Mazda Finally Gives The CX-5 A Turbo

Too big.
Now put that turbo engine into the CX-3 and we're talking!

I drove a CX-5 for 2.5 weeks this summer while on vacation. I was not impressed.

It's basically taking up the market segment that the XT Touring left behind...

I've been a Mazda fan since I had an '07 3, hope they do well with this endeavor to possibly justify some future Mazdaspeed models with that engine.

Looks like it top trim only, nearly $10k more than midtrim XT.

They should do a Sport version at $29,999. That would make it the most powerful sub $30k SUV. With a automatic transmission and no CVT it already has something going for it.

Not a fan..

I considered CX-5 when I was getting my XT and I did test drive twice but for me turbo is not going to change that much. While I like how smaller and cheaper Mazdas feel, I personally didn't get that feeling in CX5.
It was felt bigger from outside but smaller inside, and most importantly glass area were much smaller that Forester. 2.5 NA AWD CX-5 is already as heavy as 2015 XT, putting 2.5t in it will make it even heavier.
XT Premium was special vehicle, I don't see anything close to it on market right now that is not $10k+ more.

Yeah, that's likely going to be a competitor. Not sure what Subaru was thinking dumping the turbo... as there's quite a Suby Fozzy following for this type of vehicle. Will be interesting to see what happens...

This Mazda vehicle, the Ford Edge ST or a Volvo XC60 T6 are on my short list of replacements for the FXT. Wife's budget is up to mid $50k's for something that is fun but not flashy. I really want her to get some sort of AWD wagon (Volvo V60 T6R), but that idea has been tossed out the window. Wife doesn't like sinking into vehicles.

Problem with all the vehicles I have listed, resale wise, they typically fare poorly. Not as worried about that as I once used to be.

With no new FXT, we all got to go somewhere. Wonder how many of us will land on similar automotive forums once the dust settles?

It will be really interesting to see where XT owners will go. For example, many Saab turbo enthusiasts went for Subaru.
There are many 2.0 turbo crossovers in “premium“ class but nothing that can compare with XT utility and with comparable performance.
I will hold onto my XT as long as possible hoping for decent Outback turbo or maybe more offerings in wagons.

Brego said:

Yeah, that's likely going to be a competitor. Not sure what Subaru was thinking dumping the turbo... as there's quite a Suby Fozzy following for this type of vehicle. Will be interesting to see what happens...

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I am sure they gave it more thought with mega more marketing info than we have available to us. I get the feeling Subaru makes very few "bad moves". Like you sid time will tell.


For me its pretty much irrelevant. Iam pushing 72 and wanted the turbo which will last me out til I am ready for a turbo wheelchair. :Banane08:

Myself I am leaning toward the 220hp 2019 RAV4 Hybrid for the mileage and range. The Mini Countryman S 4WD with a 6 speed manual is interesting and a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle. However, expensive and dealers are not close by me.

Shredmo said:

This Mazda vehicle, the Ford Edge ST or a Volvo XC60 T6 are on my short list of replacements for the FXT. Wife's budget is up to mid $50k's for something that is fun but not flashy. I really want her to get some sort of AWD wagon (Volvo V60 T6R), but that idea has been tossed out the window. Wife doesn't like sinking into vehicles.

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I would seriously look at the BMW X3 with low mileage. My friend got an X3 for $41Kwith 4K miles on it. She test drove every high end SUV out there (in the X3 class). Her second choice would have been Volvo.

Nasarog said:

I drove a CX-5 for 2.5 weeks this summer while on vacation. I was not impressed.

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How so? Or, with what feature(s) were you not impressed with? What year CX-5? They have come a long way since their into in 2013 and the early 2.0L FWD Sport CX-5s were slow, but you could get them in a manual.

I can say the same thing about a Forester too, but it would be a very generic statement about a wide range of options.

As an owner of a 2016 Touring, I think it does just fine with its 6AT and AWD. Bottom end Foresters aren't anything special and are not immune to lacklusterness.

adc said:

I would seriously look at the BMW X3 with low mileage. My friend got an X3 for $41Kwith 4K miles on it. She test drove every high end SUV out there (in the X3 class). Her second choice would have been Volvo.

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I'd prefer to look into the X3, but wife doesn't want a status type vehicle. I like that it is RWD biased. The X3 is a great suggestion on this topic.

Shredmo said:

I'd prefer to look into the X3, but wife doesn't want a status type vehicle. I like that it is RWD biased. The X3 is a great suggestion on this topic.

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Details on the new U.S. Q3 will be out before the end of this year.

Beluga said:

It will be really interesting to see where XT owners will go. For example, many Saab turbo enthusiasts went for Subaru.
There are many 2.0 turbo crossovers in “premium“ class but nothing that can compare with XT utility and with comparable performance.
I will hold onto my XT as long as possible hoping for decent Outback turbo or maybe more offerings in wagons.

Click to expand...

When it's time to replace my XT, I'd probably look at the X1/X3, Volvo XC60 or new Acura RDX. Those are sweet crossovers/small SUV's. The Volvo especially is a nice vehicle. Not sure about Volvo reliability though. The CX-5 turbo is nice, but I test drove a CX-5 earlier this year and hated the visibility. It did feel more premium on the inside than the XT. But you can't beat the performance and price point on the XT. Here's hoping Subaru brings back the XT, but I'm not holding my breath.

I may had consider the CX-5 but for some reason the local Mazda dealer suddenly closed meaning any service would have to be done over 60 miles away.
I will probably stick with getting the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid.

I have loved my 2014 Forester with the manual transmission. I had planned on a 2019 XT, but oh heck... I am now seriously considering the new Honda Passport that will be out in two months. It has a 280hp v6 and the lower models will sticker in the low 30s. I sat in the Mazda but it was too claustrophobic compared to what I am used to in the Forester.