Mazda Magic? | 2023 Mazda CX-5 Preferred Review

[@1776freak]

All the things you find lacking I find endearing. I like the simplicity and sleekness of the interior. It is not cluttered with a lot of confusing touchscreen stuff that I find annoying. Maybe I'm just too old school for today's technology. Bring back the good old V8

[@mariusz3738]

I've driven the Expedition, Rav4, Rougue and CX5 on very long trips (~2400 mi) and we'll be buying the Cx5. I don't need the size of the Expedition and found the CX-5 to be the best long distance driver (verry smooth and quiet) as well as a practical daily driver. The cabin looks premium and uncomplicated. I like the rotary dial controls of the infotainment system. I believe it is less distracting and thus safer then using touch screen. As far as the transmission is concerned who cares if its 6 speed if it is smooth and reliable (since 2014 I believe). For my situation the cargo space and number of gadgets and gears is enough.

[@theresab7616]

I have the 2022 CX-5 Preferred and absolutely love it. Having been a Jeep Grand driver for many years, it took some searching to find something I liked. I literally wore the internet out trying to find a style I liked, as the Jeeps have become too masculine in my opinion, as most of the suv segment has. The CX-5 was the sweet spot. Softer curves with a nice "face", it had all the bells my Limited had, plus about a dozen more. It advertises 24 mpg city, but I easily get 30 plus, and that is almost double what the Jeep was giving. I like the simplicity of the entertainment system and the control knob location. Definitely would buy again if the looks stay similar.

[@patrickh9910]

For similar price as this CX5 Preferred, which has leather seats and moonroof, you can only get a fabric RAV4 or CRV. I don't know what's your complain about the interior.

[@timlong9913]

Yeah he never really explained himself.

[@cfb1923]

I don't know why so many feel the need to diss on the 6 speed. My CX5 Touring 6 speed never has to hunt for a gear like my 8 speed did (another brand). And yes it does not have the biggest cargo bay. But if you change either of these 2 things you'd no longer have a bad a** CX5. Don't mess with perfection. Fanboy guilty as charged.

[@maxedoutman]

I’m biased as a RAV4 hybrid owner but the CX5, CRV and RAV4 would be my only considerations in this segment. Everything else is trying too hard or not reliable long term. These are day to day family vehicles. I don’t want oodles of useless technology just for the sake of it. Give me a simple and functional interior, good economy and reliability. No one is going to be impressed by the fancy gadgets of an Escape, Tucson, etc. Probably more just clowning the buyer for spending $40k on one (for example). This segment has gone so far out of touch price wise.

[@alfonzodavis1446]

I have a escape and I totally agree but I’m not a fan of the seating arrangements for a man of my height in the rav4, also the crv transmission is death incarnate I can’t stand the long drawn out note it make’s me feel like I’ll shred the entire engine, shaft or transmission every time. I like the cx5 if I was around 5’9 sadly I’m gangly and 6’3 so the Mazda is a hard pass…. If Honda gets it’s act together I’d love to get a brand new crv

[@duster123100]

I drive a 22 premium plus model and absolutely love it. I do think that there are some things that can be improved but overall a great car

[@johnpanagiotopoulos8539]

The best driving dynamics and best interior in the class. The 6 speed transmission is smooth and very reliable. You obviously don't know much about cars.

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Hi John - Thanks for watching! Reliable because it dates back to the Obama administration. Drive some modern options.

[@timlong9913]

@@ThinkOutsideTheCube You mean like all those CVTs?

[@jacolbytracy230]

Driving in LA traffic and trying to mess with that dial to navigate CarPlay was very nerve racking.

[@Marty1857]

I was in LA last month for a family gathering. Long drive there. I was shocked and amazed at how many people are fiddling with their phones and touchscreens while driving -- be it highway or in the flow of stop & go traffic. I don't think it matters much which system you're using; Bluetooth, CarPlay, touchscreen vs dial, wired vs wireless, etc..... messing with the entertainment or map while driving (especially in a big city like LA) is going to be risky.

[@stevengraham185]

Less Is More ! Great Car ! Love It ! No regrets here.

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Right on! Enjoy it

[@victorramsey5575]

I appreciate the fact that Mazda uses an actual gearbox, more reliable, torque converting transmission. CVT "transmission" sucks and will not last for even 100k miles. How many videos have you watched of people getting some old 1970s hooptie thats been sitting for 30 years running and drive it home. Real transmissions are becoming a thing of the past. So ... MY next new car purchase will be a Mazda as long as they keep with the real deal gearbox.

[@Marty1857]

I bought a CX5 Preferred this week; it took me about 3 months of internet sleuthing. My wife has a Toyota Venza; she had a RAV 4 Limited (leather and all the bells and whistles) before that. I think the CX5 is comparable, and in some ways, superior, to either car. It's definitely less expensive. If it was a hybrid, it would probably be better across the board. The interior of the Mazda is just as well-built as the Toyota models, only less "cluttered" by the shorter autotainment screen, which doesn't block the view or take up too much space. It's not touchscreen, and learning how to operate the wheel and other controls is a bit confusing at first, but by the 2nd day it's perfectly fine. I prefer it to the touchscreen; I wish more cars had this system. It's much quieter inside, and more refined at highway speeds, than either the RAV or the Venza. It's the daily traffic where it starts to give up some ground. At slower, stop & go traffic, the engine will rev high, and the car will jerk a bit until it finds its best gear. But, I'm still learning the vehicle; I'm getting better at smoother takeoffs and at building speed without the jerking, but it is a skill that takes some time to develop. It's sort of like learning how to drive a standard stick all over again; the transmission is very responsive. (That's probably why some people get poor mileage, and others report at least the advertised mpg.) The longer I'm driving this car, the more I appreciate it. There isn't a lot of tech, but there's more than adequate. (Not having a wireless charger is NOT a drawback; it's one less fuse, one less potential problem as the car ages.) The seats are very comfortable, front and back (I'm 5'11"); visibility is good, and it handles precisely. At high speeds, it feels more like a sport car than an SUV. I don't believe there is a better built, better driving car in its price range, and I would say you could go $10,000 higher and still not find anything better. Comparable, but not better. Anyone looking at the RAV or Honda CRV should test drive a Mazda and sort their own impressions out. I was pleasantly surprised; I'm sure others will be too.

[@chuckwalla2967]

What's your comment on harsh ride, heavy steering in parking lot situations, climate control sitting too low?

[@zachtravers]

I love the Olive Garden music in the background lol but I like the CX-5, but hate the infotainment and they need a newer transmission.

[@yasiasorbo9201]

I’m getting this same trim but it has a power hatch

[@ceciliaabdalla4954]

That silver is super nice. needs better interior color options

[@ltkwok]

Most quiet compared to the Honda, Toyota & Ford.

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

We like laminated glass!

[@FancyCarJoe]

Nice video review! What camera and mic setup are you using?

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Just iPhone 12 and a plug-in mic 🎤

[@keysersoze4947]

this guy complains about this car being 'Mediocre' but keep in mind this is a "Preferred model" {2-up from the base} Note: take a look at the top of line "Signature model" with Turbo fully loaded and you will be amazed .........

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Hi! Thanks for watching. This trim and price point represents volume sellers in the segment. A $39k Signature Turbo is impressive but a small take rate.

[@keysersoze4947]

@@ThinkOutsideTheCube yeah that 39k Signature model CX-5 rivals Mercedes , Bmw and Lexus { small suv or crossover} at a price point ranging from 50k-60k ......

[@adamroberge1201]

Not a bad rental car from national I thought you worked in Chicago

[@suzukiman8964]

My preferd trim has a power liftgate

[@angelscarreviews6094]

What a great SUV, I also did a 2021 Mazda CX-5 AWD on my channel.

[@yasiasorbo9201]

I’m coming off rav 4 2020 n it has a lot less.

[@njnikusha]

Definitely has more premium looks and feel than plastic crap Rav4 and Escape

[@alexanderharlow298]

With the cx50 here and cx60 coming this could be the last year. Great vid!

[@brorowcarwiz]

Not the 2017 RX call out :/

[@dave11686]

Awesome!

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Thanks!

[@justcurious2439]

My gosh the Mazda fanboys have flooded your comment section. You gave your personal review, nothing you said seemed unfair

[@bradyr.7611]

Their slogan should be cheap luxury lol

[@Dwizzle2023]

I agree with your points about the cx5 the lower trims are very blah. The highest ones are best.

[@robellis3705]

Awesome Video Garrison !!! You really do a great job on these reviews giving both the pros and cons !!! Always look forward to your next adventure !!!

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Much appreciated!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great video!

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Thanks!

[@robmrsh]

Test drove a 22 signature when I was shopping for my most recent car, and I was disappointed. I had high hopes because of the hype around Mazda’s driving dynamics and premium interior for the price. While the interior did feel nice, the infotainment was so bad I decided I could never purchase one. There is no excuse for such an un-intuitive system, especially while using carplay. The 2.5 turbo was unrefined and felt less powerful than it was. The lack of lane centering which I had grown used to in my previous Forester was also a major detractor. Anyways went to the Volvo dealer and now I am happy with my new S60 Inscription!

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Enjoy the S60! Great buy

[@taimurray04]

Garrison! The background music took me out😭😂

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Gotta keep yall on your toes!

[@adammiller4957]

Drove a CX-5 recently and didn’t get the hype, the interior quality is great and I appreciate the premium look, but the driving dynamics don’t live up to the expectations enthusiasts have set.

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

!!!! You get it

[@Marty1857]

Drive comparable cars in the CX5 price segment. You'll "get the hype".

[@disneyfan9099]

Yep

[@taimurray04]

5:15 he said it’s not giving what it’s supposed to give

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

Cube man has spoken 🗣🗣

[@matthewadonis3020]

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 looks 100% better

[@ThinkOutsideTheCube]

It’s very sharp!

[@matthewadonis3020]

@@ThinkOutsideTheCube usually the refreshes are better but the pre refresh looks better on the CX-5

[@brorowcarwiz]

Weird looking Tiguan!!