OT: MMII.... your thoughts on CX5 Touring vs. Grand Touring, please.

[Bob78]

I re-read the thread on CUVs from a few weeks back, and although you endorse the CX5 Touring, you didn't mention the Grand Touring. I realize it comes with the nav package you advise against, but otherwise, are there values in the Grand that the Touring does not offer? Is it not worth the extra money? I do like leather, though, and wifey likes heated seats (oh my!).

We have a CRV, and I agree it's a nice car, in the way that vanilla is a nice flavor for ice cream. Nothing extra-special, but good. It is primarily wifey's car as she drives it 95% of the time it is driven, and she is happy, so I am happy. But now I find that I like the comfort and the feel of a CUV vs. a sedan, and I am looking at the CX5 and the Rogue, in large part due to your opinions. (thanks - a couple of beers are on me sometime).

As for the Rogue - any particular model of the Rogue you recommend?

Thanks much, MMII. Happy motoring.

 

[massimoManca II]

I know enough about Mazda packaging to tell you that the only downside of the Grand Touring , other than the extra sheckels, is usually the non-availabilty of fWD or a stick, bigger wheels (bigger wheels=stupid idea, always),And what likely is factory-nav coming along for the ride.... You probably get access to one orvtwo nicer ext color options and of couse, leather seating.... Throw in some driving lights ....CX5 is a great choice regardless of trim-level.... Remember, Mazda's subscription to minimizing weight (key to its inherent goodness) comes with some sacrifice...A little more tire/road noise in the cabin and a ride that's more firm compared to the snoozer choices... Likewise a negligible difference in cargo room compared to the now-bloated competition....

This post was edited on 4/11 10:04 AM by massimoManca II

 

[massimoManca II]

oh... Yeah... And about the Rogue et al...

I like what Nissan did with the new "mainstreamed" Rogue, apparently so did alot of other people as I read its now the #2 best-selling CUV behind the CRV.... It's a hot product, so dealers are not going to treat you too special right now.... They know there's someone walking in the door behind you to buy that same Rogue you want.... been reading more and more about how fragile Nissan CVTs are, including from people who CLAIM to be Former Nissan service folk... i know Toyota and Honda and Mazda personnel, but not directly wired into any Nissan guys who could throw the BS blanket on such accusations....

Can't say anything bad about the other options out there, including Kia and Hyundai, GM.... Unlike 10yrs ago or so when there were definitely cars that you should run away from... Everyone loves Subaru though as a Subie driver right now I feel there is alot of hype around this brand, was MFing my CVT Legacy just yesterday

As a Fit- owner the forthcoming Honda HR-V might be interesting, though it appears that some of the Fit's goodness (greenhouse/visibility) is sacrificed to butch-up the sheetmetal....
This post was edited on 4/11 10:25 AM by massimoManca II

 

[northwoods]

I would do a free ad for my 2015 CX5 Touring --- exceptional car

I've owned BMW's, Audi's and Volvo's and the Mazda CX5 is actually my favorite. It offers exceptional value at $20,000 less, much less expensive (or frequent) maintenance, hard-to-believe gas mileage (I average almost 30 with the larger engine), and is "just perfect". It has 27,000 miles on it and still looks brand new. The choice between Touring and Grand Touring is purely personal, as the performance will be the same --- it's just a matter, as with most cars, of if you want to load up on the extras. The only option I added was the Bose sound system (which, my one complaint, can't be ordered without a moon roof). I have had no problems (I'll tell you about the Volvo some time), the tires still have plenty of tread, and every aspect of size, utilitarian fit/value and performance is ideal. I absolutely love it.

 

[massimoManca II]

TESTIFY! ***

Nailed it

 

[Bob78]

Thanks very much, both of you. Much appreciated. **

nfm