quote:

Originally posted by JonDaddy82:
Of the list provided, I'll vote Mazda CX-5. No CVT of the Subaru and Honda, and not as boring as the RAV4.

Bummer, just looked & the 6MT is not longer an option on the Crosstrek.

That said, the Subaru CVT is quite good.
Had a rental Impreza & my parents have a Outback XT
Both drive really well.

RAV4s are great cars.

How great?

Counting my kids, we are a 4 Hybrid RAV4 family as of last month, just picked up our second 2024. First two we bought in 2016 and 2017, and after getting our new ones, our kids inherited those and are quite happy with them.

The hybrids are AWD (motors on all wheels) which may be more important in PA than it is down here, but is still nice. It is also nice getting 40+MPG on a decent sized SUV.

Great safety features available, and the usual crazy-good Toyota reliability.

Sounds like you're familiar with the Mazda and Hondas - I'd suggest you drive a RAV4 and see how it compares to what you know - they're good vehicles too.

I drive mine in the default mode, but they do have a 'sports' mode with better acceleration but lower MPG, so if 'boring' would be a potential issue for you, do the test drive in 'sports' mode.

quote:

Originally posted by joel9507:
I drive mine in the default mode, but they do have a 'sports' mode with better acceleration but lower MPG, so if 'boring' would be a potential issue for you, do the test drive in 'sports' mode.

That only changes the gearing in the transmission. It doesn't do anything with the suspension. You have to get into some expensive luxury vehicles before sport mode adjusts steering and suspension.

We had a Mazda CX-5 for a month while on vacation this past Spring.

I'm not familiar with what they have in the others, but I thought the Mazda was a little underpowered.

That being said, I don't know the trim level we were provided, but I was impressed by the CX-5. Good fit and finish, and lots of nice features. If a higher powered version was available, I would have no problem getting the Mazda.

I can’t speak to an SUV but I’ve owned four Mazda’s. Still own a 2002 Miata. All bulletproof.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

Other note: The CX-5 does not have a touchscreen. It uses a rotary dial on the center console to navigate its infotainment system, or you can use your phone if you're connected via Bluetooth or Apple Carplay/Android Auto. This lack of a touchscreen is a deliberate choice by Mazda, and frankly I prefer it, along with the CX-5's less obtrusive infotainment screen. It took me less than a day for the dial to become second nature. But if you absolutely insist on having a giant touchscreen tablet parked in the middle of your dashboard, the CX-5 may get ruled out here.

I posted my comment before reading the thread. Rogue really nails it with his comments.

I'll also weigh in re the infotainment system on the Mazda. I too liked not having a touchscreen. I found Mazda's infotainment system very intuitive. Since it was a rental, I was not going to bother reading the owner's manual. So, I just plugged in my iPhone and started navigating the system and CarPlay through trial and error. It did not take long before I had the hang of it.

Wife has a 2021 Forester.

Things I don't care for.
Seats - cushion is too short. Feel like I am sliding out of it on passenger side toward floor.

Lack of padding in door where my knee rests against it.

Steering feedback is vague and I get the distinct impression that any emergency steering at speed would roll it.

May be the stock Ecopia tires.


The CVT is mostly good but does not coast at low speed like a conventional automatic.

Wish I didn't have to pay for the sunroof.

Greatly dislike the automatic dimming mirrors

Greatly prefer driving my old Camry - but, it's not my car

Only downside of the CX5 I know of is slightly smaller than competitors, poor gas mileage due to the 6 speed transmission, and some plastic on the engine that probably should be metal. Probably could get a better deal as inventory is higher Honda or Toyota

Honda never fixed the oil dilution problem , but that may affect all cars now. At one time, they also had trouble keeping the cabin warm

Chrysler,Dodge,Jeep, And Ram in financial trouble with Ford going next. Both have extreme number of recalls

Good luck

PS' All those are compacts. Midsize you have to move up to Passport/Pilot/Highlander

My wife drives a hybrid Rav4 and the only thing I don't like about it is that it is a little loud on the highway. The drive system is seamless and she routinely gets over 45 MPG

They are all good vehicles, I had a CRV that went to 300k. I have had 5 Subarus, 4 Toyotas if you include the wife's Lexus and a slew of Mazdas. I really believe that you get a lot of bang for the dollar with Mazdas. They are always my first recommendation for people.

I'm on my second CR-V. First was a 2019 bought brand new. Got it to 200,000 before an accident that the insurance company totaled it even though I was still driving it after the accident. All I ever did was oil and filter changes, tires, and 1 set of brakes.

I took the $14k State Farm gave me and found a 2020 CR-V with 10,000 miles on it for $28k.

Both 2WD, and both averaging 38 mpg overall.

I might get another before Honda screws something up with the next generation.

I bought my daughter a new 2020 Impreza sedan when she turned 18. It's 4 years old now and passing 50k miles. We've had no issues. The Crosstrek is basically a lifted Impreza wagon is my guess. A lot of the parts are the same. My son is about to turn 18 so he's going to get the Impreza and I'm buying my daughter a new Crosstrek.

My husband and I are 20 year Toyota owners and switched to Mazda in December. I LOVE MY CX-5

We have owned 2 camry's a scion FRS (still own) and most recently a RAV4. The Rav4 was a 2015 and as with all the Toyotas was very reliable. I average 20+K miles a year so they get used and my RAV4 had 160+K miles on it when I traded her in. Up until that point it was mostly regular maintenance, however she was starting to show her age and getting ready to need some more significant work to keep her in top condition.

I had every intent on buying another RAV4 but almost 4 years post Covid our dealerships still had almost no cars. Even as recent at last month they are still charging a dealer premium/market adjustment on almost every Toyota on the lot. We looked at Honda (same thing - no cars and a dealer market adjustment) Hyundai, Kia, Ford and found a couple that we were narrowing it down to as we searched when a friend said "Have you thought about Mazda?"

I started doing the research and was really impressed by what Mazda offered for the money. We liked the CX-5 and the 50 and both had some pros and cons between the 2. The 50 had better cargo space in the rear, but sat lower, drove harder and just didn't feel as good as the 5. We started looking in October and when they offered 3 months deferred payments, 5 years at 0% (plus and additional 6 months because I had great credit) it became a no brainer. We were looking at a CX-5 Preferred trim but by the time I added all the little extras like mud flaps, all weather mats etc the Carbon with it's Bose stereo, black trim, red leather interior was only a few dollars different and had the extras I wanted.

Here is what I noticed switching over...

1. The CX-5 is so much quieter than the RAV4 when driving, even with the larger tires. Toyota's don't seem to have any sound insulation and you hear the road. This is not only noticable to the drive in general, but also people when you talk on the phone.
2. The CX-5 seats a more comfortable for me. (This is my first car with leather and I love it!)
3. The RAV4 had much better air conditioning. Mazda needs to beef up there AC - my Toyota was always set at 74 or 76 and the car was cool if not cold. I keep my Mazda set at 68 and usually have to drop the temp down on and off to get the car comfortable. I live in Florida so AC is very important. The AC is probably the 1 thing I miss.
4. The CX-5 handles very well and is responsive, maybe a little better than the RAV4 but both were good. I will say the RAV4 had slightly better pick up initially, but after only a slight delay on the Mazda it is much better over all on the get up and go. (I have a non-turbo)
5. I may be one of the odd ones here - but I like the dial option on the digital display/stereo/android auto. I saw someone here mention there is no touch screen, but that is only partially true. Regular Mazda features are not touch screen, but if you use apple car play/android auto it is touch screen - you just have to change your settings.
6. MPG - I get about the same. I commute and have bumper to bumper traffic for most my commute so even though it is a highway I get city mileage.

For the money I spent, I feel I got so much more with my Mazda than I would with any other brand. You can't compare apples to apples since each brand has different features as standard, but by my research I would have spent almost $10K more on a new RAV4 to match what I have in my CX-5.

You own a Mazda so you know it's reliability. I don't think you could go wrong with any of your choices, but you have my vote for a CX-5.

Let us know what you decide.

quote:

We happen to be on a trip right now and have a RAV4 rental. I’m glad we got it because it allowed us to cross it off of our consideration list.

We had exactly that experience. However: I have read that the RAV4 Hybrid is a completely different kettle of fish, with more power and quieter. The Mazda CX-50 I had as a loaner while my CX-90 was being serviced was a delight to drive, even better than the CX-5. In 2025 there will be a CX-50 hybrid with the same engine and drivetrain as the RAV4 Hybrid.

If considering a hybrid (not plug-in), you might want to wait for the CX-50 and see how reviews are on that. If I were in the market for a small SUV/CUV, I would seriously look at the CX-50 hybrid.

Regarding the CR-V: we did not like the previous generation (2018) when we test drove it; but we rode in a CR-V hybrid in a Lyft ride recently, and found it quiet, smooth and comfortable; the owner loved it. Certainly the appearance of the new CR-V is miles ahead of the older generations; it looks like a VW or BMW.

I am a fan of:

Edmunds.com

Here is their small SUV Rarings:

https://www.edmunds.com/suv/#small-suvs

Good luck!

If you like older vehicles, and can find a low mileage one; I am a big fan of the older Toyota RAV4 2007-2012 with the powerful V6 engine. Many say it has decent off-road capabilities and the V6 is just as strong as the 4Runners. Also look at Lexus as it has the Toyota equivalent too. God Bless !!!

OK for shits and giggles I am going add ONE American make here:

Ford Bronco

Anyone have one? I really like the look and the size and they look to have decent visibility unlike 80% of these jellybean-on-wheels looking small SUV's now. Hows the performance and reliability so far?

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
OK for shits and giggles I am going add ONE American make here:

Ford Bronco

Anyone have one? I really like the look and the size and they look to have decent visibility unlike 80% of these jellybean-on-wheels looking small SUV's now. Hows the performance and reliability so far?

Big Bronco? Or the Escape based Bronco Sport?

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
OK for shits and giggles I am going add ONE American make here:

Ford Bronco

Anyone have one? I really like the look and the size and they look to have decent visibility unlike 80% of these jellybean-on-wheels looking small SUV's now. Hows the performance and reliability so far?

Big Bronco? Or the Escape based Bronco Sport?

I guess the smaller one

I have a Bronco Sport Badlands with the Turbo 2l motor. Fantastic vehicle - very comfortable, great visibility. We like it a lot more than our 2023 Outback XT. Drive one.

I drove four Bronco Sport / Escape platform cars. The Bronco Sport was a nice driver IF you get the 4 cylinder 2.0 engine. The 1.5 3 cylinder engines don't match up with the transmission nearly as well.

I ended up with an Escape Titanium just because I couldn't find a 4 cylinder Bronco Sport.