ilreceiver

Hi all,
Shopping for a new crossover. Currently looking between 2016 CX-5 GT with Tech (30k) and 2015 RDX base (34k).
Plus of CX-5: - more technology - LED lights, etc
Plus of RDX: - NVH: smoother, quieter ride
What do you guys think? Is the quality of a Mazda even worth comparing to Acura?

I wholly understand this is Acura forum

Sir-Col

I did the same shopping, always came back to a RDX........it does so many thing well, and for us it just fit better. An added bonus is the resale value down the road, hands down it goes to the RDX, ......just saying. Good luck.

Type34

I'm very familiar with both brands as we've owned a 2012 Mazda 3, 2010 Mazda 6, 2008 Acura TSX, 2006 MDX, and 2003 TL.

Mazda and Acura and two of my favorite brands that we've owned.

Obviously there are pros/cons to both. My first question to anyone looking at Mazda is if you're buying or leasing. They mostly use Chase Financial for their leases. Chase is very restrictive on their leases: you cannot sell your vehicle privately or transfer the lease - you can only trade it in to the dealer or buy it outright. You may not need any of this lease flexibility, but I wanted to unload our Mazda 6 lease and it was terribly difficult (as opposed to flexible Honda Financial leases).

As for the vehicles...

Mazda: the SKYACTIV-G engine series is not just a marketing gimmick. This is a beautiful engine (the 2.5L in the GT, I had the 2.0L in my Mazda 3) and you won't be disappointed in the surprising spirited performance and fuel economy. Obviously you're not going to get the luxury appointments as in the Acura, but from an engineering standpoint, Mazda is on top of their game.

Acura: definitely a mark above the CX-5 in terms of vehicle purpose and delivery. You won't get the gas mileage or handling, but the bullet-proof 3.5L V6 has spirited performance in a more luxurious package. I haven't compared them side-by-side, but have been in both vehicles, and the RDX has more room in its interior (better for gear, kids, etc.). Interior quality - definitely nod to Acura. Dealership experience - not close: Acura.

I'm now 40 years old, have owned many vehicles, have a 5-year-old and another son coming in 2 months, and coach baseball and soccer, so I'd choose the RDX every day of the week and twice on Sunday. However, if you're younger and have a more single lifestyle (and have plenty of time to upgrade to an Acura later on), the Mazda CX-5 is a great vehicle at a lesser price point.

Good luck

giovane

Alex on Autos is about to do a test drive on the Mazda, coming up in 2 weeks

Joe Las Vegas

CX5 seats suck, and the main difference is the 2 seconds 0-60 difference, love the RDX V6.

ilreceiver

Would I be missing much if I just get the base model?

Comfy

From your description it seems like you enjoy the tech and bling (as much as we do ) and that may be one factor pulling you to the CX-5. In this scenario the base RDX may not be the best choice as you may get buyers remorse later on every time you look at the LED lights of a passing by CX-5.
Why don't you check out the base 2016 RDX. It has the LED lights you are looking for (and more) at a similar price point. If you are really pushing for 2015 model, I would suggest getting the tech version which will give you HID lights, ELS audio, power lift gate and navigation with bigger screen. A preowned 2015 tech version (lightly used) can also match the price of a new CX 5.
While I'm sure the CX-5 is a looker and a great handler, the one thing I love most about my RDX is the buttery smooth powerful V6 and comfortable ride...Good luck.

CoachRick

This is a pretty interesting discussion for me...I have the '13 RDX w/Tech closing in on the end of the lease(three weeks from now). While there are many things I like about the RDX, all the Tech gizmos on the loaded CX5 are very appealing to DW. I think she would enjoy the brisk handling more than she might miss the smooth ride on the highway. No doubt we will both miss the V6 power, I think the CX5 can holds its own. Wouldn't hurt to bump up the mpg and just have an overall more efficient vehicle. I just can't commit again to ~$40k when the Mazda comes in a full $8K less for comparable goodies(minus the V6 of course).

As it stands, I'll likely buy out the RDX at lease end for $23,400 and drive it through this fall as we look at more '16s...but that loaded CX5 sure is appealing!

giovane

https://www.facebook.com/alexonautos/posts/522508687916193:0

HotRodW

The CX-5 is a great overall package, and easily the better looking of the two in my opinion, but it's not quite as refined as the RDX. If you're comparing it to the likes of the CR-V and Rav4, the CX-5 is easy to recommend. I spend a lot of time on the highway, so I'd go with the RDX. But for short commutes and errand running, the CX-5 is hard to beat.

Slightly off topic, but the next CX-9 is going to be powered by a 2.5L turbo four. If that engine is offered in the CX-5, it could be a game-changer ... especially if they add a premium trim level with better sound insulation and improved comfort. The CX-7 is also rumored to be returning sometime in the next few years, but to my knowledge it hasn't been confirmed.