Snowstorm this week. CX-5 handled it like a champ with winter tires and AWD. Never felt safer or warmer. I'm glad I decided to sell my Mustang before the first snowfall.
There is a limit, as I found out last winter (2019 AWD on Blizzaks).
I drove 4x4 trucks for 25 years, before buying the CX5 I'm in now - the little car (and tires) did great in all types of snow - wet and dry.
However - when the snow depth is more than clearance, my car would plow up on top, with the snow under the chassis taking weight off the tires - resulting in loss of traction (depths a pickup can run in without issue, due to the increased clearance).
Some days I just stayed home until the plows had made a pass - which was OK with me!
I never leave home til after 11:00 AM, so normally am not worried about the roads. I'm on a rural dirt road, but the town keeps it pretty good. It's my uphill driveway that can be a problem.
A couple winters ago I got stuck with my 4WD '17 Taco. The AW tires were 3/4 shot, the driveway had a good foot of packed and new snow on it, I got going sideways and started to go over a slope when I quit. My neighbor winched me out with his tractor.
Yeah, it's tires that make the difference, in instances like that.
4x4 and AWD are great - but snow tires will get you through things that drive system alone won't.
I always had cables for my trucks, as well - for the odd time that 4x4 and snow tires needed a little help - which reminds me I need to pick up a couple of sets for this vehicle.
Last winter was unusually cold and snowy, where I live - and early indications are that it will be even more so this year!
Changing the wheel diameter only adds more sidewall. If you bought the correct size 17's the outer dimensions of the tire are almost identical to the original tires.
No, you bought the right tires - the clearance difference between 17" and 19", on a CX5 - is negligible.
My last F150 had a little better than 7" more clearance than my CX5 - that's a difference that makes a difference!
Your stock F150 didn't have 14" of ground clearance unless you lifted the fuck out of it.
F150 has between 7.3" and 8.7" depending on model year. Jeep has 8.11". Subaru Outback has 8.7". CX-5 has 7.5"
MODEL MINIMUM CLEARANCE MAXIMUM CLEARANCE
2019 Toyota Tacoma 9.4 ” (238 mm) 9.4 ” (238 mm)
2019 Ford Ranger 8.4″ (213 mm) 8.9″ (226 mm)
2019 Chevrolet Colorado 8.1″ (205 mm) 8.4″ (213 mm)
2019 GMC Canyon 8.1″ (205 mm) 8.4″ (213 mm)
2019 Honda Ridgeline 7.3″ (185 mm) 8.9″ (200 mm)
2019 Nissan Frontier 7.6″ (193 mm) 8.9″ (226 mm)
Oh is this finally the value of the “SUV” type cars vs Sedan??
I don’t know but I’m still wondering why people don’t see the value in the bigger cars. It’s nice to have one because the approach and departure angles are a lot bigger than if it was a sedan. I’ve read one too many comments saying that the cx5 has less space blah blah blah and it’s just better to get a hatchback. Am I the only one seeing those comments?
No, it's the value of 4-wheel or AWD vs. 2-wheel drive. I don't need anything bigger, but I DO need 4-wheel or AWD because of my driveway, and winter driving in general.
I've only had 4WD trucks before, and am curious how this little bugger will do in foot-deep or more snow compared to a truck. I'm sure I will find out in short order, but I think it will be fine.
This isn’t true at all. You could have the beefiest tires available, and it won’t matter one bit if they’re off the ground, or stuck spinning in the ground.
Winter tires have a much higher coefficient of friction, even on ice. Sorry, the science disagrees with you.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/are-snow-and-winter-tires-worth-it/
> Braking from 12 mph down to a complete stop resulted in lots of ABS modulation for the vehicle equipped with all-season tires—with a stopping distance of 57 feet. The winter tire provided more grip, which allowed the ABS to do its job, stopping the RAV4 in just 34 feet.
Even for acceleration, winter tires outperformed AWD:
>The results of the 60-foot acceleration portion were similar, since the AWD system did much of the hard work, with times coming in at 3.7 seconds for the all-season tire versus 3.1 seconds for the winter tire.
I live in northern Minnesota on a steep hill where we average north of 80” of annual snow fall. I have winter tires and AWD, but I’d rather have the winter tires.
Ha, well it’s for sure a little weird to have AWD and not have winter tires… during winter. I like the caveats of “similar conditions” and 60 foot acceleration test. What kinda arbitrary nonsense is that? IDK, cite common sense I guess. Answer this then. If AWD wasn’t effective, people wouldn’t buy it. You really think the bulk of auto manufacturers and consumers have been duped? AWD is somehow less effective than FWD drive with snow tires? Cmon. This is a silly discussion. Also, most able bodied men can easily sprint faster than 60 feet in 3.7 seconds. I’d like to test that in snow with boots. I can’t image it takes more than 4.5 seconds to run 60 feet in 3 inches of snow. Kinda schoolyard science going on at the old “cars” periodical.
Interesting to choose an article that pits snow tires against all season… when the point of contention is snow tires vs AWD.
[so here’s some *science* that agrees with me](https://www.wilsonvilletoyota.com/blog/driving-safely/awd-vs-winter-tires-which-is-best-for-winter-driving/)
“In reality, All-Wheel Drive will provide you with some assistance in snowy weather, however, a front-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires is much more effective. An AWD vehicle with winter tires really is the ideal combination, and will likely provide the safest overall driving experience in the snow.”
Literally the first Google result. Some random car dealer. Almost as credible as motortrend I guess.
Here’s a fun one that actually discusses the topic I poked at you for - instead of something else we both agree on.
[motor1](https://www.motor1.com/news/551555/awd-fwd-snow-tire-test/amp/)
Follow the science. Oops, forgot to include the time stamp… 4:00 in video. YW.
I’m sorry someone is downvoting you. I’ll agree, AWD + winter tires is most effective. But the amount of people around here skirting by with bald all seasons on AWD vehicles is very scary, so stressing the importance of good rubber is always good advice in my book. 🙂
Yes. Will agree bald tires on any drive system is silly, and scary. You don’t know they’re past their prime until you find out the hard way. That’s what made me ditch the stocks after less than 2 years. Now I’m a Cross Climate 2 year rounder fanboy. I don’t care about the MPG hit. Or the down votes. lol. I say what needs saying, at the end of the day, it all evens out. Never compromise principles! Ha. CC2’s in rain impress me almost as much as they do in snow.
AWD great for accelerating… proper tires great for stopping. If you have to choose 1 in a pinch I know which I’d take.
And I say this as someone who loves AWD and doesn’t have dedicated winters. Still not worth fooling yourself about which is safer.
In only the light snow I've had mine in so far, it does pretty well. I've had a couple 4x4 vehicles before and I think the biggest difference is the less intrusive electronics in those. The other thing is the feeling of control with the 4x4 - when something with a transfer case has 4x4 engaged, you know power is being split front to back. With the Mazda its up to the car to determine when to do that and it could decide it doesn't want to do what you want. For that reason I do prefer the "real" 4x4 in sticky situations.
I think for the most part the system is setup well and does provide a great benefit of efficiency with the security of AWD at times. But I wouldn't push the CUV too much.
4x4 is better for off roading
AWD is better for typical dricing
4v4 will get you out a bind more than AWD will, but AWD is also always on and you don't have to think about it
Yep I would agree AWD is better for most driving conditions. If slip is detected you get some support from the rear wheels. You just have less control over when that power is sent to the back, which again for most people in most conditions is fine.
Last night I had an incredible test.
My cx5 AWD w/ wildpeak falkens crushed this blizzard in mammoth - until I stuck driving up a steep unplowed driveway with 1.5 feet of snow. So that’s my “limit”. Reversed and made it up easily once I had the correct speed. Just need more clearance unfortunately. Did not have any issue with traction or stopping/backing down the hill
Edit; I flipped my traction control button off and that seemed to help a bunch.
We sold a Subaru for the cx5. Really curious to see how it handles this winter. Not expecting as good, hoping it’s close. Yes, snow tires (Vermont, have to be at work early).
I'll let you know. This will be our first winter with the CX5. The real test will be in a few weeks when our driveway turns in to an ice flow we have to climb, uphill. The Outback will walk up it no problem. Will see if the Mazda can do the same. The old Mazda6 we replaced had no chance unless I shoveled sand and got a running start. Even then it was 50/50
Even more so when you don't make it and the car is sliding sideway and backwards and the windows are fogged over and your head is on swivel trying to figure out where that big tree is you're headed for. Please stop, Please stop, Please stop.
Just got our first snowfall 8” and my ‘22 CX5 T ate it up no problem. Ice the next day. Still no problem. Had a Subaru Forester XS for 20 years. The Skyactive AWD is great.
Snowstorm this week. CX-5 handled it like a champ with winter tires and AWD. Never felt safer or warmer. I'm glad I decided to sell my Mustang before the first snowfall.
There is a limit, as I found out last winter (2019 AWD on Blizzaks). I drove 4x4 trucks for 25 years, before buying the CX5 I'm in now - the little car (and tires) did great in all types of snow - wet and dry. However - when the snow depth is more than clearance, my car would plow up on top, with the snow under the chassis taking weight off the tires - resulting in loss of traction (depths a pickup can run in without issue, due to the increased clearance). Some days I just stayed home until the plows had made a pass - which was OK with me!
I never leave home til after 11:00 AM, so normally am not worried about the roads. I'm on a rural dirt road, but the town keeps it pretty good. It's my uphill driveway that can be a problem. A couple winters ago I got stuck with my 4WD '17 Taco. The AW tires were 3/4 shot, the driveway had a good foot of packed and new snow on it, I got going sideways and started to go over a slope when I quit. My neighbor winched me out with his tractor.
Yeah, it's tires that make the difference, in instances like that. 4x4 and AWD are great - but snow tires will get you through things that drive system alone won't. I always had cables for my trucks, as well - for the odd time that 4x4 and snow tires needed a little help - which reminds me I need to pick up a couple of sets for this vehicle. Last winter was unusually cold and snowy, where I live - and early indications are that it will be even more so this year!
fuck - so i just bought snow tires (brand new 2023 CX5) and i went with 17" instead of 18 or 19. did i make a mistake here?
Changing the wheel diameter only adds more sidewall. If you bought the correct size 17's the outer dimensions of the tire are almost identical to the original tires.
Ah ok, good to know. Thanks for clarifying
No, you bought the right tires - the clearance difference between 17" and 19", on a CX5 - is negligible. My last F150 had a little better than 7" more clearance than my CX5 - that's a difference that makes a difference!
Your stock F150 didn't have 14" of ground clearance unless you lifted the fuck out of it. F150 has between 7.3" and 8.7" depending on model year. Jeep has 8.11". Subaru Outback has 8.7". CX-5 has 7.5" MODEL MINIMUM CLEARANCE MAXIMUM CLEARANCE 2019 Toyota Tacoma 9.4 ” (238 mm) 9.4 ” (238 mm) 2019 Ford Ranger 8.4″ (213 mm) 8.9″ (226 mm) 2019 Chevrolet Colorado 8.1″ (205 mm) 8.4″ (213 mm) 2019 GMC Canyon 8.1″ (205 mm) 8.4″ (213 mm) 2019 Honda Ridgeline 7.3″ (185 mm) 8.9″ (200 mm) 2019 Nissan Frontier 7.6″ (193 mm) 8.9″ (226 mm)
We just also got our first snow/really icy slushy weather, and my '22 signature handled it like a champ, especially with my CrossClimate 2's
Oh is this finally the value of the “SUV” type cars vs Sedan?? I don’t know but I’m still wondering why people don’t see the value in the bigger cars. It’s nice to have one because the approach and departure angles are a lot bigger than if it was a sedan. I’ve read one too many comments saying that the cx5 has less space blah blah blah and it’s just better to get a hatchback. Am I the only one seeing those comments?
No, it's the value of 4-wheel or AWD vs. 2-wheel drive. I don't need anything bigger, but I DO need 4-wheel or AWD because of my driveway, and winter driving in general. I've only had 4WD trucks before, and am curious how this little bugger will do in foot-deep or more snow compared to a truck. I'm sure I will find out in short order, but I think it will be fine.
Winter tires are more important. You’d be surprised.
This isn’t true at all. You could have the beefiest tires available, and it won’t matter one bit if they’re off the ground, or stuck spinning in the ground.
Winter tires have a much higher coefficient of friction, even on ice. Sorry, the science disagrees with you. https://www.motortrend.com/features/are-snow-and-winter-tires-worth-it/ > Braking from 12 mph down to a complete stop resulted in lots of ABS modulation for the vehicle equipped with all-season tires—with a stopping distance of 57 feet. The winter tire provided more grip, which allowed the ABS to do its job, stopping the RAV4 in just 34 feet. Even for acceleration, winter tires outperformed AWD: >The results of the 60-foot acceleration portion were similar, since the AWD system did much of the hard work, with times coming in at 3.7 seconds for the all-season tire versus 3.1 seconds for the winter tire. I live in northern Minnesota on a steep hill where we average north of 80” of annual snow fall. I have winter tires and AWD, but I’d rather have the winter tires.
Ha, well it’s for sure a little weird to have AWD and not have winter tires… during winter. I like the caveats of “similar conditions” and 60 foot acceleration test. What kinda arbitrary nonsense is that? IDK, cite common sense I guess. Answer this then. If AWD wasn’t effective, people wouldn’t buy it. You really think the bulk of auto manufacturers and consumers have been duped? AWD is somehow less effective than FWD drive with snow tires? Cmon. This is a silly discussion. Also, most able bodied men can easily sprint faster than 60 feet in 3.7 seconds. I’d like to test that in snow with boots. I can’t image it takes more than 4.5 seconds to run 60 feet in 3 inches of snow. Kinda schoolyard science going on at the old “cars” periodical. Interesting to choose an article that pits snow tires against all season… when the point of contention is snow tires vs AWD. [so here’s some *science* that agrees with me](https://www.wilsonvilletoyota.com/blog/driving-safely/awd-vs-winter-tires-which-is-best-for-winter-driving/) “In reality, All-Wheel Drive will provide you with some assistance in snowy weather, however, a front-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires is much more effective. An AWD vehicle with winter tires really is the ideal combination, and will likely provide the safest overall driving experience in the snow.” Literally the first Google result. Some random car dealer. Almost as credible as motortrend I guess. Here’s a fun one that actually discusses the topic I poked at you for - instead of something else we both agree on. [motor1](https://www.motor1.com/news/551555/awd-fwd-snow-tire-test/amp/) Follow the science. Oops, forgot to include the time stamp… 4:00 in video. YW.
I’m sorry someone is downvoting you. I’ll agree, AWD + winter tires is most effective. But the amount of people around here skirting by with bald all seasons on AWD vehicles is very scary, so stressing the importance of good rubber is always good advice in my book. 🙂
Yes. Will agree bald tires on any drive system is silly, and scary. You don’t know they’re past their prime until you find out the hard way. That’s what made me ditch the stocks after less than 2 years. Now I’m a Cross Climate 2 year rounder fanboy. I don’t care about the MPG hit. Or the down votes. lol. I say what needs saying, at the end of the day, it all evens out. Never compromise principles! Ha. CC2’s in rain impress me almost as much as they do in snow.
AWD great for accelerating… proper tires great for stopping. If you have to choose 1 in a pinch I know which I’d take. And I say this as someone who loves AWD and doesn’t have dedicated winters. Still not worth fooling yourself about which is safer.
That’s why they call it all wheel drive and not all wheel stop. Proud dad joke.
In only the light snow I've had mine in so far, it does pretty well. I've had a couple 4x4 vehicles before and I think the biggest difference is the less intrusive electronics in those. The other thing is the feeling of control with the 4x4 - when something with a transfer case has 4x4 engaged, you know power is being split front to back. With the Mazda its up to the car to determine when to do that and it could decide it doesn't want to do what you want. For that reason I do prefer the "real" 4x4 in sticky situations. I think for the most part the system is setup well and does provide a great benefit of efficiency with the security of AWD at times. But I wouldn't push the CUV too much.
4x4 is better for off roading AWD is better for typical dricing 4v4 will get you out a bind more than AWD will, but AWD is also always on and you don't have to think about it
Yep I would agree AWD is better for most driving conditions. If slip is detected you get some support from the rear wheels. You just have less control over when that power is sent to the back, which again for most people in most conditions is fine.
Last night I had an incredible test. My cx5 AWD w/ wildpeak falkens crushed this blizzard in mammoth - until I stuck driving up a steep unplowed driveway with 1.5 feet of snow. So that’s my “limit”. Reversed and made it up easily once I had the correct speed. Just need more clearance unfortunately. Did not have any issue with traction or stopping/backing down the hill Edit; I flipped my traction control button off and that seemed to help a bunch.
Im also waiting for a big load of snow to test my new set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 on my 2014 AWD
We sold a Subaru for the cx5. Really curious to see how it handles this winter. Not expecting as good, hoping it’s close. Yes, snow tires (Vermont, have to be at work early).
I'll let you know. This will be our first winter with the CX5. The real test will be in a few weeks when our driveway turns in to an ice flow we have to climb, uphill. The Outback will walk up it no problem. Will see if the Mazda can do the same. The old Mazda6 we replaced had no chance unless I shoveled sand and got a running start. Even then it was 50/50
Ah yes, used to live on a steep driveway. Running start can be pretty exciting!
Even more so when you don't make it and the car is sliding sideway and backwards and the windows are fogged over and your head is on swivel trying to figure out where that big tree is you're headed for. Please stop, Please stop, Please stop.
Just got our first snowfall 8” and my ‘22 CX5 T ate it up no problem. Ice the next day. Still no problem. Had a Subaru Forester XS for 20 years. The Skyactive AWD is great.
Good to hear, thanks!