How Mazda i-ACTIV AWD works and what they think of our famous DIAGONAL TEST!

[@ronochow]

The answers the engineer provided were very clear and gives a good understanding of how Mazda's AWD system works and the decisions that went into them. Props to him!

[@jonathans4503]

i wish more car manufacturers would talk about their awd systems and tell you what's happening from a technical standpoint. I'm a software engineer myself and this shed some light.

[@normt5463]

You probably do not to want to know how limited the AWD systems have been in the past.

[@Desertfox24]

I drive my 2019 cx-5 GT Reserve in some very challenging winter conditions... well below freezing, high altitude, icy and low traction roads, deep snow- and switch to high desert in the summer at consistent 100F temps. In both of these driving environments, the vehicle provides superior traction, comfortable seats and the best AC on the planet. Forget trying to trick the algorithms and TCS to fail in .001% of driving conditions... for 99.999 percent of the time, this is the best handling, intuitive, fun to drive small SUV.

[@jasonhitchcock4079]

Mazda AWD uses a wide variety of inputs such as temperature, speed, steering, and other factors to determine torque distribution. All of these factors are absent in the roller tests.

[@chinaiwei]

Kudos and big thanks to Mazda and Dave to answer technical engineering questions. That is why I love about Mazda as a car corporation. It’s about car driving dynamic and practicality.

[@deanrhodenizer938]

Thank you. This was a great idea - talking with someone who really understands the AWD system and many of the design choices that have been made and why. When I was shopping for a new vehicle the AWD systems were so secret and proprietary that I found it very difficult to make a choice with any confidence. Perhaps we need a particular set of repeatable tests to compare AWD systems. Really, no dealer wanted to say much more than their system was the “best”. I did choose Mazda at the time. I am a 2017 CX-5 owner and am kicking myself now for not being a bit more patient and waiting for the turbo version.

[@Cba409]

I just got a 2021 cx-5 signature with the turbo and awd. And its awesome.

[@deanrhodenizer938]

@@Cba409 Congrats. I am sorry I didn't wait now.

[@Cba409]

@@deanrhodenizer938 cx-50 is coming soon. Might be worth to wait a bit more for that to come out now.

[@mcalebeb]

@@Cba409 I’m like 👀👀👀👀🤞

[@robvilletto3146]

It’s great that Mazda actually addresses the issues. Well done Mazda.

[@EasyTechTrading]

good job mazda for updating their AWD system.. its really awesome that they pay attention in customer feedback about the their awd system. special thanks to CAR QUESTIONS whose always testing the cars awd to its limit. 👍 i hope mazda applies this new AWD system to their CX-9 and make the car bigger the 3rd row of the CX-9 is so small. good job mazda 👏

[@chawenhalo0089]

Fantastic that Mazda engineers/ HQ is willing to engage with petrolheads and fans!

[@camlebans]

Honest answers from an engineer. Great salesman. Thank you .

[@BuddyPickleball]

You do great work. Your channel is so much better than other car channels. Keep up the good work.

[@CarQuestion]

Big thanks to ya!

[@saliston]

You have to give Mazda props they are acknowledging the issue and not trying to hide from it. Subaru stopped working with TFL Car when they had issues with their AWD system.

[@valdius85]

Really? Do you know more specifics?

[@HumperMKB]

Mazda is just a great company

[@bernardhossmoto]

This channel needs more subs!

[@MattWells-89]

We bought a cx5 a few years back and it was far and above the best snow driver I’ve ever had. Even better than suvs and trucks with 4wd. We recently traded the cx5 for a cx9 and the AWD system was a big reason why we stuck with Mazda.

[@a.ibrahim9882]

This (along with the other diagonal and TCS videos) was the most informative debunking of so many assumptions, guessing games, amateur opinions and reviews by disgruntled know-it-alls I have seen to date! Thank you. I just recently purchased a Preowned Certified 2018 CX9 GT and am loving it so far. We had our first real major dump of snow in Montreal since I got it today, so I did a few of my own tests and this video perfectly explained why I was so confused today! Not confused any more and finally understand and know when and when not to use TCS, as well as what it is exactly. I also just found the 2018 diagonal test video you guys made, so I look forward to seeing what the 2018 can do vs the 2016 that was tested in the earlier video. Now, I just have to wait until Jan 4 when Mazda service resumes, to have the winter tires I initially paid for (or better, I don't even mind paying more than whet I was invoiced for) be installed on my CX9, instead of the utter garbage budget tires they put on it at the last minute (without my prior knowledge or consent mind you!) because of the rush of having to move the vehicle before lock-down began on the 26th even though I told them I was not in a rush to get it before lock-down. I only left with it because of the excellent sales service and professionalism of my Sales Rep and his guarantee that all would be taken care of (there are a few minor issues to deal with as well as this tire problem) upon the service department reopening. Anyways, I loved the video and subscribing to your channel. Keep up the great work.

[@josef959]

I love how everything Dave says about TCS system for offroad and and the button label actually happened. Looking at the new CX-30 and the offroad review by The Fast Lane Car it clearly shows the TCS button is now a 'rough road button' and you can see how high they ramped up the braking of the wheel in the air. Love Mazda !

[@jayemark708]

The 2022 cx5 awd has a separate off-road mode. The research is paying off when you add features to future year models.😀👍🏻🚗

[@youtubehub8190]

Is the AWD system on the CX-5 2017, 2018 and 2019 the same?

[@ZakElbas]

Great video as always. Good to see companies learn from the hard work these channels put in. All the best to everyone in 2019.

[@wassliving4898]

Super informative. Kind of makes me a fan of the AWD system as it's more capable that one would expect.

[@chriswicecarver3715]

I appreciate the logic given by the Mazda person in that 95-99% of the driving is going to be done on normal terrain or in normal circumstances. And although they make good effort to account for that 1-5% of unusual circumstances...if it's a choice between one or the other, they're going to spend more focus on greater majority.

[@CarQuestion]

Logic is the cement of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide.

[@krys8870]

He said that their TCS system is more every day driving oriented and that's ok, hovewer some competitors have special off-road programs, which can be activated for such diagonal tests. That makes the difference. Still it's good that Mazda is working to make their AWD better. Ps. Best wishes and all success in new year 2019.

[@CarQuestion]

Thanks 🙏 same for you my friend

[@ingwarr86]

It's interesting that this kind of counter-intuitive behavior can be observed in other non-Mazda vehicles. For example, disabling stability control on Suzuki vehicles also makes brakes-based diff lock imitations more aggressive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2GygH5mar6Ma9k I think that this is because car manufacturers use similar (if not identical) hardware, which forces into a certain framework when programming the logic.

[@KumaMech]

i know you posted this comment more than a year ago, but i just went to check out a cx-30 at a local mazda dealer. they put a button for activating "off-road mode" on the 2021 models. 2021 cx-5 had it too. i found it interesting that they did that.

[@AbeYousef]

@@KumaMech Dave mentioned they were planning to replace the TCS off button with something clearer about how to get out - the off road mode button was the result

[@white_rook2060]

Excellent video..Best on KZbin....This is why I bought the CX-3....many thanks,,,

[@bananayoshimoto371]

Excellent video! It was very helpful and interesting to understand some of the technical aspects of AWD.

[@3dkinson]

thx for this video and cx9 on my shopping list again due to this diagonal test

[@Incomudro1963]

Having recently purchased a CR-5, I've got to say that I'm impressed with its ability to get over that embankment.

[@GranTigerGaming]

Love this video and love Mazda, very helpful. I'm glad I watched to the end to hear about the story about being in "Jeep" areas and surprising them with a CX-5 :D

[@wandante]

Hi CarQuestion, thanks for the good video. Would you be able to do CX5 turbo diagonal test?

[@CarQuestion]

will do in 2019.

[@bbhoustontx]

thx for this comprehensive video and brilliant mazda engineer Dave Coleman. I was on the fence about buying this Mazda beautifull cx5 AWD and this has helped me tremendously.

[@DAS-Videos]

The Sport trim does not have dynamic stability control. Does turning off the TCS on the Sport trim still make the system engage the brakes harder on the wheels that are spinning freely?

[@CarQuestion]

Checking with Mazda and I'll get back to ya!

[@TaiseerJoudeh]

@@CarQuestion Hello Car Question, I know it has been a while but were you able to get some feedback on this?

[@CG_86]

I have a 2019 CX-5 with AWD. Honestly from a drivers perspective one thing I wish you guys did was put a button that engages/disables AWD instead of having the computer decide when to activate it. I think the gives the driver a bigger advantage in multiple situations. 1. It gives the driver more confidence knowing when the AWD is engaged. 2. It allows for better grip having it engaged before driving up a slippery hill. I live in Ohio where we get snow and there's times when the roads have patchy areas of snow and ice. Being able to engage it in those situations would be better then having the computer do it for you when it some situations it's too late.

[@MrREL99]

Very Informative! Appreciate the depth of the questioning!

[@Bohdan466]

Thanks. TCS off really works in the hard situations.

[@douglasberman840]

Is this TCS OFF program on 2017 cx-5 and newer? If so have Mazda done any significant other AWD upgrades besides moving and rebadging the button?

[@BigBlockEntertainmentCanada]

Still needs "LSD" Front and Rear in very bad areas with the TCS OFF : ) Good Job Mazda kinda wish I could have this Update in my 2016 CX-5 GT Tech. You should be able to offer an AWD update.

[@717dash_cam]

One would think there would be a way for them to detect suspension load to see that type of situation and get the system to respond appropriately. "Oh crap there's no load on this suspension component, maybe I shouldn't let this wheel spin"... I personally think that could be useful in everyday situations during evasive maneuvers to get it to work with the stability control system.

[@valdius85]

I was thinking the same. Saying that it would require adaptive suspension. Then it would be possible to measure the oil pressure. Also then Mazda would cost more, which is not their target for now. Saying all that, I am not sure how expensive is the simplest adaptive suspension. It definitely costs more to maintain long term.

[@valdius85]

I like Mazda and CX-5 or CX-8 (Japan) is on my list. I do not understand the lack of buttons to chose the surface - similar to Subaru. The mechanics are not all that different - most Subies don't have LSDs anymore. Choosing the surface would help the software to figure out the behaviour. Also fake full lock, obviously with limited speed, would be helpful when the vehicle get stuck. ;) Also - does anyone know when the Skyactive-X would be available in Mazdas SUVs?

[@toben42]

Bought a cx5 last month, curious to see how it handles the nasty Wisconsin winters.

[@johnpooley3]

Is there a retroactive upgrade available via the dealership for earlier model years?

[@CarQuestion]

not at my knowledge

[@johnpooley3]

@@CarQuestion do you think you could reach out to your contact at Mazda and update the video description with any additional information? My friend could not get their 2017 CX-5 out of a parking spot in the snow until I started using left foot braking to limit slip.

[@CarQuestion]

of a flat parking spot? with winter tires?

[@johnpooley3]

@@CarQuestion yes a flat parking spot, with 1 inch ruts in the snow from accumulation around the tires. It was in traction control off with all season tires. Just spinning the front wheels wildly until I put a bit of left foot brake on and then it came right out. Their algorithm leaves so much performance on the table.

[@CarQuestion]

all season tire :(

[@iosianchad2180]

Can the 2016 CX-9 TCS software be updated to latest version?

[@TechGuruCan]

Does Subaru still have a better awd system than the newer Mazda? I can't get over the cvt and underpower of most Subarus.

[@saliston]

I would say they are about equal. I have had and outback and a cx9 and both are confidence inspiring.

[@brianc4629]

Go with the Soerento... best of both worlds.

[@worldeyeview]

Car Question also tested some Subarus that did pretty well on the diagonal test, before Mazda improved on their system.

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

@@saliston absolutely not Didnt you just check the videi?

[@Shanerinsaner]

Subaru's AWD is fundamentally different than Mazda's system. This new Mazda system isn't much different than the old one, just mite activate a little quicker in some circumstances. The construction of the Subaru AWD allows much more torque to be applied to the rear wheels, and it's always AWD, it doesn't wait for slippage to occur, then send power to the rear.. Which is "better" really just depends on what you value more, fuel mileage/initial cost (Mazda)or capability/safety (Subaru).

[@ArmaMoto]

So literally the TCS Off button was just relabeled in 2021 as the off road mode? No software changes?

[@JulieJRoth]

Good day! Could you guys please explain to me if there is a difference between i-Activ and SkyActiv? Are these just two names of the same feature? Thank you!

[@thetechlibrarian]

completely different. google seach both

[@seventhson4766]

Great video. What is torque split ratio in normal conditions for Mazda vehicles?

[@CarQuestion]

We will check for you! a+

[@ROBMACDUI]

I believe it is just a few percent only in order to remove any slack from the driveline so torque can be delivered quickly without any jerking of the rear wheels.

[@PatrickRich]

Very informative! Thank you for asking and thanks to your guest for giving straight answers not corp speak.

[@aeezentester6796]

What about driving on the sand? Should we turn TCS off or better with TCS on?

[@tjrick]

So I'm a nutshell, should I turn off DSC when I go real off-roading or only when a wheel ends up in the air? I didn't get a clear answer, but it seems that the new "off-road" mode is simple the DSC turned off.

[@tjrick]

@carquestions Could applying the brakes or handbrake help in this case? It seems like a good of fashion brake modulation would have helped.

[@markperalta2995]

Hey Mazda, why don't you label the "TRACTION OFF" to "UNSTICK" and then program it to revert back to traction-on when the speed goes above , say, 5 mph?

[@downhillskier7]

Front and rear Torsen differential acts like open diff till non power rotates the worm gear locking both left and right wheels together in 3/4 of rotation better than e braking transferring torque to opposite wheels.

[@Abbbb225]

This was a great idea, and the guy kind of answered the question, but his view is basically that transferring torque side to side is not a priority for Mazda. I don't see what the incline has to do with it. Let's say you are getting into/out of a parking space (or pulling off the side of the rode) in snow and the FL and RR tires ares bogged and spinning - wouldn't you have the same result as with the off-camber hill test, where the tires will just continue to spin? If turning TCS off solves it and lets the brakes actuate, then I guess there's no issue.

[@tehblizz]

So you're saying that on the EU versions of the Mazda CX30 turning the TCS OFF is the same as using the Off-Road mode that is available in other markets? Great news!

[@bobbymaldini7653]

are they talking about the mazda3 2019 AWD too?

[@CarQuestion]

expect a new video soon just about this one!

[@grumpychocobo]

Hope you're not expecting a Mazda 3 to get over those diag tests. lol Scrraaaaaapppppeeeeeeee.

[@CarQuestion]

@@grumpychocobo that might not happen but we are working on something that even cars will be able to get on! :)

[@brightness4195]

How did manage to meet Dave Poleman... I wish to meet him... I love this person... Question, How do we compare Mazda AW with German cars like Mercedse Bentz and BMW? 2. Will Mazda manufacture a Mazda 4WD similar to Toyota Land Crusier?

[@maxou5757]

The white CX9 does pass the diagonal test right ? Is that because TCS is OFF or because it's a new AWD software?

[@jonathans4503]

They didn't change any hardware. They just tuned their traction control engagement algorithm.

[@maxou5757]

Jonathan S got it. Thanks

[@CarQuestion]

Check ou that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpSud4GViZd1jsU

[@msen1579]

2023 cx9 is not my first choice. However ascent need to wait months and atlas sold out. Then my cx9 was arriving next day. So my wife bought it before I landed in Canada. I never drove it before. Finally I love it, nice leather great suspension and power is enough for my little family. By the way we are not tall So space very enough for us.my wife and my little girl love it so. Also it is really cheap. Thanks mazda.

[@FajnyAleZaNiski]

Mazda should have extra button "pass Car Question test" ;-) but Mazda looks good, for sure is fine as combo

[@CarQuestion]

with the CX-5 Signature option package.. you get a fast and luxurious vehicle! :)

[@FajnyAleZaNiski]

@@CarQuestion I would choose Jeep Compass instead but Mazda looks good, to be honest. Good detailed channel. I like Your testing way.

[@mesuttasdemir4618]

And i now wonder New S-AWC system on Eclipse Cross how to perform diagonal test?

[@CarQuestion]

We will see in 2019

[@krwiles]

The locking axel solved this before most of us were born. Edit: Mazda makes a sexy car though!

[@tonymante8759]

mazda was true to their word about the TCS button. Its now a offroad button made to get you unstuck in exactly these situations lol. They have a button now for that 1% rare instance you have a tire off the ground uphill lmao. while the car isnt a offroad rock climber by any means lets be real no crossover is but it can handle gravel uphill sand snow wet mud with ease. Mazdas i active AWD is just as good as any other computer controlled awd system. Sure there are cars with passive AWD thats always on like suburu but in the snow in the wet mud on gravel uphill mazda and suburu both send 50% of the power to the rear and you would notice no differnce in these situations with either and really theres no point to having AWD on while your driving on dry pavement 90% of the time wasting fuel eco. Its why lexus bmw audi all have active computer controlled AWd systems not passive.

[@leonelsantamaria2212]

Question: in the category of middle suv what suv make the best performance?

[@CarQuestion]

you mean the fastest?

[@leonelsantamaria2212]

Ohh sorry im talking about the diagonal test

[@victorr.cortes2323]

@@leonelsantamaria2212 Subaru FORESTER, OUTBACK, CROSTREK ETC ETC always Subaru Best.

[@normt5463]

@@victorr.cortes2323 Suabru X-mode only works to 18 mph after hitting the button. GM Active Twin is better as it can 100% torque to a single wheel while the other three slip. This system has full, non-braked(like Subaru) torque vectoring AWD that sends power to the outside rear wheel.

[@jonathans4503]

@@normt5463 Which gm car has it?

[@lkj17]

My Cx5 can stuck in soft sand easily. Model year 2014. However my friends cx9 was okay model year 2019. I think the difference is cx9 new version got rear differential locks.

[@CarQuestion]

there is no locker on Mazda AWD.

[@Vlican]

the "software update" to fix/alter the AWD system ought to be available to previous model year vehicles... time to push software updates to vehicles like Tesla does

[@LilDiabloRob]

Or....OR...install a mechanical rear limited slip diff in CUVs, then you never have an issue...IF YOU’RE doing light off-road use.

[@anthonylam493]

Thank you

[@jadebombay]

The interviewer is Nardwuar's brother, has to be. Helpful video!

[@smtyson1650]

No wonder mazda awd di alot better than some of the other brands

[@7CAJONEZ]

I dont get it. With 2 adjacent wheels on the ground all that is needed is to brake the 2 that are in the air. On the rear this would be easy since it has electric parking brakes. ABS tells the computer which wheel is spinning so that parking brake is applied. Put limited slip on the front

[@rotaxrider]

4:56 🤙 Rumour 🙄

[@CarQuestion]

A few years ago and without the new algorithm.... come on man!

[@brandoguy8567]

I’ll stick with my Subaru and snow tires here in WI but dam Mazda makes some sexy looking vehicles and that new red makes me wanna buy one lol shit

[@basspig]

Not diagonal test was pretty disappointing. This is a scenario that can be encountered quite often in hilly countryside.

[@T800-b2m]

it would be batter if they would make something like Acura's SH AWD

[@NoChannelChannel]

More user selectable modes, and your mazda does not need to guess the mode, subaru got it worked out

[@justinou11]

The car definitely didn’t have winter tires because if it did it would not drift

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Im keeping my Subary Forester XT thanks :P

[@CarQuestion]

turbo power :)

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

@@CarQuestion excelent video

[@user-cl3gz9ey1w]

Vs SUBARU

[@marfigue777]

I love underdog car companies

[@symoonstar23]

Rear spin but front not. It not work.. 4x4 diffrnt hn Awd

[@tjrick]

The guy in this video is me. Should I leave on or off? It is a 2016 cx-3.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIGsZHufpLF8rLc

[@TMS5100]

So they drop power instead of grabbing the brakes. And get hung up on easy situations where a true LSD would have zero problems. Continuing to clearly demonstrate the inferiority of e-lsd systems. CX-9 is proven in this video to be a softroader, not offroader.

[@emichaels2112]

Get a clue, 80 percent of SUVs made are not for offroading, CX-9 included.

[@TMS5100]

Not a good explanation why their system is so slow to respond. Wheelbase is a lame excuse. Other vehicles with same or longer wheelbase have no problems. @6:59 rear wheel with traction is not moving AT ALL.

[@ArmaMoto]

It literally never stopped moving? Turning TCS off would have made it much easier.

[@LuizStocklerHenrique]

This is what happens when manufacturers keep doubling or tripling torsional rigidity every model redesign. Had Mazda left things the way they were these things would flex like my Mom's Protegé and all wheels would be on the ground, all the time. Problem solved. Mazda would save the development costs to create traction control logic for model 2024 to allow their customers to flee shopping mall security using the back fields and loading docks. Keep in mind, if mall security is on a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Honda CRV, Mazda CX owners have nothing to fear.

[@ericpullen3717]

Lol please buddy your team figured it out after they watched this video when they brought kia a steak diner for a little help😎

[@grumpychocobo]

Yes, that's exactly what he said...that it took them a bit to figure out exactly what was going on in the videos. So many people seem to be accusing the Mazda guy of making excuses and stuff when if you actually listen to what he said, he was very honest about what was going on and was asked for an explanation.

[@ryanhaines7682]

Mazda needs a better system ..4 sure

[@xboxice2005]

Ask Mitsubishi why there PHEV so bad with its so call AWD lock 😒

[@scaldon2]

The cx9 should of never got stuck . It makes mazda awd system look really bad . A Subaru would never of got stuck .

[@tinalee6402]

Just tell them to copy Subaru on the traction system

[@ROBMACDUI]

And tell Subaru to get their head out of their ass about using CVTs. Oh wait their inefficient underpowered boxer engines would have awful fuel economy without it.

[@WaynePilot]

Let's cut the crap - what I saw was Mazda didn't pass the test but Subaru easily did. So I'm going with Forester as I do need a SUV and I go wild sometimes (if I do this a lot of times a year then I'd be looking for a Pajero or Prado). Things like elegance, stylish sharp lines, the concept of city SUV... are not something I care about on this car. I do have another car which provides pure driving pleasure. What I want on my SUV is it won't leave me alone in the wild when I'm in need. That's it. Not passing the diagonal test? Then the car won't get a pass from me.

[@joshc606]

If your going to be doing something as extreme at what they are doing in the test often, you need a Jeep or something with a locking diff because eventually the Subaru will get stuck. Watch TFL Truck when they take a Subaru off road.

[@grumpychocobo]

Then what you're looking for is not a crossover. You need a real truck, SUV, or something like a Jeep.

[@Alvin-1138]

Yeah Wayne cut the crap, you just said you don't care about the main market segment this is aimed at. And forester is a 2 row?? So what's your point,

[@ArmaMoto]

Did you watch the video? Very clearly turning off TCS made the car pass the test.

[@MrThepervv]

Sorry but excuses after excuses

[@CarQuestion]

There is no excuse, their systen is fuel efficient and work when you figure out the buttons sequence

[@DAS-Videos]

There are probably only a handful of people who know how it actually works. And they are the engineers at Mazda. We only see the results of roller and hill climbing tests when the tester makes various wheels spin. The engineer in this video doesn't tell us how it works, only that it makes the car handle best on a slippery road or during a fast curve or up a steep hill or when the wipers are on.

[@normt5463]

@@DAS-Videos The cost to make the CX-9 match the industry will be made up in reto fitting $400.00 apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

[@oguzhaneren]

so the latest cx-9 can handle the diagonal test or still fails?@@CarQuestion

[@ConnecticutDashcam]

I’ve been driving AWD Mazda vehicles for 7 years and never once have been in some diagonal hill situation like that. If I was going to, I would’ve bought a Jeep. Think sensibly

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Merde essaye D'améliorer ton english lol

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

mais bon video !

[@CarQuestion]

hummm je voulais comparer nos accents mais je vois juste un vidéo de chat sur ta chaine :(

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Ah jai eu la chance de voyager beaucoup Mon accent est impeccable

[@krossnkuss2875]

I feel like you’re shilling for Mazda now.

[@CarQuestion]

please define shilling?

[@zaino660]

They forgot to make good engines, theye are a pice of bull shit engines, 100k and gone.