets such as USA and China, they are not cracking it right now.
Personally I would always buy CX-5 over Rav or 6 over Camry for myself... however obviously your average customer would not, and also if I was buying for wife or daughter, I would always go Toyota over Mazda.
Anyway, when it comes to Mazda, they did manage to find their niche in Europe, and they are doing better than Honda there (or Subaru of course). But in largest markets such as USA and China, they are not cracking it right now.
Personally I would always buy CX-5 over Rav or 6 over Camry for myself... however obviously your average customer would not, and also if I was buying for wife or daughter, I would always go Toyota over Mazda.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 807
Likes: 36
From: Ca
How can anyone say these aren't selling? Mazda has sold nearly 126K of the CX-5 YTD. These ARE selling! And for good reason. Before these price increases go into effect, the 2017-2018 was one of the better deals out there for this segment. Sure they're not selling at Toyota/Honda/Nissan levels, but I don't think Mazda intends that. With their limited dealer network, they are selling just fine.
I will echo many others on here - if I were looking in this segment, the CX-5 would 100% be number one on the list. I would even choose the CX-5 over the Leuxs NX and other higher end small SUVs.
I will echo many others on here - if I were looking in this segment, the CX-5 would 100% be number one on the list. I would even choose the CX-5 over the Leuxs NX and other higher end small SUVs.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,096
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From: Maryland
You brought up enthusiast, best in class, as well as what most people want which is mediocre. You ended up leasing an end of generation model that is definitely not best in class. Then you got a Pacifica which is competitive. You imply you want the best in class model. Mazda is definitely not best in class.
I have bought many vehicles in my life that fit me and my wants well, but were not objectively the best car in their class. My point about the CX-5 is that in my opinion having driven everything in that segment, thats the best vehicle in the segment.
I would say for sure my Pacifica is NOT the best minivan in its class. The Odyssey is. Why did I buy the Pacifica? It was a lot cheaper.
To use your excuse, I am not in the market for a turbo-charged vehicle.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
For a while, Toyota was actually selling a rebadged Mazda product....the Mazda2, rebadged as the Scion iA in the U.S. and the Yaris iA in Canada.
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Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: RightHere
How can anyone say these aren't selling? Mazda has sold nearly 126K of the CX-5 YTD. These ARE selling! And for good reason. Before these price increases go into effect, the 2017-2018 was one of the better deals out there for this segment. Sure they're not selling at Toyota/Honda/Nissan levels, but I don't think Mazda intends that. With their limited dealer network, they are selling just fine.
I will echo many others on here - if I were looking in this segment, the CX-5 would 100% be number one on the list. I would even choose the CX-5 over the Leuxs NX and other higher end small SUVs.
I will echo many others on here - if I were looking in this segment, the CX-5 would 100% be number one on the list. I would even choose the CX-5 over the Leuxs NX and other higher end small SUVs.
The CX-5 interestingly enough has been reviewed as the quiet and even somewhat isolated crossover from a ride and NVH perspective. Yet it also is an engaging drive in terms of steering wheel feel and handling. That's a rare trait in the ocean of mass market vanilla. Now Mazda has added some extra oomph with the turbo motor. IMHO Mazda sells exactly the number of cars and CUVs it needs to sell. I saw that 127K number too and wondered, who says Mazda is starving for sales here?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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Likes: 3,870
From: Maryland
IMHO, Mazdas have become sort of a step between a mainstream car and a luxury car. I see a similar unusual refinement and solidity across their lineup compared to their competitors.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 807
Likes: 36
From: Ca
Thats my experience with it as well. It feels a lot more premium than the other entries in the segment, a lot more refined and "luxury car-ish". Material quality and all inside is a wide step above everybody else, etc. The one downside is the engine is anemic compared to say the new CR-V or an Escape or something like that...the turbo will solve that.
IMHO, Mazdas have become sort of a step between a mainstream car and a luxury car. I see a similar unusual refinement and solidity across their lineup compared to their competitors.
IMHO, Mazdas have become sort of a step between a mainstream car and a luxury car. I see a similar unusual refinement and solidity across their lineup compared to their competitors.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,096
Likes: 3,870
From: Maryland
Seriously?!?! I've driven 4 or 5 CX-5s, from this new generation and the previous generation and I think they ride great. Very soft and smooth and premium feeling.