2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Long-Term Road Test

In my view, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are pretty evenly matched. But the driving position in the CX-5 might tip my decision in favor of the Mazda.

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7driver

How does the driving position compare to the Mazda3? For that matter, is the CX5 simply a lifted Mazda3 (or the Mazda3 a slammed CX5)? Or is there more to it than that?

shepski

You'd think that, given that all these Edmunds writers are supposed to be auto enthusiasts, the fact that the CR-V can't be had with a MANUAL transmission would be enough reason alone to not choose one over a CX5.

dougal1098

The CX-5 cabin is set for the driver. The seat, controls and shifters are all designed around the driver. In the CR-V, I found this not to be the case. In addition, and this is going to sound terrible, but the interior of the CR-V feels like it is designed for a 60 year old women. I personally felt that the Honda drove like it was meant for a 60 year old women as well. And yes, I traded in my CR-V for the Mazda.

duck87

Beyond that initial comparison review between the Honda and Mazda, this is one of the few times where any of the editors clearly stated why they'd get the Honda even though the Mazda is supposed to be for the enthusiast driver (or for those who think they are enthusiast drivers... this is a cute-ute after all). So thanks for the additional insight. Are there any other dealbreakers/makers between the two?

metalmania

7driver - I think the CX-5 actually shares its platform with the Mazda 6, not the 3 even though its footprint is closer to the 3. Making it more confusing is that it's sometimes described as driving like a tall 3.

misterfusion

"...I think it's quieter at highway speeds." ... Possibly the first time a Honda has ended up on the positive end of such a comparison. :P

trarmstrong86

Plus, the Mazda looks better.

charmander7

dougal1098 said:

The CX-5 cabin is set for the driver. The seat, controls and shifters are all designed around the driver. In the CR-V, I found this not to be the case. In addition, and this is going to sound terrible, but the interior of the CR-V feels like it is designed for a 60 year old women. I personally felt that the Honda drove like it was meant for a 60 year old women as well. And yes, I traded in my CR-V for the Mazda.

Thanks for the post. I am a 60 yr old women and am trying to decide between the two cars. I'll take a closer look at the Honda. LOL

izzy223

I just traded my Honda CRV for a CX5 and yes slightly because I saw many senior citizen women driving them, lol. I needed my cool factor back. But, I digress. I am searching for comments on the comfort of the driver cloth seating. So far I think I've finding them somewhat uncomfortable and I'm shorter, 5' 5" .

stever

We have lots of Consumer Reviews you can skim through, including some sorted by "shorter" drivers (although you are too tall to make our cut). Maybe you'll get some ideas there - someone is using some sort of wedge device.