We are considering getting a GS AWD with no packages.
There're differences between Canadian CX-5 GS and US CX-5 Touring. For 2018, US CX-5 Touring comes with more features than 2017, including 19" wheels and most i-ActivSense tech standard.
What we had questions on:
-Storage Space/Cargo room: To me, this is the biggest sticking point.
Most reviews have mentioned it, CX-5 has smaller cargo room and storage space. But coming from Toyota Matrix you shouldn't be worried too much about it.
Back seat room is a little smaller than others, and some have mentioned the front driver and passenger would have to move their seat a little forward to accommodate a rear-facing child seat right behind them. The other thing if you care is during the NHTSA safety test, rear passenger protection performed a little disappointed which caused 2017/2018 CX-5 NHTSA safety ratings stays at 4-star overall.
-Cylinder deactivation: It sounds very good in theory.
To me it sounds not good even in theory. Mazda added this feature without any prior notice to its 2018 SkyActiv-G 2.5L lineup. Nothing new on technology but it carries bad reputation for long-term reliability since 1980's when GM introduced it. Honda also uses the cylinder deactivation in its V6 but they settled a class action lawsuit for its 2010~2013 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management, which has been experiencing engine misfire, excessive oil burning and premature spark plug fouling issues.
Meanwhete, the EPA fuel economy ratings on 2018 CX-5 improved only 1 mpg for FWD, and 0 mpg for AWD overall!
-Infotainment system Part 1:
Not sure on 2018, but we haven't spilled anything on infotainment system controls for our 2016 CX-5. I only saw one report here so far for such incident.
-Infotainment system Part 2:
Slowness? No AA and ACP? These're something you've to live with it. But Mazda's Connect is good enough for me and many others.
Yeah CX-5 with current SA-G 2.5L is just a compact CUV for most families. Acceleration is still among the best in the same class. You can't compare it with your Toyota Matrix.
Mazda i-Activ AWD is an excellent system for winter driving but it comes with some fuel economy penalty.
In very cold winter such as in Canada many new 2nd-gen CX-5 owners had experienced severe vibration issues during startup and driving. Mazda claimed it's caused by new hydraulic engine mounts and the revised mounts should be on the way.
-Servicing/Costs of Maintenance:
This's true that the maintenance cost on Mazda CX-5 is a little higher with more expensive synthetic oil and relative shorter maintenance interval. But it shouldn't be a concern as long as the vehicle is reliable.
-Reliability: With the recent news of the airbag recall, our enthusiasm was a bit tempered. Consumer reports rated Mazda around 12th out of 27** (right around Nissan, which I'm not sure is great considering the garbage reputation I always hear about Nissan and their CVT transmission in particular). Do you think the rating is accurate? Have you had more or less problems with the car than what you were expecting?
Discard the airbag recall as it only affects a few CX-5's. As for reliability rating from Consumer Reports I believe it's legit as it's based on the experience of thousands of subscribers. When I purchased our 2016 CX-5 the reliability rating on Mazda from CR is #4 for 2 consecutive years and that's one of the reasons we bought it at the time. The drop on reliability rating would be my concern but this rating can change for 2018 and future MYs.
Most people would get excellent cargo cover. I personally would also get fog lights although they may not be useful for foggy condition.
Sorry for the long post, I just want to be thorough with the questions.
shadonoz in the previous post said the best, no car will be perfect for you in every way and we'll have to settle for some compromises. You definitely have done plenty of research, and still the final decision is on you.
PS: Antoine approved this.
(uhm)
