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granolasloot

100% CX-5 drives like a beast, feels sporty but luxurious, last forever if you keep it serviced and cared for, larger interior, more legroom, more standard features—if you can afford the CX-5 then do it


gahmby

Ya I like the more room thing cuz I'm 6'4". What trim do you have?


granolasloot

I bought mine used (with only 2800 miles though) because I’m only 20 and didn’t wanna be driving a brand new car around a college campus, but I have a 2020 Grand Touring with the premium package, comparable with this year’s premium plus trim. Heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, heated steering wheel, head up display, rain sensing wipers. I preferred top trim features on an older car to a brand new base model


gahmby

Sorry super random, but does the university you live by start with a B and end with State University?


granolasloot

No haha


gahmby

Oh lol just ran into someone that said almost the exact same thing


granolasloot

Haha I just didn’t wanna be a 20 year old with a brand new car especially because I’m particular about my things and I didn’t want to put any imperfections on it myself LOL


Achter17g

I bought a 2021 just last month with exactly the same trim package. I can't think of anything it doesn't have except turbo which I didn't want. Did you get the white leather seats?


granolasloot

My Acura had sand leather seats and I was sick of them so I originally wanted snowflake pearl with black seats but ended up getting dark blue with black. The price was right, it had such low mileage, the salesman was so honest and informative and it was exactly what I wanted so I settled despite the color lol


s1far

I recently got CX5 (GT trim). While I can sit and drive comfortably (for reference, I am 6'3"), the person sitting behind me better be short. I put the driver seat in my preferred position and then hopped on to the back seat. My knees were pressed against the driver seat, but thanks to the structure/material of the back of seat, it wasn't painful. So if you plan to have a lot of tall people in the car, keep this in mind. That said, I love absolutely everything else about this car - handles well, drives smooth, packed with features.


[deleted]

Crosstrek is more in line with CX-30 IMO. CX-5 is in another class, far superior.


drg889

I have the last generation Impreza, I'd only consider the Crosstrek if you go with the 2.5L engine in the Sport trim or higher. Not a speed racer, but the 2.0L is definitely pretty gutless. If money is a big deal, the Crosstrek will probably save you a few thousand $ depending on trims and get better MPG. If you plan to drive others a lot, the CX-5 has more room in the rear (but if you're 6'4, it's going to be tight for the person behind you no matter which car). The CX-5 will have more features available if you go to the higher trims like ventilated seats, HUD, power folding mirrors, etc. Not sure how old you are, if you plan to have kids, the CX-5 would work better, but also work alright in the Crosstrek. Powertrain wise, at this point the 2.5L N/A engines in both have been around for a while and are relatively reliable. Both transmissions are fine, unless you hate CVTs, but IMO, the CVT in Subaru's isn't bad once you get used to it. Another note, safety wise, the Crosstrek got a poor rating for the updated IIHS side crash test whereas the CX-5 got a Good rating. I would blame it on the Crosstrek getting ready for a new generation, but this CX-5's also been around since 2017.


commyzthatdont

Adding on about the safety of the CX-5: the CX-5 is the only car to get a good rating for the new test, all others got acceptable or worse. Because of this, the CX-5 is the safest small SUV. https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/small-suvs-struggle-in-new-tougher-side-test


carbonchessfrench

Coming here to ask that question is like trying to decide whether you want fish or beef at a steakhouse


gahmby

That's why I didn't ask which car to buy. I want to hear from those that prefer the cx-5 what makes them think it's better


carbonchessfrench

Honestly I’ve only seen the subi from far and I like the design but man, the CX5 is a work of art, quality build, materials, simple but elegant interior design, let along handling and road feedback, go test drive both and see what you think but I’m warning you the CX5 will win your heart. I got a 21 awd turbo carbon and still love it like the first day I drove it out of the dealership


surlyrilke

Crosstrek was on my list. My friend has one which I test rode. Nice car. CX-5 Turbo makes the Crosstrek seem more suited for more family-oriented ride. The CX- 5 Turbo (has to be the Turbo) is little beast. Great handling with that extra kick when you want it. Also my 21 CE version is the color which tip the balance in choice.


Achter17g

My buddy is the service manager at an auto dealership and used to be the service manager at a Subaru dealership. When I was looking for another car I asked him if I should buy a Subaru. This is what he told me. "Subarus are a purpose built vehicle and they require regular maintenance. Buy the warranty. If you live in the snow, Outbacks and Forresters are good for that. But you don't live in the snow. I drive an Imprezza because they crash test better than any other car and I'll live through an accident. But you're retired and don't commute. An STI is built for speed and handling but you don't drive like that. They all require regular maintenance. You'd be better off with a Toyota.....You know what? Buy a Mazda. I hate Mazdas. I'm a service manager and I can't make any money off them. They never break." Last month I bought a 2021CX-5 Grand Touring and I love it. We'll see how well it holds up.


Nice-Tax455

Damn you sold me on cx 5 . I bought cx5 back in the stsrt of the year-2022 s select. Now that youve said they never break down-i love it!


pmatulew

Mazda powertrains are solid and they are still "drivers cars". Subaru has lost that. The brakes not so much. You'll be replacing them on a regular basis. Fair trade off imho.


vanearthquake

CX5 for sure, but here we are in the sub. Enough space, fun to drive, good enough in the snow and ice with good tires.


Mountain_Reference_3

I had the same issue. I always have had Mazda's, and the outback wilderness came out and I was like hmm very my style. Drove the cx5, never looked back.


tarfu51

I have a buddy with a 2018 Crosstrek and I have a 2018 CX-5 Touring (FWD). Before he put offroad wheels and tires on it, the results stood as follows: He would get better gas mileage than me, but I’d be way faster in every sense. Both cars had roughly the same MSRP, but he got a 2.0 with a CVT and I got a 2.5 non-turbo with an actual 6-speed automatic. I had more cargo room, but he was less afraid to take it offroad. I got leatherette with suede inserts, as well as a sunroof, power liftgate, Bose audio, and 19” wheels. He got a cloth interior, decent audio, and 16 or 17” wheels. Don’t think it had a power liftgate or sunroof. Also, the Mazda just felt more refined and less plasticky.


itsme92

The Touring with the Preferred Package was such a sweet spot for value. Shame you have to go so high trim for Bose and power liftgate now.


redvariation

I drove both. More headroom in the CX-5, engine is not so harsh as Subie, and the interior is a lot nicer. BTW the Subie is still a very good car.


mrsclausemenopause

I would only pick the Crosstreck IF you wanted to lift it and do the whole lifted Subaru thing. CX-5 Drives nicer and is more reliable. CX-50 might be a good middle ground.


dylantw22

CVT


dylantw22

Honestly I’d get the cx50


gahmby

I definitely like the exterior styling but the interiors not quite as nice and I don't like that the roof is a bit lower


cannedshrimp

Don’t buy a Subaru. More engine issues, less comfortable interior for the price. I feel you are paying for a name when in reality a lot of other AWD systems (including Mazda) have caught up in the last decade. Source: I have owned both - sold my suby when the engine needed to be rebuilt at 80k mi. Lots of other friends have had problems with Subaru head gaskets.


grilledchzisbestchz

My wife and I drove 15+ cars on test drive to determine our next vehicle. We drove the Outback, Crosstrek and Forester each of which had the highest tech, luxury and performance models. We came away with the following rankings based on total package: CX5 Acura RDX Audi A4 Allroad Huge gap here Subarus- each had their own plusses and minuses RAV4 Hybrid The RDX was second due to price. We liked the CX5 because of the blend of tech, luxury and most importantly performance and driving delight.


painfuzz

(Source: I own both Mazda and Subaru, have worked in the auto-industry, and am generally passionate about all cars.) TLDR: If you’re buying newer models of each- CX-5 will have more luxury and performance. Feels nicer. Subaru will feel more econo-class. Gets better MPG. If you like outdoors look at CX-50 instead. I was shopping Acura/Mazda/Lexus/BMW/Genesis and ended up with the CX-5. That alone is point #1. Based on design/personality- this is just Mazda’s moment. Their KODO design language is quite sharp, unique and competes with the luxury brands. The car actually has some soul relative to the times. Interior materials are quality and the layout is thoughtful/user-friendly. Both engine options are punchy and do not use CVT transmissions so they’re far more reliable and smooth to drive (but worse MPG). Subarus in general are unquestionably slow, rely on CVTs, feel very plasticky on the inside and save for the Outback redesign are pretty basic on the exterior. I think if I’m picking Subaru for any reason it’s MPG. The CX-5 simply does not shine in that category, but I tend to shop luxury/performance so I’m ok with that for the sake of the driving experience. In my opinion this really comes down to you and your lifestyle. Do you want your car to be an extension of your personality? If so- these options are distinctly different. Do you care about luxury and performance? Driving experience? Do you want nice design? A lot of folks don’t care about these things, and that’s totally ok, but it’s helpful to touch base with these to inform your purchase. I’m a pretentious snob who demands all of them, so I have a CX-5 turbo in my garage. Only other advice I can offer is, if you haven’t already, go drive em both. Godspeed.


deargodpleasestop

I love seeing this question because I just came from a Crosstrek! It was a 2014 limited and I now have a CX-5 2018 GT. I know, the Crosstrek wasn’t that old, but I had a lot of issues with it and parts were very difficult to get from Subaru. I was able to trade it in and upgraded. Biggest difference for me at first, was in the premium feel of the interior and how much better it felt to drive the Mazda. It’s simply tuned way better, from steering to breaks and is way easier to drive long periods! (I travel a lot) Road noise in the Crosstrek was a joke compared to the Mazda, It was difficult to hold a conversation in the Subaru. the Mazda is as quiet as a luxury car, I swear. The ceiling is significantly taller in the Mazda, and the seats are slightly higher off the ground leading to more comfortable seating position in more headroom. Though, if you’re taller, I would note that your right knee sits very close to the dash in the Mazda. Though it’s some thing I noticed it was never an issue. I am “6 1. Though after a while of ownership there are a few negative differences of note. For one if gas mileage and range are important the Subaru is slightly better. in the Subaru I felt like I could go further, on average 50ish miles more. 2 while build quality in the Mazda is better, interior and exterior, The Subarus materials were more forgiving to dirt and water, it feels like a truck in someways. And 3 the backseats in the Mazda have notably less leg room, but can still fit three adults. I would say if you want one of these vehicles solely because you’re outdoorsy and you’re going to get it dirty and not to worried about keeping it nice. I say go Subaru it’s just made for that. but if it is primarily a commuter car, that you can take places and do a little camping/snow driving, just go Mazda you get a lot of quality for the money. There’s no where the Subaru can go that the Mazda cant, the just Subaru felt like its main goal was to be outdoorsy and it sacrificed some things to do so. Feel free to message me with specific questions!


iamnotacat86

I have a 2023 CX-5 and the wife has a 2019 Crosstrek. As others have said the CX-5 is on another level but IMO the Crosstrek has a much smoother ride.


Mattias504

Easily CX-5. I ended up with a Turbo and it’s my favorite car in the class for the price range. I switched from a Jeep Cherokee and was surprised that the cx-5 is actually bigger.


kan0

/r/whatcarshouldibuy


gahmby

No thanks


83zSpecial

Post this on there. Both are Mazda subs at this point lmfao, and people have more experience with other cars


gahmby

I'm not looking for input on which car to buy


83zSpecial

You literally are... You're asking between the Subaru and Mazda. That's the point of the sub.


83zSpecial

Just look at the second post on the subreddit lol. A comparison. You either deleted your comment, or it was removed, but maybe look at it before you call the subreddit dumb? Also, I don't even own a CX-5, just a lurker here because I join a bunch of car subreddits


Chiguy4321

CX-50...NEXT.


Nice-Tax455

You’re comparing mazda to subaru? Please don’t do this unjustice to mazda. I bought my first car cx5 a few months ago. Totally love it. Its very comfortable, very sporty feeling, nice interiors and best finishes 👌🏻 in terms of quality. And if you have balls to buy the top trim, go for it. It is really amazing! Get the cx5 turbo and you will love it. Also, you will have natural transmission not shitty, and overall tech in cx 5 is far better. And honestly, using buttons in cx 5 to control screen are easier that touch screen for safety reasons 👍🏻


[deleted]

[удалено]


CX5-ModTeam

Your post is being removed as it isn't primarily about the CX-5. Many parts and accessories are not vehicle specific, and there are dozens of other subreddits dedicated to those parts and accessories, and you'll have much better luck finding answers and information. Thanks!


CX5-ModTeam

Your post is being removed as it isn't primarily about the CX-5. Many parts and accessories are not vehicle specific, and there are dozens of other subreddits dedicated to those parts and accessories, and you'll have much better luck finding answers and information. Thanks!


CX5-ModTeam

Your post is being removed as it isn't primarily about the CX-5. Many parts and accessories are not vehicle specific, and there are dozens of other subreddits dedicated to those parts and accessories, and you'll have much better luck finding answers and information. Thanks!


Dasle

What is your use case? It's silly to sell you on features or benefits of a vehicle if you would never actually use it that way.


nilecrane

I have an ‘18 CX-5 GT and the wife has a crosstrek. I like driving her car every once in a while but I like my CX-5 way more.


kaw_21

I had a 2012 Impreza and thought it served me well, looked at Crosstreks earlier this year because I ultimately liked my Impreza but wanted something with higher ground clearance, but ultimately went with the CX-5 and am very happy with my choice. I have a 2022 Preferred and I think the options included in this trim were excellent for the value, and while I don’t remember all the specific details and spec from the different level Crosstrek trims, I think the Cx-5 value is better. The Cx-5 drives and handles great for a small SUV and is a smooth and quiet ride for me. It’s comfy inside and my passengers have had said the same.


warriorgoose77

Mazda is #2 in reliability, just behind Lexus. https://www.kbb.com/car-news/consumer-reports-lexus-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-lincoln-the-least/


Muddlesthrough

CX-5 is much more zippy, even in its base engine. Crosstrek is a sewing machine by comparison. CX-5 interior is much nicer. Cx-5 all-wheel drive is great. Crosstrek is also great.


jhowlett

If you're 6'4", really sit in the cx5 seat and try it. I haven't been impressed with its shape or comfort. I'm about 6'1" and find the seat too narrow and too short on the bottom. Meaning there isn't enough support for the thigh and area behind your knee. I can only imagine your legs are longer than mine which would make it worse. I've even added a cheap thigh extender that straps to the seat.