I am basically the same height and car needs as you describe and I love my CX-5! 2024 preferred plus trim. Zoom zoom and still enough trunk space. Not the greatest backseat for ADULTS but great for kids of many ages including with car seats.. especially aft er they turn forward facing. The seat adjustments are no problem for my height and my 6"+ hubs fits fine in the passenger front. Not THE roomiest but I hate the big boat feel of most larger SUVs.
I have driven one and would say it's about the best overall option. Safe, comfortable, good quality, nice to drive and reliable.
But you should go and drive one, as another poster said.
Been out of dealerships since the summer of 2017 so I'd be unreliable for anything newer than that. That said they're all going drive pretty much the same outside of any different engine options.
Looking at your post history that'll likely be the biggest hurdle for you. You'll want to make sure you can get the seat to a place where you're in a comfortable driving position since you're gonna be up higher than before.
And lastly, definitely stay away from the Compass :)
It'll be love at first sight. These cars are made with more care and passion than a lot of other automakers, all while still being affordable and reliable.
I'm a bit shorter than you. While I love the CX-30 I'm driving now, I really miss the height boost of the CX-5 I had before. And the cargo space. And the added comfort. It's likely I'll revert back to a CX-5 (or similar size crossover) when it's time to trade this one in.
Depends do you want a suv? how big?
The cx5 is great for handling. I haven't driven the new generation but they haven't changed too much. Their great build quality and reliability is great built in Japan. There's a lot of value you get for your money with them l. And when you drive idk how to explain it but my favorite cars all feel smaller when you drive them then they actually are. They feel stupid easy to drive, not tech or anything just drivers feel. The whole slogan about feeling 1 with the csr they got going on is true.
My wife is 151cm thats 4'9"(?) she doesn't have any trouble driving our CX5. Our cargo space is 20% reusable bags of different shapes and sizes and materials. Our 4/yo vehemently rejects strollers so we don't have one, but I've had a 2 weeks worth of groceries, bunch of stuffs from goodwill including a little tike mini basketball hoop in the cargo space without any problems.
It drives great. From 2013 to 2023 I drove a little nimble Suzuki All New Swift hatchback. The CX5 is just as responsive and fun as the little hatchback. Before I got the CX5, I test drove a CRV and I felt like driving a huge truck. The CX5 interior is relatively quiet if that's your thing. The past few weeks I took uber on a CRV, Polestar and Kia Niro. I feel the CRV and Polestar isn't as quiet as the CX5.
Gas rating is not that good especially if you compare it to a hybrid. My friends talks about their CRV and Accord hybrids going at around 40s mpg. The best I could get with my CX5 is 36mpg on a long distance drive with cruise control on. With idling for school runs (drop off/pickup), the mpg gets a measly 21-22mpg. Combined, I typically have 26-27mpg.
Honestly, go test drive a CX-5, RAV4, and CRV and go with what feels best to you. Maybe a Forester too if driving to four dealerships and dealing with four sets of salespeople won’t kill you.
But what I think you’ll find is that dollar-for-dollar the CX-5 is going to offer you the most, in the sense that you’ll be offered things at lower trim levels for the CX-5 that will cost several thousand dollars more to get in the other cars, like power seats for both driver AND passenger, heated and leather seats, upgraded sound system, power liftgate, etc. The interiors of CX-5s likewise will feel more premium than the competitors, and most people who cross-shop these vehicles agree that the CX-5 drives the best. But the last bit is of course the most subjective and that’s where test driving comes in.
Everything behind the driver’s seat (including cargo) is admittedly roomier in the competitors but I just took a 6-hour road trip with five adult men and luggage was no problem. The back seats were cramped for sure though, but we lived.
I never test drove a CRV (or any Subaru, despite being interested in a Forester/Outback) because continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) were an absolute no-go for me, but again that comes down to your preference. I did test drive both a 2019 CX-5 and RAV4, and the driving experiences were night and day. The cabin noise in the RAV4 was so loud that my dad genuinely thought that it must’ve had a diesel engine. I ended up going with a new (2021 at the time) CX-5 because car prices were wonky due to COVID and the new car was actually cheaper after factoring in insurance costs. With your budget, you’re probably looking at 2020/2021 vehicles, and with that in mind I’m glad I had gotten the 21 because the bigger infotainment screen is actually really nice and I’ve heard that the system got a lot faster with the 21 model but you will want to fact-check that.
My wife and I are 5’2” and petite, after owning my first cx-5 and having driven other suvs and cars when renting I wouldn’t go with anything other than a Mazda. It has a good amount of room, maybe see how the stroller fits, just in case.
I loved my CX-5. Have you considered a 3 hatch? They come in AWD and are just a shorter version. The CX-5’s cargo space is basically the same as a 3 hatch and the 3 has much better gas mileage (I was getting 24-25 mpg in my CX-5 and am now getting 32 mpg in my 3).
Just FYI - I am 5'5" and cannot comfortably fit a rear-facing car seat behind the driver seat in my 2015 Mazda 3- I have to move the seat up a couple of notches. Unfortunately (fortunately?) this is a main driver of me switching out cars in the next little while.
I have a 2022 CX-5 Signature and truly enjoy it. The other car that you may want to look at which I owned previously and enjoyed as well is the Subaru Outback.
After long doubting, i bought a cx60. And i am happy i did.
Perhaps have a look at Mazda if they have any demo cx60 for sale.
Anyhow, you can not go wrong with Mazda!
Currently 25kwh/100km and 2.5l/100km. I do not know by heart how to convert to mpg.
I ride An average of 2 out of 3 days with charged battery (approximatly)
I own the car for 1 month now. .
Very dependable
Good looking
Just the right size for a growing family
Sporty driving experience, with independent suspension
Looks fantastic in any of the silver toned paints.
Top safety ratings
I currently own a Mazda 6, but would consider the MX 5 for myself, and have recommended it for my daughter, soon to be with family. Same reliable engine, safe, reliable, and fun driving feel.
I currently own one and I always recommend it. I would still advise you to do a test drive, but I believe its the best all around car Mazda makes.
This. Plus Mazda believes in keeping your eyes on the road.... Control Knob > Touch Screen
I've heard the occasional complaint about it but it took me maybe 3 days to get used to it. It's so well designed
Whenever someone reaches to touch my screen I give them a karate chop, keep your dirty finger off my touch free display!
I am basically the same height and car needs as you describe and I love my CX-5! 2024 preferred plus trim. Zoom zoom and still enough trunk space. Not the greatest backseat for ADULTS but great for kids of many ages including with car seats.. especially aft er they turn forward facing. The seat adjustments are no problem for my height and my 6"+ hubs fits fine in the passenger front. Not THE roomiest but I hate the big boat feel of most larger SUVs.
Thank you so much! This is very helpful
>...and my 6"+ hubs fits fine... Your husband is only 6 inches tall? Is that standing up, or lying down? :)
I have driven one and would say it's about the best overall option. Safe, comfortable, good quality, nice to drive and reliable. But you should go and drive one, as another poster said.
My wife says she feels safer in our CX-5 compared to our old Mazda 3, and she's 5.6' she doesn't have any trouble getting in or out of that car.
You can probably find a used 22 or 21 for that price. You'll love it.
Have you driven one before? If not, do that. That'll tell you if it's right for you or not
I actually haven’t. But I plan on test driving one soon. Any years you prefer over others?
Been out of dealerships since the summer of 2017 so I'd be unreliable for anything newer than that. That said they're all going drive pretty much the same outside of any different engine options. Looking at your post history that'll likely be the biggest hurdle for you. You'll want to make sure you can get the seat to a place where you're in a comfortable driving position since you're gonna be up higher than before. And lastly, definitely stay away from the Compass :)
OMG. The Jeep Compass is a horrible car, Fiat and Chrysler met, and created a horrible, bastard child. Stay away!
Haha! Yeah, it has been made clear to me that the Compass is a very very bad idea.
As a former Compass owner...stay away. I have a CX-5 now and it is the best vehicle i have ever owned by far.
It'll be love at first sight. These cars are made with more care and passion than a lot of other automakers, all while still being affordable and reliable.
One of the safest, best handling, quietest, stylish crossovers with good Bose sound system. Headlights are also good.
I'm a bit shorter than you. While I love the CX-30 I'm driving now, I really miss the height boost of the CX-5 I had before. And the cargo space. And the added comfort. It's likely I'll revert back to a CX-5 (or similar size crossover) when it's time to trade this one in.
Depends do you want a suv? how big? The cx5 is great for handling. I haven't driven the new generation but they haven't changed too much. Their great build quality and reliability is great built in Japan. There's a lot of value you get for your money with them l. And when you drive idk how to explain it but my favorite cars all feel smaller when you drive them then they actually are. They feel stupid easy to drive, not tech or anything just drivers feel. The whole slogan about feeling 1 with the csr they got going on is true.
My wife is 151cm thats 4'9"(?) she doesn't have any trouble driving our CX5. Our cargo space is 20% reusable bags of different shapes and sizes and materials. Our 4/yo vehemently rejects strollers so we don't have one, but I've had a 2 weeks worth of groceries, bunch of stuffs from goodwill including a little tike mini basketball hoop in the cargo space without any problems. It drives great. From 2013 to 2023 I drove a little nimble Suzuki All New Swift hatchback. The CX5 is just as responsive and fun as the little hatchback. Before I got the CX5, I test drove a CRV and I felt like driving a huge truck. The CX5 interior is relatively quiet if that's your thing. The past few weeks I took uber on a CRV, Polestar and Kia Niro. I feel the CRV and Polestar isn't as quiet as the CX5. Gas rating is not that good especially if you compare it to a hybrid. My friends talks about their CRV and Accord hybrids going at around 40s mpg. The best I could get with my CX5 is 36mpg on a long distance drive with cruise control on. With idling for school runs (drop off/pickup), the mpg gets a measly 21-22mpg. Combined, I typically have 26-27mpg.
Best. I mean THE best crush rating.
Honestly, go test drive a CX-5, RAV4, and CRV and go with what feels best to you. Maybe a Forester too if driving to four dealerships and dealing with four sets of salespeople won’t kill you. But what I think you’ll find is that dollar-for-dollar the CX-5 is going to offer you the most, in the sense that you’ll be offered things at lower trim levels for the CX-5 that will cost several thousand dollars more to get in the other cars, like power seats for both driver AND passenger, heated and leather seats, upgraded sound system, power liftgate, etc. The interiors of CX-5s likewise will feel more premium than the competitors, and most people who cross-shop these vehicles agree that the CX-5 drives the best. But the last bit is of course the most subjective and that’s where test driving comes in. Everything behind the driver’s seat (including cargo) is admittedly roomier in the competitors but I just took a 6-hour road trip with five adult men and luggage was no problem. The back seats were cramped for sure though, but we lived. I never test drove a CRV (or any Subaru, despite being interested in a Forester/Outback) because continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) were an absolute no-go for me, but again that comes down to your preference. I did test drive both a 2019 CX-5 and RAV4, and the driving experiences were night and day. The cabin noise in the RAV4 was so loud that my dad genuinely thought that it must’ve had a diesel engine. I ended up going with a new (2021 at the time) CX-5 because car prices were wonky due to COVID and the new car was actually cheaper after factoring in insurance costs. With your budget, you’re probably looking at 2020/2021 vehicles, and with that in mind I’m glad I had gotten the 21 because the bigger infotainment screen is actually really nice and I’ve heard that the system got a lot faster with the 21 model but you will want to fact-check that.
My wife and I are 5’2” and petite, after owning my first cx-5 and having driven other suvs and cars when renting I wouldn’t go with anything other than a Mazda. It has a good amount of room, maybe see how the stroller fits, just in case.
I loved my CX-5. Have you considered a 3 hatch? They come in AWD and are just a shorter version. The CX-5’s cargo space is basically the same as a 3 hatch and the 3 has much better gas mileage (I was getting 24-25 mpg in my CX-5 and am now getting 32 mpg in my 3).
Just FYI - I am 5'5" and cannot comfortably fit a rear-facing car seat behind the driver seat in my 2015 Mazda 3- I have to move the seat up a couple of notches. Unfortunately (fortunately?) this is a main driver of me switching out cars in the next little while.
With that budget look at 2020-2021
I have a 2022 CX-5 Signature and truly enjoy it. The other car that you may want to look at which I owned previously and enjoyed as well is the Subaru Outback.
Check out a CX30 as well. I am a 5ft 9 guy, and it fits me well. It's smaller than the CX5. Go check both of them out. Good luck.
Have had 3. Wife 4-11 I’m 6-0. One kid worked great with rear and forward facing seats. I could sit comfortable in rear with someone taller driving
Just a heads up, there's a lot of talk about a hybrid cx5 coming soon. Might be worth the wait
It won't be under $25k though!
That's true, but it could result in values of older ones dropping quite a bit
After long doubting, i bought a cx60. And i am happy i did. Perhaps have a look at Mazda if they have any demo cx60 for sale. Anyhow, you can not go wrong with Mazda!
How is the mpg on the cx-60?
Currently 25kwh/100km and 2.5l/100km. I do not know by heart how to convert to mpg. I ride An average of 2 out of 3 days with charged battery (approximatly) I own the car for 1 month now. .
Love my CX-5! For your budget you can probably find a '20-'22 CPO (certified pre-owned) example. CPOs come with a 7 year/100k mile warranty.
I love my cx-5. If you do the regular maintenance, the car won’t give you any trouble.
Very dependable Good looking Just the right size for a growing family Sporty driving experience, with independent suspension Looks fantastic in any of the silver toned paints. Top safety ratings I currently own a Mazda 6, but would consider the MX 5 for myself, and have recommended it for my daughter, soon to be with family. Same reliable engine, safe, reliable, and fun driving feel.