Forester XT or CX-5 2.5 AWD

[Egan101]

^ Thank you for all the feedback! Lots of very useful info. A test drive is a bit difficult now due to my schedule, and the dealers are an hour's drive (I live in the neckadawoods). I'm leaning towards the XT, but the GF likes the CX-5 better. I really appreciate everyone sharing their opinions and experiences!

Motor Image is offering 250k discount for the remaining stocks of the FXT (SJ). If you're not in a hurry, maybe you can check with Mazda when they will bring here the CX5 AWD 2.5L Turbo.

The FXT loves the open roads. It can stretch its legs and still feels planted at twice the normal highway speed limit (if you feel like pushing its limits). One thing annoying is the vehicle control system as it takes over every time it senses it loses traction on any tire. Even with a wet surface (raining), the AWD system will do its best to keep all 4 wheels on the road even if you're driving a bit faster than others. On low traction surfaces (mud or rough terrain), just switch on X-Mode and the vehicle will automatically apply gas and brake input to keep traction (limited to 30 kmh only). I have not used it on very rough terrain but it works on muddy terrain.

[AllenR]

Motor Image is offering 250k discount for the remaining stocks of the FXT (SJ). If you're not in a hurry, maybe you can check with Mazda when they will bring here the CX5 AWD 2.5L Turbo.

The FXT loves the open roads. It can stretch its legs and still feels planted at twice the normal highway speed limit (if you feel like pushing its limits). One thing annoying is the vehicle control system as it takes over every time it senses it loses traction on any tire. Even with a wet surface (raining), the AWD system will do its best to keep all 4 wheels on the road even if you're driving a bit faster than others. On low traction surfaces (mud or rough terrain), just switch on X-Mode and the vehicle will automatically apply gas and brake input to keep traction (limited to 30 kmh only). I have not used it on very rough terrain but it works on muddy terrain.

Yeah, the Mazda dealer near me is offering a 200k discount on the CX-5 AWD, while the Subbie dealer has one remaining XT unit with 300k off. Hard choice, really.

[Walter]

Buy the newer model of the two which would be the Mazda CX-5 ... Better would be to buy the new 2019 Subaru Forester with Eyesight ... Safety first ...

[Egan101]

An American take on the very popular CUVs...

Motortrend CUV Comparison

Please take note that the USDM CRV has the 1.5L turbo engine shared with the Civic RS and Accord.

1ST HONDA CR-V
The start-up chime should be DJ Khaled's "All I Do Is Win."

2ND MAZDA CX-5
Best driver's crossover, with sharp design inside and out.

3RD SUBARU FORESTER
Fix the suspension and give it some horsepower. Then we'll talk.

4TH TOYOTA RAV4
Great design, underwhelming chassis and powertrain.

5TH HYUNDAI TUCSON
A mild update away from top-three contention. Again.

6TH NISSAN ROGUE
Great back seat and cargo package but falls short on quality and refinement.

7TH JEEP CHEROKEE
All the charm of a puppy but with all the drawbacks, too.

8TH CHEVROLET EQUINOX
Feels like it was designed to be rented, not owned.

[hardwang]

2019 Mazda CX5 Turbo | The Best But Not the Brightest - YouTube

Wish Mazda would release this here.

[StockEngine]

An American take on the very popular CUVs...

Motortrend CUV Comparison

Please take note that the USDM CRV has the 1.5L turbo engine shared with the Civic RS and Accord.

1ST HONDA CR-V
The start-up chime should be DJ Khaled's "All I Do Is Win."

2ND MAZDA CX-5
Best driver's crossover, with sharp design inside and out.

3RD SUBARU FORESTER
Fix the suspension and give it some horsepower. Then we'll talk.

4TH TOYOTA RAV4
Great design, underwhelming chassis and powertrain.

5TH HYUNDAI TUCSON
A mild update away from top-three contention. Again.

6TH NISSAN ROGUE
Great back seat and cargo package but falls short on quality and refinement.

7TH JEEP CHEROKEE
All the charm of a puppy but with all the drawbacks, too.

8TH CHEVROLET EQUINOX
Feels like it was designed to be rented, not owned.

Equinox is so new yet the reviews ding it so much. Chevy needs to step up.

Next Gen Rogue and Escape cant come soon enough.

[SpinCycle]

I would also consider the location of the casa where you will have the car maintained. The reason why I stuck with Subaru was that the BGC casa was very convenient for me as it is just walking distance from my office when I still lived in PH. I can just bring the car in the morning to the casa and pick it up after work. Free parking for the day as well

Good luck with your decision! You won't go wrong with either.

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[yebo]

Re cx5, better ask first people in the mazda forums if the issues regarding batteries and transmissions persist. This were the #1 and #2 concerns of cx5 owners before.

[travajante]

Re cx5, better ask first people in the mazda forums if the issues regarding batteries and transmissions persist. This were the #1 and #2 concerns of cx5 owners before.

The recommended EFB & AGM Start/Stop batts remain pricey, but more brands are making theirs available now as it's not only Mazda that requires em. The dealership has ended their special Motolite EFB supply agreement & has now made the nippon made Yuasa Q85(D23) EFB available at Motolite EFB price of around 15k from the previous 25. The 2.2 SkyD uses the larger D31 Q85 batt. That should cost more than the petrol D23s.
Most owners have gotten trickle chargers to keep the batts healthy longer. The model of choice is the CTEK CT5 Start/Stop. Lazada & Blade sells em for about Php6+K. It's a worthy investment that has proven to extend batt life.
The said transmission kinks that may have haunted early gen1 CX5s have been sorted & have not bothered Skyactivs since. We've a high use pre-MzdConnect model '13 CX5 at work that has not had anything but PMS done. It's still running like new.


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[tool_46n2]

My only qualm with the local spec CX-5 is that its made in Malaysia, unlike before it was CBU in Japan.

Otherwise, its a great compact SUV that is great and fun to drive with an interior feel that rivals luxury car brands.