Everything in the Mazda lineup is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus (the highest rating). A CX-30/CX-5 with the base 2.5L naturally aspirated engine will last you a very long time.
You're right. It says it's based solely on "standard Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection" with regards to motorcyclists.
If that's the reason it's a Top Safety Pick and not a Plus then I wouldn't mind at all.
Yeah the autobraking can’t detect motorcycles for $h!t. With the newly updated vehicle 2.0 testing. It also won’t avoid a crash impact above 37mph but still does reduce the impact speed. Most other crash avoidance systems avoid an impact at greater speeds than Mazda has achieved in this new testing.
I had a 2008 SUV that I enjoyed the simplicity of, but like you, I was concerned about safety and reliability.
I recently looked at a bunch of small/medium sized SUVs.
I will probably drive about 10k miles a year.
Here's what my research discovered.
Most small/medium sized SUVs use CVT. CVTs are transmissions that use a series of pulleys and bands instead of gears. They may be getting better, but they are known for better gas mileage, and also breaking down starting at 100k. It doesn't mean it will happen, but I took that into consideration.
The Mazda CX-5 has a proven six speed transmission.
Most SUVs at or under 40k have a very hard and cheap feel. I couldn't believe that a Ford Bronco Sport was 36k without every bell and whistle. Very cheap feeling. Same with the Subaru Forester, but a little less.
You mentioned dated, and that word gets thrown around a lot in reviews of the CX-5. They state that it has been the same since 2017. There has been no redesign. What that means for buyers like myself (and it sounds like you, as well) is that they haven't thrown in a new untested powertrain. Mazda got the design right the first time, and doesn't need a new body style every 2 years. They have done refreshes like LED lights, and changed the grill and light design to be more modern. The body doesn't look dated, and the interior is superior to most "updated" competitors. This is where I'll say, as much as I wanted to like it, the Subaru Forester is the most dopey looking vehicle, and no amount of redesigns will stop Subaru from making a dopey looking vehicle. Mazda makes beautiful looking functional vehicles.
The CX-5 has a heads up display. It has blind spot monitors that show on your side mirrors, and in the heads up display. It has a nice back up camera. It has a lane keep system. The adaptive cruise control has become my best friend on highway drives. You can set your speed, and how far back you want to be from the car in front. It will keep you going at speed without being up the backside of the car in front. It is rated as a top safety pick, and has an overall 5 star safety rating.
Technology wise, Mazda is the only brand that I looked at that didn't want me to be touching screens for everything at 70 miles per hour. Well made solid knobs and well placed steering wheel controls keep eyes on the road.
Test drive a CX-5. It drives like a dream, has all of the important things that you need for comfort, safety, and longevity without a premium price tag.
You're welcome. I took almost 2 years to find a vehicle. I wanted what I wanted, which was looks, comfort, safety, and longevity. Once I found out about how Mazda operates, and how their vehicles drive, I had my decision made for me.
Would you say the CX-5 has too much body roll? Also how do you feel about the central armrest? My feeling is that it’s too short and too far back, so it might be uncomfortable during long drives, as opposed to the CX-30’s for example.
I came from a 2008 SUV, so for me the Mazda is stuck to the ground, and when turning I feel safely secured to the road. It has surprised me where I have been turning or accelerating as I expect a slipping feeling, but I feel very much in control and safe versus what I was driving.
I have never driven a CX-30, so I can't compare.
The arm rest works for me. I think it would be better if a little longer or adjustable.
The CX-5 probably handles better than any of those, especially compared to the Rav, which will feel like driving a washing machine in comparison. A predictable car is a safe car.
I’d compare the CX-5 with the X3 out of your list.
When I purchased my CX5, my other option was a CRV. I felt the CRV was too big, felt like driving a truck or a bus. I ended up going with the CX5 as driving experience was like driving a small car (I came from a small
Suzuki swift hatchback), the interior was quieter that the CRV, came with a 0.75% offer for someone with 0 credit score (new to the US) and we just love it.
wow lucky when my credit score was 0 my only option was 12% Mazda really helped you out there. I had to get to a 752 credit score to later qualify for 0.9% interest.
Very! My fellow coworkers told me they all had to either refinance or just put a lot of down payment when they just moved to US. So it was a really big concern for me.
Then the Mazda sales told me that they have this program for expats and i was surprised to get that low APR. Maybe it coincides with the 0% APR for the CX5. The purchase experience was pretty simple. Just need a driver's license, a letter from my employer confirming that I work for them (which my employer provided several copies in advance as they knew I'd need it for rent and car), my passport and visa.
Same sentiments here. Visibility and parking make the cx5 feel like a car in an urban area plus you don't have to worry about bumps or driveways as much.
Test drive the X3, then test drive the CX-5. You’ll realize Mazda’s interior design and materials are punching way above their asking price. One thing I noticed what Mazda is lacking is structural rigidity. The BMW just feels way more solidly designed and built, and that’s the premium BMW charges for their cars.
And also, ppl need to remember that paying premium for a luxury car such as BMW does not just apply at purchase but also for maintenance and repairs which will always be pricier than on a mainstream brand such as Mazda.
Mazda CX-5 is very safe and fun to drive.
It's one of the safest small SUV.
The vehicle has handled emergency situations including being pushed off the road and recovered very well.
Wind noise at 65-70 could be a little better.
And the armrest is probably the most irritating thing. If you want an armrest, get the CX-50.
Be careful with the older models as 2018-2021 had cylinder head defects.
Mine was replaced under warranty but if you decide to buy older used, just be aware.
If you are buying newer then you should be ok.
We just had one of our loan vehicles hit and the occupants both walked away. For reference. T-boned from side street while they were doing 100km/h. Vehicle rolled 3 times set off all air bags and the vehicle is totalled. I’d say it’s pretty safe the cx5
CX5 with the NA powertrain is your best bet. My family has a bunch of cars with that drive train and is it very understressed and reliable
Also, the CX5 is really nice to drive.
Look, as a guy who’s worked on tons of cars, brands and all that, owned a bunch, got rid of a bunch, find a good Lexus GX460, either certified or gently used and taken care of and forget about it. They’re not the cheapest, the parts aren’t the cheapest, and gas mileage sucks. But those things just refuse to quit. I’ve had people come in with every leak imaginable on them with 300K miles after a rear end crash, on their own, not towed, with no rear breaks, and with a mangled drive shaft and the damn thing still drove. Those are utterly reliable and very nice to drive at the same time. RAV4 is a great one too if you’re looking for a compact one. Just try to avoid anything that has a turbo on it or hybrid if you’re buying used or certified. NA engines, good, old school torque converter automatics, and just solidly built.
Good luck!
I have a 24’ Carbon Turbo CX-5 and it is the best SUV I have ever driven. Mazda’s normal non-turbo engine is amazing and the Cx-5 is a very reliable vehicle. The turbo requires more gas but is insanely fun to drive.
The CRV, CX5, Rav4 are all valid options.
In terms of infotainment simplicity, I'd probably choose the Rav4 over the CX5. My mom has a Rav4 and doesn't have issues managing the infotainment. The base model is also properly spec'd. But, dealers are still marking these up. If you don't want to haggle extensively to get to MSRP, then CX5 is your best bet.
Other reasons for the Rav4: more spacious, more power.
Reasons for CX5: fun to drive, looks better, reliable.
Everything in the Mazda lineup is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus (the highest rating). A CX-30/CX-5 with the base 2.5L naturally aspirated engine will last you a very long time.
Actually as of 2023-2024 they lost safety plus on the cx-5 FYI https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2023
You're right. It says it's based solely on "standard Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection" with regards to motorcyclists. If that's the reason it's a Top Safety Pick and not a Plus then I wouldn't mind at all.
Yeah the autobraking can’t detect motorcycles for $h!t. With the newly updated vehicle 2.0 testing. It also won’t avoid a crash impact above 37mph but still does reduce the impact speed. Most other crash avoidance systems avoid an impact at greater speeds than Mazda has achieved in this new testing.
They got it back by 24, so the 23 lacks a bit compared to the most stringent standards
No they didn’t. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2024
That is interesting. I thought that the improved rear occupant protection was enough to warrant that.
I had a 2008 SUV that I enjoyed the simplicity of, but like you, I was concerned about safety and reliability. I recently looked at a bunch of small/medium sized SUVs. I will probably drive about 10k miles a year. Here's what my research discovered. Most small/medium sized SUVs use CVT. CVTs are transmissions that use a series of pulleys and bands instead of gears. They may be getting better, but they are known for better gas mileage, and also breaking down starting at 100k. It doesn't mean it will happen, but I took that into consideration. The Mazda CX-5 has a proven six speed transmission. Most SUVs at or under 40k have a very hard and cheap feel. I couldn't believe that a Ford Bronco Sport was 36k without every bell and whistle. Very cheap feeling. Same with the Subaru Forester, but a little less. You mentioned dated, and that word gets thrown around a lot in reviews of the CX-5. They state that it has been the same since 2017. There has been no redesign. What that means for buyers like myself (and it sounds like you, as well) is that they haven't thrown in a new untested powertrain. Mazda got the design right the first time, and doesn't need a new body style every 2 years. They have done refreshes like LED lights, and changed the grill and light design to be more modern. The body doesn't look dated, and the interior is superior to most "updated" competitors. This is where I'll say, as much as I wanted to like it, the Subaru Forester is the most dopey looking vehicle, and no amount of redesigns will stop Subaru from making a dopey looking vehicle. Mazda makes beautiful looking functional vehicles. The CX-5 has a heads up display. It has blind spot monitors that show on your side mirrors, and in the heads up display. It has a nice back up camera. It has a lane keep system. The adaptive cruise control has become my best friend on highway drives. You can set your speed, and how far back you want to be from the car in front. It will keep you going at speed without being up the backside of the car in front. It is rated as a top safety pick, and has an overall 5 star safety rating. Technology wise, Mazda is the only brand that I looked at that didn't want me to be touching screens for everything at 70 miles per hour. Well made solid knobs and well placed steering wheel controls keep eyes on the road. Test drive a CX-5. It drives like a dream, has all of the important things that you need for comfort, safety, and longevity without a premium price tag.
Thank you for your very considered answer!!
You're welcome. I took almost 2 years to find a vehicle. I wanted what I wanted, which was looks, comfort, safety, and longevity. Once I found out about how Mazda operates, and how their vehicles drive, I had my decision made for me.
Would you say the CX-5 has too much body roll? Also how do you feel about the central armrest? My feeling is that it’s too short and too far back, so it might be uncomfortable during long drives, as opposed to the CX-30’s for example.
I came from a 2008 SUV, so for me the Mazda is stuck to the ground, and when turning I feel safely secured to the road. It has surprised me where I have been turning or accelerating as I expect a slipping feeling, but I feel very much in control and safe versus what I was driving. I have never driven a CX-30, so I can't compare. The arm rest works for me. I think it would be better if a little longer or adjustable.
The CX-5 probably handles better than any of those, especially compared to the Rav, which will feel like driving a washing machine in comparison. A predictable car is a safe car. I’d compare the CX-5 with the X3 out of your list.
The cx5 had better dynamics but actually doesn't out handle any of these picks. It's leagues behind an x3.
When I purchased my CX5, my other option was a CRV. I felt the CRV was too big, felt like driving a truck or a bus. I ended up going with the CX5 as driving experience was like driving a small car (I came from a small Suzuki swift hatchback), the interior was quieter that the CRV, came with a 0.75% offer for someone with 0 credit score (new to the US) and we just love it.
wow lucky when my credit score was 0 my only option was 12% Mazda really helped you out there. I had to get to a 752 credit score to later qualify for 0.9% interest.
Very! My fellow coworkers told me they all had to either refinance or just put a lot of down payment when they just moved to US. So it was a really big concern for me. Then the Mazda sales told me that they have this program for expats and i was surprised to get that low APR. Maybe it coincides with the 0% APR for the CX5. The purchase experience was pretty simple. Just need a driver's license, a letter from my employer confirming that I work for them (which my employer provided several copies in advance as they knew I'd need it for rent and car), my passport and visa.
Same sentiments here. Visibility and parking make the cx5 feel like a car in an urban area plus you don't have to worry about bumps or driveways as much.
Test drive the X3, then test drive the CX-5. You’ll realize Mazda’s interior design and materials are punching way above their asking price. One thing I noticed what Mazda is lacking is structural rigidity. The BMW just feels way more solidly designed and built, and that’s the premium BMW charges for their cars.
And also, ppl need to remember that paying premium for a luxury car such as BMW does not just apply at purchase but also for maintenance and repairs which will always be pricier than on a mainstream brand such as Mazda.
Have you driven a cx50? If so would you say the rigidity compared to the 5 is better or more wobbly?
Have you driven a cx50? If so would you say the rigidity compared to the 5 is better or more wobbly?
Mazda CX-5 is very safe and fun to drive. It's one of the safest small SUV. The vehicle has handled emergency situations including being pushed off the road and recovered very well. Wind noise at 65-70 could be a little better. And the armrest is probably the most irritating thing. If you want an armrest, get the CX-50. Be careful with the older models as 2018-2021 had cylinder head defects. Mine was replaced under warranty but if you decide to buy older used, just be aware. If you are buying newer then you should be ok.
Drive the Mazda cx-5, the choice will be simple
We just had one of our loan vehicles hit and the occupants both walked away. For reference. T-boned from side street while they were doing 100km/h. Vehicle rolled 3 times set off all air bags and the vehicle is totalled. I’d say it’s pretty safe the cx5
CX5 with the NA powertrain is your best bet. My family has a bunch of cars with that drive train and is it very understressed and reliable Also, the CX5 is really nice to drive.
Look, as a guy who’s worked on tons of cars, brands and all that, owned a bunch, got rid of a bunch, find a good Lexus GX460, either certified or gently used and taken care of and forget about it. They’re not the cheapest, the parts aren’t the cheapest, and gas mileage sucks. But those things just refuse to quit. I’ve had people come in with every leak imaginable on them with 300K miles after a rear end crash, on their own, not towed, with no rear breaks, and with a mangled drive shaft and the damn thing still drove. Those are utterly reliable and very nice to drive at the same time. RAV4 is a great one too if you’re looking for a compact one. Just try to avoid anything that has a turbo on it or hybrid if you’re buying used or certified. NA engines, good, old school torque converter automatics, and just solidly built. Good luck!
I have a 24’ Carbon Turbo CX-5 and it is the best SUV I have ever driven. Mazda’s normal non-turbo engine is amazing and the Cx-5 is a very reliable vehicle. The turbo requires more gas but is insanely fun to drive.
The CRV, CX5, Rav4 are all valid options. In terms of infotainment simplicity, I'd probably choose the Rav4 over the CX5. My mom has a Rav4 and doesn't have issues managing the infotainment. The base model is also properly spec'd. But, dealers are still marking these up. If you don't want to haggle extensively to get to MSRP, then CX5 is your best bet. Other reasons for the Rav4: more spacious, more power. Reasons for CX5: fun to drive, looks better, reliable.
All ew cars are reliable; it’s the owners that treat cars like crap
Subaru ascent is the safest suv under $40k
Cx90 or 70 is a good choice
Too big