Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Crosstrek, which is better ?

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
I will test drive both next week.

Any other CUV should be on my test drive list ?



Since your requirement is a manual transmission, the list is very slim. You may have to broaden your search from CUVs a bit.

 

[SLCraig]

Not a hard choice for me and I don't even like Mazda.. I think the Crosstrek is the ugliest thing Subaru has ever made. Of course thats just personal preference.

 

[horse123]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Originally Posted By: horse123
I contemplated typing this because there was an uncalled-for rude tone to your post. But I prefer to fight ignorance more than not give the pleasure to a troll.

XV:
Standard 17 inch wheels with a much larger diameter than the wheels on the imp
Larger front sway bar
Stiffer springs/dampers
Shorter wheelbase
Body and suspension are stiffened overall
Larger brakes
Taller transmission ratio
Larger radiator
Larger fuel tank



You misread my tone. I'm a big Subaru fanboi, but I mentioned pretty clearly that I wasn't sure what exactly the practical differences are, because I haven't had cause recently to check. I asked, because you seemed knowledgeable and could provide a better, more specific answer that might help out the OP, based on what he might need it for. In other words, if he wants a DD for cargo capacity, the Impreza and Crosstrek are nearly identical. If he wants a certain level of acceleration performance or durability in the drivetrain, the two are again nearly identical (except for the items, such as the radiator, that you corrected me on.)

If the OP wants a smaller vehicle, but with increased ride height, and/or wants to take it gently offroad or two something small, then the Crosstrek makes more sense, right?

In context, the OP is looking at this vehicle and it wasn't clear what benefit the Crosstrek provides over the Impreza for a DD, except increased ride height. Cargo capacity is the same (slightly smaller, because of the beefier suspension right?)

Just for giggles I looked up braking distances from 60 MPH on CR

Crosstrek:

Dry: 131'
Wet: 135'

Impreza (sedan - wagon is shorter):

Dry: 129'
Wet: 143'

I didn't see what the base tires were, but it would be interesting to see whether they're the same (I believe the Crosstrek has the same Geolanders as my Forester, stock.)


Subaru loves the junkohama tires. Impreza has the Avid S33B stock. I got those replaced after one winter.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: horse123

Subaru loves the junkohama tires. Impreza has the Avid S33B stock. I got those replaced after one winter.


If you think the Yokos are bad, you should try a Subaru with stock Bridgestone Turanza EL400s. Those are genuine rolling turds. My 2012 Legacy 2.5i came with those. My XV Crosstrek and the Forester in my sig came with Yoko Geolanders that are night vs day better and actually last (reliably) to ~36K miles or more.

 

[skyactiv]

If your not a worry wort about reliability as most Toyota and Honda owners seem to be, you can get a 2016 VW Golf Sportwagon with a manual. Labcorp has a few running around in my neck of the woods. Its a lease after all.

 

[surfstar]

Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
I will test drive both next week.

Any other CUV should be on my test drive list ?



Please let us know your thoughts and outcome once you get some seat time.

(and try a Sportwagen if you have a 5MT nearby, just for comparison kicks)

 

[dareo]

I liked the CX-5, except that it was so under powered in the 2.0L MT base model. I felt like i would be full throttling it all the time. They also sell really well with little to no discounts. Check out the Golf Sportwagen and jump on the bandwagon with us! Interior cargo with seats folded is about the same. However, when you use the accelerator, the Golf is about eleventy billion times faster feeling due to the high torque. You could likely get one for thousands less than a base CX-5.

 

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted By: horse123
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Originally Posted By: horse123
I contemplated typing this because there was an uncalled-for rude tone to your post. But I prefer to fight ignorance more than not give the pleasure to a troll.

XV:
Standard 17 inch wheels with a much larger diameter than the wheels on the imp
Larger front sway bar
Stiffer springs/dampers
Shorter wheelbase
Body and suspension are stiffened overall
Larger brakes
Taller transmission ratio
Larger radiator
Larger fuel tank



You misread my tone. I'm a big Subaru fanboi, but I mentioned pretty clearly that I wasn't sure what exactly the practical differences are, because I haven't had cause recently to check. I asked, because you seemed knowledgeable and could provide a better, more specific answer that might help out the OP, based on what he might need it for. In other words, if he wants a DD for cargo capacity, the Impreza and Crosstrek are nearly identical. If he wants a certain level of acceleration performance or durability in the drivetrain, the two are again nearly identical (except for the items, such as the radiator, that you corrected me on.)

If the OP wants a smaller vehicle, but with increased ride height, and/or wants to take it gently offroad or two something small, then the Crosstrek makes more sense, right?

In context, the OP is looking at this vehicle and it wasn't clear what benefit the Crosstrek provides over the Impreza for a DD, except increased ride height. Cargo capacity is the same (slightly smaller, because of the beefier suspension right?)

Just for giggles I looked up braking distances from 60 MPH on CR

Crosstrek:

Dry: 131'
Wet: 135'

Impreza (sedan - wagon is shorter):

Dry: 129'
Wet: 143'

I didn't see what the base tires were, but it would be interesting to see whether they're the same (I believe the Crosstrek has the same Geolanders as my Forester, stock.)


Subaru loves the junkohama tires. Impreza has the Avid S33B stock. I got those replaced after one winter.


What did you replace them with? I won't get more than another year out of the Geolanders and I'm torn between a dedicated summer tire and a generic AS touring tire.

/OT

 

[horse123]

My Continental PureContact w/ Eco+ technology were good all around, and extremely slow wearing. I like the Dunlop Signature HPs I have right now.