Paralyzed by choices: CR-V, Venza or CX-5?

[Tshane3000]

Give these 3 choices, I would go with the 2016 CX-5 based on looks alone. Obviously there is more to a decision than that, but I just don't think the other choices look nearly as good as the CX-5.

Best car I ever owned was a slightly underpowered 2013 Mazda CX-5 touring. Nothing to write home about in the power department, in fact underpowered but you can make a go of it around corners and zoom zoom zoom by using manual mode, a great feature for cars without a clutch if you're an enthusiast driver. The car handled great with General Altimax RT43 tires and in winter time was an incredible beast, unstoppable with the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 winter tires.

The only shortcomings were the crappy radio that had a hard time oftentimes connecting with my phone, the underpowered 2.0 liter Skyactiv engine which nonetheless was the most reliable engine, coupled to a perfect six-speed transmission, I've ever had, and a somewhat smaller cargo area.

If you really need the cargo space, go for the CR-V, it's ultra reliable. But the Mazda is just as reliable. And way more fun to drive. Pick one with the 2.5 l engine, the turbo doesn't reduce the MPG much either. Mine went from 181K when I got it to 296 k miles and I sold it in perfect working order. I put maybe $4,000 into repairs during that time period, not bad for a high mileage car. Most of the repairs were front end suspension because of bad Michigan roads. You have my vote!

 

[bighead2586]

Surprised how many on here don't like the CRV. I see so many of them and I know people who really liked theirs. I do think after the 4th generation the powertrains got more complicated (turbos and CVT''s) so the older ones are probably a bit more stout.

 

[Pablo]

Surprised how many on here don't like the CRV. I see so many of them and I know people who really liked theirs. I do think after the 4th generation the powertrains got more complicated (turbos and CVT''s) so the older ones are probably a bit more stout.

No, nothing really wrong with the later gens.

 

[duck__dodgers]

Surprised how many on here don't like the CRV.

From a sample size of 1....the Honda high-pressure fuel pump might really benefit from using top-tier gas.

My sometimes too-cheap-for-own-good mother loves going to her local el cheapo gas station (a Gulf if it makes any difference). The high pressure fuel pump failed after 80,000 miles---car went into limp mode. (VIN not covered by an existing Honda fuel pump recall). Replaced with another Honda fuel pump cuz---devil you know.

First fuel pump family in the family/extended family even with cars w/100 - 300,000 miles.

 

[Ws6]

I have no love for CRV's nor Honda. Venza would be out if it came with 20's, and I think most came with the V6, and I have to wonder if it's not packed in there and hard to work on, like in RAV4's. I'm usually against Mazda due to rust, but CX5 seems well liked so that might be what I'd go with.

Venza with V6 and non-20's might not be bad, decent power and NVH, but without looking I have to wonder if the CX-5 has more cargo space. It might hold the edge in utility and all around capability.

My CX5s had no rust issues. That's a Ford problem from decades ago. Like avoiding Dodge because you don't like Teletouch transmissions.

 

[supton]

Surprised how many on here don't like the CRV. I see so many of them and I know people who really liked theirs. I do think after the 4th generation the powertrains got more complicated (turbos and CVT''s) so the older ones are probably a bit more stout.

Have one, they do just enough wrong to be annoying--but I tend to compare against my Camry's which tend to be stupid simple on things (if I had a V6 version maybe I'd have a different opinion). MIL has a much newer one and it just feels underpowered, and the CVT feels like it lacks enough gearing in reverse to back up an incline, and everyone other than MIL hates the lack of knobs for HVAC.

My CX5s had no rust issues. That's a Ford problem from decades ago. Like avoiding Dodge because you don't like Teletouch transmissions.

Aren't you in a region that doesn't rust? I was just under our 4 year old Camry the other day and as I haven't kept up on oil undercoating, it has a fair amount of rust already, due to the garage.

 

[Ws6]

Have one, they do just enough wrong to be annoying--but I tend to compare against my Camry's which tend to be stupid simple on things (if I had a V6 version maybe I'd have a different opinion). MIL has a much newer one and it just feels underpowered, and the CVT feels like it lacks enough gearing in reverse to back up an incline, and everyone other than MIL hates the lack of knobs for HVAC.


Aren't you in a region that doesn't rust? I was just under our 4 year old Camry the other day and as I haven't kept up on oil undercoating, it has a fair amount of rust already, due to the garage.

Typically they use beet juice on our roads, but parkinglots get salted.

 

[Propflux01]

CX-5 hands down.