2017 Mazda CX-5 | CarGurus Test Drive Review

[@michaelcawley2519]

Just bought my CX-5 Touring with the premium package. We love it.

[@jariol]

I looked at the CRV, Rogue and RAV to replace a 2015 company car which was a Escape. I also tested models from KIA (Sorento) and Hyundai (Tuscon). In the end I choose the CX-5 . Mainly personal reasons but here is why. My number 2 choice was the Rogue. The Rogue was spacious and had some neet rear cargo features. It also rode nice if maybe a little soft. I was not a fan of the CVT trans. I literally went to buy a Rogue but I arrived in the middle of the day. In surf shorts and alone. The sales people never bumped (checked if I was a possible purchase) me once. So I figured they didn't want my business and left. To give them the benefit of the doubt. Surf shorts, middle of day and no wife. They probably thought unemployed or there for service. The CRV is probably the best small cross over. But things I couldn't get past on the CRV. Though modestly more power like 8hp with the top motor. That same motor is smaller than the one in my 2002 Mini Cooper S. Sure the turbo makes power but such a small motor pushing such a heavy car. I just thought longevity issues. Also again the CVT trans. and lastly Honda paint quality seems to have gone downhill in recent years. Every Honda seems to oxidize to easy. So many faded roofs on newer Hondas. In the end the CX-5 although not the perfect utilitarian. Has what I liked in exterior styling. The fit and finish both inside and out is exceptional (it's the only car in this bunch still made in Japan). The interior does look upscale and similar to Audi if somewhat devoid of many buttons. And the handling well let's say it handles like the Mini Cooper of the bunch.

[@ZCT808]

I agree. I didn't cross-shop the Rogue because of the CVT. I have previously shopped it, when looking for cars for the in-laws. But I hated the CVT. They didn't care and got one anyway. The CX5 is certainly fun, really been enjoying it, especially the stop-start radar cruise control if I have to use it in heavy traffic.

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Great video. The CX-5 has taken Mazda's game to the next level - and not only in the US

[@swanblake]

Mr. Mazda in what area? It actually doesn't have a single area of innovation

[@irenafacelli2882]

Blake - stop being a troll. G-Vectoring control, NVH (That's noise, vibration, and handling), as well as best in class gas mileage with a normally aspirated engine (NOT the dreaded rubber band horror show of the CVT engines other popular car makers use in this segment) . AND - a diesel engine coming in the fall.

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

I think that we can agree that the current CX-5 has outpaced rivals from Chevy, Ford, Subaru and others. That is what I was referring to

[@irenafacelli2882]

Agreed.

[@irenafacelli2882]

Looking forward to the diesel in the USA this fall as well on the new CX-5. :)

[@robertmasano4114]

I just bought the 2018 touring with the luxury package (Bose, electric hatch, sunroof) and I must say it’s amazing with fit and finish. It’s quiet and handles great and it’s enough space with a auto transmission which I love. Mazda did a really good job. Owning a bmw it’s just like a X3 that will last for years

[@jake-yg4ej]

I have owned Merced's ,BMW and infinity. Both Merced's and BMW were overpriced crap!. The infinity wasn't bad but that was just an expensive Nissan. I now own A 2017 Mazda CX5. Sooo far it has been the best of the 4 when it comes to ride quality And Fit and finish. It may not be the fastest of them all But when it comes Down to it It feels the sportiest. And for $ 15,000 less fully loaded with every option. So this time I dropped the badge and Chose smart and im glad I did.

[@ekazeg24]

This vehicle is pretty nice and I love it. Mazda has stepped up their game in recent years. I'm more of a Tahoe/Yukon/ Sierra/Silverado type of guy but I'd buy this.

[@MrNyc4Life]

Its 2024 and i just got 2017 cx 5 grand touring..i love it

[@Gweeper64]

Can't wait for the diesel! A diesel AWD Touring with sunroof and Bose might be the sweet spot.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

I don't understand how there can be both: little trunk room AND a cramped back seat? Curious on visibility in this car to the rear. The quarter panels look weighty. And I always wonder about the sound level. Quiet, not quiet or just acceptable? Overall good review. I like the comparison to BMW. It's hard to translate cu ft to what I would store. I like Chris Wardlaw's use of a suitcase and a stroller so that one can picture the space available. Perhaps you could copy him on this point?

[@colinsmith9032]

TruthHasSpoken The trunk isn't little, the rear seats aren't cramped. The visibility to the rear is merely ok but is very good overall. Mazda has done a lot to improve sound and find it quiet. Test drive it!

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Colin. I will go and sit in one, then consider a test drive. I just sat in an '18 Equinox and the rear quarter panel was enormous. It was horrific actually. I can't believe anyone would design such a vehicle.

[@pmatus]

In EU official data for trunk space: CX-5 (506 liters), RAV4 (501 liters), CR-V (589 liters) - VDA method.

[@hakeel33]

Totally hear ya, if you aren't picky this is hands down a perfect car.

[@JoseCastro-bs6iw]

Love it! This car is beautiful on the road. I was initially going to trade in my Mazda 3 for this but may opt for the cx 9 due to the larger engine and exquisite torque not offered on the 5.

[@LukeO-1234]

I'm deciding between this or Volkswagen tiguan

[@emc5807]

Luke Hoisington what did you decide

[@ianalexander2017]

Looks good

[@majedy4939]

what is the color of this car please ?

[@cargurus]

Hey Majed, the color is "Machine Gray Metallic", which is a $300 option.

[@majedy4939]

CarGurus Many thanks bro

[@neilr11]

Well done review, going to check one out

[@sergevivier2023]

How practical is that front bumper?

[@someguy2135]

My CX5 got great safety ratings.

[@BTC909]

Stretch the wheelbase & bring on the Diesel! According to AOA you should get the upgrade to AA & ACP. Even on previous model years.

[@swanblake]

Ivan Vojt nobody wants a diesel. I bet they bring the rotoray engine back before the diesel. Which means never

[@irenafacelli2882]

Grow up Blake - the diesel engine is indeed wanted in the States and will sel lwell here - just as it has done over the other countries in the world it has been offered. Stop being a troll from Honda with their horrific CVT engines and LOUD cabins. If that's what you prefer to drive, enjoy your time over there with the soccer moms.

[@swanblake]

Irena Facelli English. Do you speak it?

[@irenafacelli2882]

Stop trolling, Blake Swan. Nobody likes you. Idiot.

[@Islanderchillexpress]

I own 2018 gt. Paint chips if u look at it the wrong way😂😂😂😂

[@ohmy7554]

when will mazda convert to android/ apple carplay and stop messing around with these horrible looking infotainment systems that nobody really wants.

[@RdsevN]

I spoke to a salesman at a dealership today wondering this exact question, he said Mazda was working on getting smartphone compatibility in roughly 6 months. He also said it would be a free software upgrade when it became available.

[@farukyildizbas]

that is awesome if it is true what the salesman said

[@kermit1]

LOL BMW X3? The CRV has more cargo space, better fuel economy, more power, better residual, more leg room, likely better reliability, and CarPlay/Android. It's also riding on a brand new platform, new transmission and new engine. The CX-5 on the other hand still uses the same platform, transmission, and engine from 2013, is slower, heavier, and gets worse fuel economy than the 2016 CX-5. They should try catching up to the CRV before trying to compete with BMW.

[@conan900]

CR-V fans are so angry at these positive reviews. Mazda must be doing something right.

[@swanblake]

conan900 no Mazda is awful and there sales reflect it. This thing is sloooow

[@conan900]

Compelling argument. I'm convinced now.

[@scorpio5646]

My opinion with the review, the CX-5 is premium, sleek and sexy..qualities BMW has hence the comparison. You cannot say the same for the CR-V. It's such a chunky beast and quite frankly we all know it's a small a minivan. There's nothing premium or sexy about it. CR-V does a lot very well, it's a check all the boxes CUV but it's just bland and such a everyday mama's vehicle. The CX-5 does a lot well albeit not quite as well as the CR-V but I can wear a suit in this thing and feel my ride matches my attire.

[@scorpio5646]

their

[@swanblake]

They made it fatter, more numb, and slower. Yeah Mazda sucks. When the basic CRV can take you at the light its time to reevaluate your "luxury" offering Mazda. This needs the 2.5L turbo engine option. Also please just put a pioneer head unit in this thing with Apple car play. Your dated tech is embarrassing

[@douglaskelley484]

what is a better option. in your opinion? I've been researching this car for awhile, I'd like real feedback.

[@conan900]

Look at you, Blake. There is currently 15 comments (now 16 with mine) and 4 of them are yours getting all salty over Mazda. Good for you, man. When did Mazda get sand in your vag?

[@swanblake]

Douglas Kelley look at the Kia Sportage SX. My mother bought one and loves it. Great value and performance. Definitely drive the CX5 and see if it's worth the money. To me, the CRV, Sportage SX, and Forester 2.0XT are great.

[@jariol]

First we should all feel lucky we can purchase a new car. In my case paid for by someone else. When you bash other peoples choices on their car you sound insecure about your choice...IMHO. I bought a CX-5 but I know your CRV is a great car and probably the best choice for you. It's called being humble. Can you tell I probably didn't vote for Trump...lo

[@ZCT808]

Blake, I find your point a little stupid. Who exactly is shopping the small crossover market, looking to 'take someone at the lights?!?' Heck for $34K I could buy a V8 Mustang. Why the heck would I care about doing a quarter mile run? I picked up a CX5 myself as a secondary car, and I assure you, I have driven far more cars than most. I travel a lot for work, so I have rented just about any car you can think of under $65K. In fact each time I rent, I almost always look to choose a car I've never driven before just to experience what's out there. I probably rent 40+ cars a year. The Mazda does not 'suck' (are you like 12?). It actually feels very brisk around town, even merging. My last car was a 300hp BMW, and while this is clearly no BMW, I certainly don't feel like I just bought some slow piece of crap. Even if the Honda is faster on paper, in the real world, to reproduce that 0-60, you are going to have to scream that CVT and tiny whiney engine so hard it just sucks, and you're not going to want to keep doing it. I'll take the fractionally slower car, with the supremely quiet cabin any day. The small cross-over market isn't about street racing. As for the tech, I found the technology on the CX5 to be pretty awesome. The Bose speakers sound great, and they are adding Apple CarPlay as a software update by the end of the year. Although I have not felt like I am missing it yet, even though I really like it. Ultimately, I just think you're plain wrong, and if you spent some real time driving one, you'd know why you were wrong.

[@konradt.3879]

Looks cheap inside. People that badmouthing German manufactures can’t just afford them and go fo cheaper alternatives like Mazda