zx10guy wrote

I just bought a 2025 CX-5 S Select. Mazda has a redesigned 2026 CX-5 hitting the dealers in the next couple of months or so. There is still lots of 2025 CX-5s out there. Of the choices you've listed, for me, CX-5 hands down. I still can't get over the past engine issues Hyundai/Kia has had along with issues with some of their transmissions.

I know you're not looking for anything luxury, but the materials used in the 2025 CX-5 are high quality with lots of soft touch materials. The Select trim comes standard with heated front seats. The rear seats have a 40/20/40 split design. No CVT with a tried and true 6 speed auto. The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine is also tried and true. If you want more performance, the 2025 can be had with a 2.5L turbo. The infotainment system is a mix between touch when running Android Auto or Car Play with the need to use the "commander knob" for base functions. If you're used to iDrive, you'll be right at home with the commander knob setup.

Mazda is currently offering $2500 cash back on the 2025s. You should be able to get some decent deals as dealers are looking to clear their 2025 inventory.

If you have any specific questions about the CX-5, let me know.

CJ421 wrote

I appreciate the replies! The Mazda seems to be getting the votes.

Thanks for this. My local dealers have tons of 2025's. Did you consider the 2026 model? It looks like they refreshed the outside, but the 2025 still looks nice.
And your Select has the 17" wheels? This seems like a bonus to me since tires are less expensive than the 19" some models come with.

Charles

JeffinOregon wrote

The new CX5 is a step Mazda had to take, and the results will likely be a disaster that may cripple the company long term.

The 2025 version is still available in many areas and is being heavily discounted. The Premium or Signature Turbo models should be sought out. They won’t be coming back.

The segment is now dominated by the CR-V and 2026 RAV4 hybrid models. They are very fuel efficient, generally very reliable, and maintain value better than anything else. The RAV4’s are difficult to find in stock, and may need to be ordered, suggesting that their residual value after purchase should be close to 100%.

At the next level, the X1 really is quite good. With its pricing remaining fairly static, the Japanese players are quickly closing in on its price point.

DanG wrote

If you want something smaller look at the Mazda CX-30.

zx10guy wrote

I've been seeing videos of the 2026 VW Tiguan SEL turbo being a major flop. Lots of complaints about turbo/engine issues. Last I saw, VW is working on some sort of software fix. None of the dealers know what the root of the problems are. I forget the auto journalist that I first saw this. He bought a VW Tiguan SEL turbo with his own money as a long term test mule. I think after a month or two that car developed the issues being complained about. The dealer did him a solid and took the car back and put him in another Tiguan. The last video I saw he did said his second Tiguan is starting to exhibit the same problems as the first.

Alfisti wrote

WHat's a Chevy Blazer like? They look ok but never sat in one.

JeffinOregon wrote

The new CX5 is a step Mazda had to take, and the results will likely be a disaster that may cripple the company long term.

The 2025 version is still available in many areas and is being heavily discounted. The Premium or Signature Turbo models should be sought out. They won’t be coming back.

The segment is now dominated by the CR-V and 2026 RAV4 hybrid models. They are very fuel efficient, generally very reliable, and maintain value better than anything else. The RAV4’s are difficult to find in stock, and may need to be ordered, suggesting that their residual value after purchase should be close to 100%.

At the next level, the X1 really is quite good. With its pricing remaining fairly static, the Japanese players are quickly closing in on its price point.

zx10guy wrote

Hey Charles. I did look into the 2026. The good is the 2026 has increased in size where there's more second row space to allow for bigger people to be more comfortable. The cargo space also increased with the rear seats up and down. I think all the trim levels for 2026 have park distance sensors now. Why the 2026 is a hard pass for me is that huge tablet Mazda dropped on the dash. Pretty much all functions are now through the infotainment system which means no physical HVAC controls or even an actual physical volume knob. Plus all the 2026 trim levels have iStop (auto stop/start of the engine) and cylinder deactivation. I ran across a video of a guy who comes across as a salesman at a dealership (because he mentioned having to inform his clients), that the official launch of the 2026 was delayed for about a month from when Mazda planned to have the cars on dealer lots. He even showed the notice from Mazda. He speculates that it could be a software update that was needed. Some of the press reviews reported some glitches in using various functions of the infotainment. Also, Mazda cheapened the material quality used in the 2026. Lots of comments from press reviewers saying there was lots of hard plastic being used which is a stark contrast to the 2025.

Yes, my Select trim level comes with 17" alloy wheels. I'm of the same mindset as you about being able to get tires cheaper than the 19" alternative. The Preferred trim level also has the 17" wheels. I think the trim levels after Preferred are the 19". Also the extra sidewall to me was welcomed as I think for a compact SUV, the ride quality is a bit on the firm side. The Select trim level has everything I wanted except the outside heated mirrors which my 2019 C-HR LE had that this car replaces.

Also, if you want to avoid iStop and cylinder deactivation with the 2025 models, the base S and Select models are the only trim levels that don't have it. All the trim levels above have it. You can also confirm by looking at the VIN. The 8th digit is the engine code. If it's an L, then no iStop and cylinder deactivation. If it's an M, then it has both.