So has there been anybody here yet who had an AWD and went back to FWD only?
Yep, I absolutely did go from AWD to RWD and FWD vehicles.
I have owned AWD's and would never buy one again unless it was designed for true off-roading with 30"+ tires. Even then I would likely just find an old FJ Toyota or Jeep and mod the heck out of it for fun off-road as most new vehicles are just not built tough enough.
I laughed pretty hard when watching that ridiculous video of the CX-5 on the ORV trail. Take one look underneath at the miserable gauge of steel holding your rear suspension together on the unibody CX-5 and you'll think twice before you try that crap in your own car.
As for normal daily driving on paved roads, RWD and FWD are just fine if you invest in proper tires for the seasons in your area and learn how to drive your vehicle according to its capabilities. Ask a first-responder what's more important: stopping or starting? Stopping baby, stopping!
AWD actually makes stopping your CX-5 marginally harder vs an identical FWD vehicle because of the added 130 lbs of weight you can never lose. Did I mention the parasitic drag on the drivetrain robbing your HP? Check out the power curves on AWD vs FWD in the CX-5 and tell me which one you like better. Physics is a b****.
BTW, I really can't believe people in this thread are bringing up the extreme edge cases of pulling out in front of people (and speeding away) and trying to escape being rear-ended at stop lights. (uhm)
Consider the penalties in initial cost, MPG, reliability (overheating and exploding light-duty transfer cases anyone?) and buying a FWD Mazda is a no-brainer. I invest the saved dollars in better tires and blow right past all models of AWD's in the wet and snow all the time in both my CX-9 and CX-5. Give me a skilled driver with good tires over AWD anytime.
Having said all that, there's no doubt that AWD is a positive feature ahead of dopey things like BSM and backup cameras, and may even be required for some conditions, but don't kid yourself that it's required for most or even many driving situations.
As always, YMMV and spend your money as you see fit.