2017 Mazda CX-5 takes on the Gold Mine Hill Off-Road Review

( www.TFLcar.com )On this episode of the Fast Lane Car, Nathan puts the 2017 Mazda CX-5 through its paces on Gold Mine HIll.
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[@Bohdan466]

Turn off the traction control. I was in the same situation. And it helps a lot. The TCS only cuts the engine power in this case. But when you turn it off the system start using a brakes to slowdown the spinning wheel and it helps a lot.

[@raidonbay]

This video is one reason that I bought a 2018 Mazda CX-5 in 2023. Very happy.

[@timothyerick6925]

Yes, thank you for this review! I purchased a 2016 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD last September, and I love it. That model year has 8.5 inches of ground clearance, and a great all-wheel drive system. I never take it anywhere too extreme, but it acquits itself well in light-duty off-road situations.

[@decapitofamily3410]

This is on the short list for us, in part because of the great coverage TFL has provided - thanks guys!

[@skuzzyj]

That is, without question, the best red paint finish ever. It's such a subtle thing to put great paint on a "normal" car but it's that kind of attention to detail that makes the difference in overall design

[@1flutedude]

I agree and red is probably without my least favorite color on almost all cars--but it looks so damn good I might get my Mazda CX-5 in red 😏

[@madpistol]

God, this vehicle looks so good.

[@mikesmith5375]

FINALLY! Love the heated steering wheel, LED lights front and back---------SWEET!

[@UzumakiNaruto_]

I think it looks very nice..........except for the rear end which I think is a huge downgrade from the previous generation. This backend is just too bulbous and rounded and sticking out and to me it looks worse compared to the previous model where it was more flat, angular and sporty looking. That's about the only thing I don't like about the 2017 styling.

[@jmen8888]

looks great but I think I will buy an 18 Subaru Crosstrek when it comes out this summer. I do some off-roading, which I think the Subaru will do better, currently have a 16 Crosstrek.

[@ZCT808]

The Subaru may well be better for off-roading, but at more than 10 seconds 0-60, it's a bit of a dog for regular driving on road.

[@frankschmidt4148]

The Forester XT is was faster than that. It's around 6 seconds 0-60

[@MLife1972]

Great review and good presentation. Glad you spoke about the noise suppression compared to the previous model.

[@johnthycon]

Have to agree Mazda has stepped up their game.

[@ericpullen3717]

Lol the AWD system went from solid shit to liquid

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

@@ericpullen3717 🙄

[@TheLuftwolf]

Good job, Nathan. I like the Mazda lineup a lot. Glad to see them competitive with the more premier brands.

[@xturboexpress]

Just bought one of these a couple weeks ago. FWIW you can get Bose, heated seats, LED headlights, sunroof, pleather, power lift gate, and nav for around $27,5 in a FWD Touring + Preferred. $34k is ticking every box, but you don't really get much more for the money. (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated wipers, the HUD with sign recognition, etc.)

[@mr-uf8hb]

Just bought a 2017 CX-5 here in Japan over the Subaru! You can't beat the interior on the Mazda and the exterior design as stated in this review! Beautiful car.

[@danmurphy1994]

Great observation I have noticed the interior noise in older Mazdas. good to see they've improved on that issue.

[@bryanc3236]

finally someone does a off road test!

[@ghphoto1]

Citizen King! Dang that's an obscure 90s throwback! I saw them play at my High School. Didn't think anyone outside of southeast Wisconsin remembered them.

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Great video and some interesting feedback on those Toyo tires. Have always liked that brand

[@Tully3674]

MotoMan recently put out a video that compliments this review regarding Mazda's use of added sound insulation.

[@joro353]

Absolutely stunning vehicle. Gorgeous through and through.

[@MasterJP28]

Mazda bring back the CX-7! Give an option for the 2.5L Turbo that's in the CX-9. Design is on point!

[@TheAdventureAuto]

The new manufacturing plant in Alabama that they share with Toyota is the home of a new Mazda SUV. It hasn't been revealed yet, but I have a feeling they will be making an SUV similar to the CX-7

[@Flyingbikes748]

This is my exact car! I love it so far, interior quality rivals that of my previous 2015 VW GTI.

[@jimsullivan9710]

I agree with request below, crv on goldmine. Thinking of buying one so want to see

[@dominicorlando3198]

I know it's silly but try turning the wipers on when you get stuck - it will switch it into "slick/wet" mode

[@gregchuchelo7248]

looks wise, this vehicle beats the shit out of anything else in its segment. gorgeous design.

[@danielallocca7770]

greg chuchelo yeah, hard to argue that. I've been looking for a train car and this might be it...

[@gregchuchelo7248]

While I still stand by that statement, I recently test drove the 2016 Hyundai Tuscon (2.0L) and was pleasantly surprised by its ride quality and comfort inside the cabin. Definitely a contender to consider if you're in the market. I can only imagine how much better, and at the same time fuel efficient, the 1.6 turbo trim feels.

[@DanielTojcic]

Would be nice to see further testing of the awd system. Considering it, but want to see how capable it is because it's got great fuel economy, comfort, and class

[@DarkDragon9275]

I believe you have to turn the TCS off in the Mazda to get the full effect of its' AWD system and the G-Vectoring. I could be wrong, but it seems to work a lot better for me out of Traction Control in bad road conditions and off-road settings.

[@JohnnyDaGreat1]

I love the infotainment system and the knob has shown me I will never own a vehicle that doesn't have one. Love the Mazda more than any other car

[@jtelk4708]

I have the 2016.5 model with AWD. The AWD is very good in the snow considering there is no locking feature. I’ve had Rav4s and CRV’s. I’d take the AWD in the CX5 any day of the week

[@jpch8814]

Rav4,CRV, and CX5 have shitty AWD, they fail at many tests and are unsafe, if you drove in 5-8 cm of snow it is really unimpressive.

[@MidNightRyder1000]

Mazda has really stepped their game up over the past few years imo. Before he stated the price, I was guessing around 39 - 42k. But FULLY loaded for 34k (and if youre a good negotiator probably lower), pretty good bang for the buck. Way to go Mazda

[@MIATA0319]

Nathan also the all the windows are double panel.super nice and quiet now

[@JamesKirk1988]

The CX-5 is a fantastic vehicle. My wife drive a 2014 GT with FWD. We've also experienced the new one, which is also fantastic. However, this is, obviously, not a true off road vehicle. As much as I love Mazdas in general, they have never had great AWD systems. Sure, they work fine for light off roading and bad weather, but don't expect much in true off roading. However, some off road tires would probably have turned the tide for this test.

[@JacobTJ1]

I would love to see a comparison of the the 2WD version of the CX-5 to the CRV 1.5 Turbo 2WD, focusing which one is more enjoyable to drive as a daily driver. (which one is a drivers car)

[@ProdigyMan88]

Great video, TFLC. Did you do 0-60 test? What did you get?

[@Bobbybeb]

I really like Toyo tires. They are probably my new favorite brand of tire.

[@sizzleeeee]

Great video!

[@WQQKIE]

Wow, go Mazda, that car looks amazing, inside and out.

[@scottlarson2865]

I love how one wheel starts spinning and you're suddenly dead in the water.

[@intrepidmilotic5999]

this is no Subaru or Volkswagen lol

[@Montana270]

@@intrepidmilotic5999 I'm not sure he turned off traction control.. may have made a difference

[@alexgarcia3900]

That thing look like a luxury vehicle inside and out. Mazda is seriously making some luxurious looking vehicles. Beautiful car!!!!!

[@billm47645]

Funny because I once got almost stuck in my Wife's 2016 AWD Mazda CX-5 in a parking lot when the right side of the vehicle was in about a foot to 18" of snow but the left side was on hard packed snow. The right kept spinning away. I couldn't believe it at the time. Now I know why. Mazda needs to work on this.

[@TH-qr9ml]

William Monto I think you need to read the owners manual. When you’re in that situation it may help to take the traction control off..

[@a.sanford8731]

I get it that CRV and RAV4 are obvious competitors in the segment, but isn't the Forester? Not to mention it's superior AWD system with X-Mode. It would probably make short work of Golfmine Hill.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Yes, it competes directly with the Forester. We have yet to test one and we usually mention vehicles we have experience with.

[@jeanmathieulegall4862]

hi gent, first i would like to thank you for the great job you do in testing all these vehicules, i'm at the point to choose a new SUV and my target is simple as a lonesome french hunter :); be able to first do 200 miles of highway to reach the place and then be able to do "some" reasonnable snow, mud, up hill sections in the forest... no need to climb hard rocks and in that perspective i found your test very valuable... i will most probably go for this CX5, i would be curious to see how much progress Toyota did with the new RAV4 2019 adventure ? (i hve today a RAV4 hybrid awd and it s performing very poorly to put torque to the rear axle)

[@shreyasganta8843]

I love the dials. I just turn then to feel the clicks.

[@e.simons6964]

Hi Nathen! question...How's the drivers footwell? My shoes are size 12 so I have concerns about this issue. Any thoughts on this?

[@HoboJoeGarage]

Good thing you didn't try the last part of Gold Mine Hill. The bumpers are on intergalactic back-order.

[@InfoSecTangSoo]

Watching this in 2022, laughing at “$34k” is a little expensive. Wonder if there are lift kits available for the CX5 now…

[@Sea_Barb]

Why does the engine cover have cupholders in it

[@ericpullen3717]

No buddy the question is why does pos have an AWD badge on it

[@leonardboruchowitz3316]

Party time

[@mrsociable1288]

Chris Barb keep your beer

[@dthompsont3796]

Right is the oil fill cap, left is the dipstick.

[@Dm-dw3tr]

because when the damn thing breaks down you're gonna need a beer close by as your fixing the $30,000 POS. Then you'll be wishing you bought a $10,000 POS instead.

[@joshc606]

Like seeing more of the CUVs doing this test.

[@beartrax79]

Nathan, will you be doing a 0-60 test at altitude, as you did with the previous CX-5?

[@KellicTiger]

I picked up the GT in red the day it came out last month. Absolutely NO regrets other then my first payment is in a week. =D

[@Xmvw2X]

I'm surprised by the awd system. I know Mazda's done some press stuff where they fully lifted tires, and the system seemed to flawlessly stop the spinning tire and get the car going. I've seen this all the way down to the CX-3. Kind of odd, but then again, most auto makers don't really allow a lot of power transfer. Even if the system can do it, manufacturers are limiting functionality either due to heat build up or limited durability.

[@mambacurial]

The first obstacle is perfect example of what this SUV is capable of. It will do great on pavement and do well enough to get you to the mountain resort or camping site.

[@Nestle245]

They really stepped up the interior from the last model.

[@alex1234770]

Please do a Honda crv gold mine challenge. The new version has a new awd system that should be tested to the limit

[@phatrix111]

go check out crv diagonal test, it failed it pretty bad

[@darionross4286]

alex1234770 honda 😂 that AWD is a joke

[@letsgonow5641]

but but its a ugly crv come on now,.go home..

[@JusticeGamingChannel]

no it didn't

[@insidertrading1]

With the remarkable look and feel at that price point, they had to cut costs somewhere now we know it's with the very basic AWD system. It doesn't even look like it was transferring power to the rear wheels

[@TH-qr9ml]

Däne Fjordlùnd this is because he had the traction control on. And the oem tires which are not an A/T tire.

[@dry509]

Please advise how this compares with the Subaru Forester awd system? Does the Forester have the best off road worth awd system?

[@chrisbrownaz]

I thought the CX-5 had 8.5 inches of ground clearance. Did they lower it for the 2017 redesign?

[@Peizxcv]

That's a beautiful car inside and out

[@mrcloudspanda]

Why no mention of the Subaru models when comparing. You say that it's competitors are the CR-V and the Rav 4 but not the Forester?

[@Steven-gv1ke]

Now you should test the CX-9. I have read it has over a inch more ground clearance than the CX-5. You could then attempt the last obstacle.

[@DarylChangs]

How does the 2017 Honda CR-V all wheel drive compare to the one in the CX-5?

[@Spreehox]

I love mazda, they've great design but i have one problem that is especially prevalent in the mazda 6. There is so much empty space under the hood, it can be hard to judge where the front is.

[@OverlandTT]

What's super interesting is that engine has two cup holders 😂 Nice review Nathan! 👍🏼

[@dchawk81]

iVlog For the mechanic's beer.

[@ZCT808]

Those are not cup holders iVlog. Those are egg poachers.

[@rufusmainwaring3513]

Please do a review on the 2017 highlander

[@RaulDoamnelor]

Yeah... up in class, up in style, up in overall execution !

[@kevin12697]

Can nathan take the regular jeep compass and cherokee on gold mine hill, the ones without the trailhawk packages

[@Moonface00z]

Are those stock tires? I really doubt the fender flares will last long on offroad though. But I really need a new suv that can do the things in the video

[@10usausa]

hello nathan, i have a weird question? what is the make and model of your watch :)

[@PCConditioning]

I live in New England and was wondering would you advise putting winter tires on it during the winter months?

[@normileguy6788]

Paul Connolly winter tires are always the right move to make if you live in an area that gets a lot of harsh winter weather which you guys definitely get in New England. Is it needed, no. Is it helpful and smart, yes. With that being said, I live in New Jersey where we get defined seasons and some pretty bad winters and I've never had winter tires on my 2012 Mazda3. Hope this helped

[@ronnierazon1742]

Ya should try the Subaru forester and outback 2017 2018. ...amazing vehicle. ..the best awd system in the market

[@phatrix111]

i thought the mazda awd system shifts power to the rear when u turn the steering wheel, like how they demonstrated on their videos, but based on ur test its a complete failure, barely any power was sent to the rear

[@mayankdhulekar]

Please make a Review video on 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander GT.

[@dc-yq2mt]

Wearing short sleeves while snowing! Hardcore !

[@tonyvega7268]

Good video. Pelon

[@eyesoreracing]

It's a little counerintuitive, but if you turn traction control OFF in a 2017 CX-5, it will activate an off-road only traction control algorithm made for that diagonal twist, so it would have driven through that section without drama. This is a new feature as of this year...

[@mlcrazi]

Dave Coleman do you have a source for this? I just picked my cx5 up and I'm interested.

[@Biggiiful]

I would also like a source for this. I want it to be true as I'm really interested in a CX-5, but if the AWD in this video is accurate then that makes me much less excited for one.

[@VincentPanzarino1]

found this: insidemazda.mazdausa.com/the-mazda-way/technology/whats-the-diff-2017-mazda-cx-5-unlocks-secret-off-road-mode/

[@alexsiul1142]

Rematch!

[@saibea5t523]

wonder if it's turned on? the possibilities..

[@benn1181]

I like this vehicle. We have a Grand Cherokee, I really like it but it was expensive.

[@danielallocca7770]

This car's design punches above its weight. This could easily win a beauty contest against most suvs in the luxury segment. Here's looking at you Lexus, Acura RDX, Mercedes CLA, Etc.

[@ohitsstar1241]

Let's give Mazda a thumbs up for improving their cars overall. Now I will consider a CX-5, however, I wish they would add a 360 degree view and a turbo engine.

[@1FiftyOverland]

I hate screens that stick up out of the dash. Looks clunky, and makes it seem like an after thought!

[@Dongzzzzzz]

Southern Nevada offroading and back country that's your opinion. It gives the dashboard a simple design

[@dbswotjrwkd]

Would Hyundai lend you a Tucson for you to take to gold mine hill? I want to watch that video! Hopefully it's coming up soon.

[@yorkchris10]

I like the composite review. Maybe you could throw in a mall scenario :]

[@polaris911]

when will they fix the road noise on the Mazda 3 ??

[@bradlauber9097]

What about the 2016 Mazda cx5, it had 8.6 ground clearance? One inch more clearance

[@thedarkknight4243]

do the same review with the 2017 Honda CRV

[@dknight211]

A very good looking car! Now if only it had a hybrid system, it could compete against the RAV4 Hybrid.

[@banana_but_pronounced_bananya]

Mazda needs to work on transferring the torque from side to side. Meanwhile you could probably get away with left-foot braking to deal with that right?

[@pwrshots793]

saw it in person and my wife went with the 2016.5 soul red. older model looks sportier. sculptured door and black side panels. this looks too much like the CX-9.that hump behind the steering wheel on the dash is a real turnoff. i understand it's for the heads up display . great cars none the less. our third mazda. ;)

[@russellmusictv4403]

You don't don't even notice the hump if you're not a 5 foot midget using a phone book to sit on.

[@sportsMike87]

you get use to the commander wheel after a week

[@notrappaport5340]

You should take a Crosstrek up Gold Mine Hill.

[@wayneclark4925]

What about the Subaru Forester? Looks are subjective, here in the Northeast Forester's all wheel drive system beats all the others you mentioned and I have owned a RAV 4 and tried out an HRV.

[@TomZ23]

Believe it or not, turning off the traction control may have helped you. It changes the programing of the system.

[@laxprodigy1]

damn mazda this car looks real nice

[@melvinmorales356]

nicer and better car in youre opinion compared to the 2018 tucson limited in respect to power and handling ?

[@sirnubenegra]

When is the diesel coming to the usa?

[@mlee6136]

Mazda is definitely refined, great value and love their interiors, underrated car. In saying that the 2.5L engine is under powered. Subaru XT has 250bhp vs 170 ish in Mazda, of course interior is not as good but it's not bad either.

[@mlee6136]

Agreed the Diesel would be perfect, torque!

[@sic22l]

Subaru is bad. It looks and feels 10 years old.

[@AG-rk5hj]

M Lee Subaru has been having oil consumption issues for years now, you would think that Subaru has fixed the issue but they haven't

[@ZCT808]

M Lee - Sorry but the interior is bad in ALL Subaru. Period. And the exterior is pretty ghastly too. Go look at just about any non-fanboy Subaru review and they will usually lament about dated design elements, and horrific CVT. Which is a serious disappointment, because the Subaru AWD system is awesome. But in most models it is hampered by ordinary engines and worse transmissions, with horrific dated looks as the icing on the cake.

[@bigdogpete43]

I have the 2016 AWD and now have about 20K on it. Some comments. It needs a real engine. It has a great sound system but thats good as it kills the whiny engine noise. It's quick enough, but there is a lot of 4 cylinder whine. And No turbo. It needs a turbo diesel option which I hear may be in the future. I have to disagree about the computer, I find it super simple. On long trips, it will wear you though out as it is pretty stiff and after about 4 hours, you want out of it. All the bells and whistles they added (which very few will ever use), only jacks up the price (and their profit). SeemS like all any manufacturer needs really is an App to replace everything that is on board. I find I really wish I could open the rear window from time to time, just to make a trip to Home Depot to slide in a 2x4. This vehicle has a tiny tow capaciity 2000 lb but it is what it is. Basically, it is a toy car, a tricked up 4 door hatchback, not designed for off-road. But on road, its AWD does work well in the snow and it does handle really well in traffic. It was a cheap lease which fit my budget at the time, but just realize what you are getting. It lacks sport and utility, but is a standout as a run about, which is fine if that is what you want. Plus, it has been dead reliable to date. Don't fall in love, because after a few dates, you will realize it is just a Mary Ann, not a Ginger. But Mary Ann is sometimes just fine. Zoom zoom. Mazdaratti is solid as a rock.

[@mr-uf8hb]

We drove the TURBODIESEL here in Japan, it is awesome! I have to disagree, this is a small SUV, period! The 4 door hatchback is called a Mazda 3. If you want a "Real" SUV pay up and get the CX-9. :)

[@dthompsont3796]

I don't know why all companies dont put a 50x50 lock button on awd vehicles. Forcing the car to put power to all wheels would help in all kinds of situations where one wheel is spinning and the intelligent awd isnt putting power down to the other wheels.

[@canddmeyer]

Nice vehicle, but I'd lean toward an Escape despite the mpg penalty.

[@SlavaLeonov]

Ok, this was a bit pathetic. With only one wheel losing grip and it couldn't go?! Who can answer me this? How come the traction control system didn't brake the spinning wheel to transfer torque across the axle? How come the AWD system didn't transfer torque to the rear wheels?

[@basilfernandez6068]

Slava Leonov The AWD CX-9 couldn't ace CarQuestion's diagonal test either.

[@_Mario_PL_]

My guess would be open diffs.

[@SlavaLeonov]

Right, MarioPL, but the system is supposed to use brakes to slow down a spinning wheel, thus enabling open differential to send torque across.

[@Agent77X]

Like most people said it is the poor person's G Wagon!

[@_Mario_PL_]

Slava Leonov that's how it should be, I guess that's where they cut cost and left it without torque vectoring by using the brake system.

[@ojbarberena7090]

Please test the new cx5 turbo

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

5:24 That is an absolutely worthless traction control system if it is indeed on at that point. The wheel spun for 10+ seconds straight without traction, which is exactly what traction control is supposed to prevent.

[@alliejr]

Agreed. Did he mean to say that he turned traction control OFF? There is no way it could be on at the vehicle behave that way.

[@NathanDAdlen]

MultiPurposeReviewer The whole test was done with the traction control on. I did try the turn and part of the road with it off - but that was off camera and it performed similarly.

[@alliejr]

Wow! TC ON? That is a pretty severe indictment of the TC system. I would say it is either fake (doesn't exist at all) or defective.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Not really. The obstacle (corner) has done the same thing to many crossovers and a few SIUVs.

[@DE31]

I recently read an article from mazda about the "light off road mode", "WHAT’S THE DIFF? 2017 MAZDA CX-5 UNLOCKS ‘SECRET’ OFF-ROAD MODE" I wonder why it doesnt seem to show any affect... interested to see if there was any changes.

[@robertkaczmarek4948]

Mazda is amazing!