Took my DD Mazda 3 in for it's 24k service and it needs a replacement caliper. Due to the part being on backorder the dealer put me into a rental. Thankfully that rental is a 16 CX-5 and as a result I have the opportunity to compare it to my typical daily a '17 Mazda3 as well as our '17 CX-5.
My driveway has looked like this for the past week, and likely will continue to look like for for likely another week or two.
I have 1,000 kms on the '16 already. Not sure the exact trim level but I think it is GX w/convenience (Canada).
So far the differences between the two models aren't earth shattering for me (as someone who likes feeling the road and a stiffer ride) but they are a bigger deal for my wife. The '17 is noticeably quieter, that said I think the '16 is still quieter than my 3, though that still isn't an issue for me.
- The 16 rides like a higher, heavier 3. It's very playful and tossable in the twisties - My Mazda3 still comes out on top in this regard but the CX-5 is impressive for what it is.
- The 17 has been softened a bit. A little lighter steering and more compliant ride. A more pleasant daily drive for sure and still willing to play in the turns but not as sharp and jarring.
Power level obviously feels the same, but the improved responsiveness in the '17 is evident to me. The 17 works nearly instantly after a throttle input, where the 16 (and my 3) seem to have to wait for a fraction of a second to be sure of what's going on. Again not an earth shattering difference, but I do prefer the new one in this regard.
- The infotainment is the exact same. Base (non-bose) stereo in our touring sounds slightly better in the mid-high range but I feel like the 16 has a bit more punch in the lower end.
- Headlight output is definitely different. The halogen projectors in the 16 just aren't in the same league as the LED on either our '17 or my 3.
- Power lift gate on the '17 doesn't matter much to me, but it's a game changer for my wife.
- I do find the seats on the '17 more comfortable. Maybe it's because I haven't been in the 16 long enough to find my "sweet spot". I'm comfortable enough in the 16, just more comfortable in the 17 and my 3. This could be related to there not being a lumbar adjustment in the 16 I have.
- Nothing inherently wrong with the '16's steering wheel. I just prefer the thicker grip of the '17 and my 3. Though I do like how the thumb grip transition at 9 and 3 on the 16 wheel is a bit smoother.
- It's such a trivial thing that has been advertised, but it's amazing how nice the grip on the new door handles are. That revised shape really is a wonderful improvement that you don't appreciate until you feel them back to back. Does it really matter? No, but its a tangible indication of the attention to detail that Mazda's put into the new model.
That's it for now with my major impressions.
If you've got any more specific questions I'll do my best to answer. Sucks that my car is stuck in the shop but it's been pretty neat to compare new vs old in the longer term.
My driveway has looked like this for the past week, and likely will continue to look like for for likely another week or two.
I have 1,000 kms on the '16 already. Not sure the exact trim level but I think it is GX w/convenience (Canada).
So far the differences between the two models aren't earth shattering for me (as someone who likes feeling the road and a stiffer ride) but they are a bigger deal for my wife. The '17 is noticeably quieter, that said I think the '16 is still quieter than my 3, though that still isn't an issue for me.
- The 16 rides like a higher, heavier 3. It's very playful and tossable in the twisties - My Mazda3 still comes out on top in this regard but the CX-5 is impressive for what it is.
- The 17 has been softened a bit. A little lighter steering and more compliant ride. A more pleasant daily drive for sure and still willing to play in the turns but not as sharp and jarring.
Power level obviously feels the same, but the improved responsiveness in the '17 is evident to me. The 17 works nearly instantly after a throttle input, where the 16 (and my 3) seem to have to wait for a fraction of a second to be sure of what's going on. Again not an earth shattering difference, but I do prefer the new one in this regard.
- The infotainment is the exact same. Base (non-bose) stereo in our touring sounds slightly better in the mid-high range but I feel like the 16 has a bit more punch in the lower end.
- Headlight output is definitely different. The halogen projectors in the 16 just aren't in the same league as the LED on either our '17 or my 3.
- Power lift gate on the '17 doesn't matter much to me, but it's a game changer for my wife.
- I do find the seats on the '17 more comfortable. Maybe it's because I haven't been in the 16 long enough to find my "sweet spot". I'm comfortable enough in the 16, just more comfortable in the 17 and my 3. This could be related to there not being a lumbar adjustment in the 16 I have.
- Nothing inherently wrong with the '16's steering wheel. I just prefer the thicker grip of the '17 and my 3. Though I do like how the thumb grip transition at 9 and 3 on the 16 wheel is a bit smoother.
- It's such a trivial thing that has been advertised, but it's amazing how nice the grip on the new door handles are. That revised shape really is a wonderful improvement that you don't appreciate until you feel them back to back. Does it really matter? No, but its a tangible indication of the attention to detail that Mazda's put into the new model.
That's it for now with my major impressions.
If you've got any more specific questions I'll do my best to answer. Sucks that my car is stuck in the shop but it's been pretty neat to compare new vs old in the longer term.
Other than that, love the new cx-5. Interesting note about the door handle, I noticed it felt beefier or something compared to my 2014 mazda 3. I didn't think much of it until this was brought up haha Nice comparison OP 
