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

[Elkins45]

I’m looking to buy an AWD vehicle that I can drive in bad weather and also use for the occasional road trip. None of my travel companions can drive a manual so it’s definitely going to be an auto. I let a really great deal on a 2016 CX-5 get away because my knee was swollen and now I’m using that knee to kick myself. The next one I’m probably going to let slip away is a 2015 Venza, and there’s also a 2013 CR-V I’m sure some lucky fellow will also snag tomorrow before I get to drive it.

Is there any particularly strong reason to choose one of these models over the other? If I buy a CR-V it will likely be 2014 or earlier to avoid the CVT, even though they don’t have a terrible reputation like other brands do.

 

[dishdude]

You couldn't give me a CR-V. Slow, uncomfortable and not that reliable. The newer ones aren't any better.

 

[supton]

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.

 

[Fa24wrx]

Are you open to other options?

 

[jsean]

Assuming you’ve got your heart set just those 2, I’d pick the Venza. Those CRVs are loud.

Cargo volume on the CRV is about 1 cu ft more than the Venza, but the Venza has a better interior and will be quieter. The V6 will be crammed in that engine bay though.

 

[Elkins45]

Are you open to other options?

Possibly. Just based on numbers it seems the RAV4 is winning the compact AWD wars. My wife has a 2009 RAV and I can’t say I love it, although it is approaching 200k miles and has been completely reliable.

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.

The one I’m looking at is the 2.7 I-4 and I would likely find a cheap set of 17’s once the tires on it wear out. I’m told the 3.5 V6 is a great engine but if it needs any sort of real work it has to come out. I don’t need that hassle in my life.

 

[wavinwayne]

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.

 

[cptbarkey]

After a zillion and one threads, I think you might be happy with another Scion XB, 2008+.

 

[Danno]

Had a V6 Venza. Tons of interior space, meh reliability on the chassis, just horrible with gas mileage. In the low 20's high teens.

 

[Elkins45]

After a zillion and one threads, I think you might be happy with another Scion XB, 2008+.

If only they made them in AWD.

If one of my questions offends you it’s perfectly acceptable to just ignore it and scroll on by.

 

[I<3oil]

CX-5

And that's from someone who currently owns a newer (5th gen) CR-V.

 

[Mainia]

CX-5 all the way.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

If you really need AWD, get a Forester. The 2011-2013 Forester has the FB engine and the 4-speed auto. The new engine and the old transmission, in case you're afraid of the CVT that came in 2014.

You might also like the Suzuki SX4. It's about the same size as a Scion but has AWD.

But as with all used cars, you have to go by each individual example and each individual seller/dealer.

Don't forget AWD versions of the Matrix/Vibe. While still a Toyota, they will cost less and get better mpg than a Rav4 or Venza.

And when it's time for tires, get all-weather tires

Possibly. Just based on numbers it seems the RAV4 is winning the compact AWD wars. My wife has a 2009 RAV and I can’t say I love it, although it is approaching 200k miles and has been completely reliable.

The one I’m looking at is the 2.7 I-4 and I would likely find a cheap set of 17’s once the tires on it wear out. I’m told the 3.5 V6 is a great engine but if it needs any sort of real work it has to come out. I don’t need that hassle in my life.

You could get a pre-mounted tire/wheel package from TR

 

[skyactiv]

If you really need AWD, get a Forester. The 2011-2013 Forester has the FB engine and the 4-speed auto. The new engine and the old transmission, in case you're afraid of the CVT that came in 2014.

You might also like the Suzuki SX4. It's about the same size as a Scion but has AWD.

But as with all used cars, you have to go by each individual example and each individual seller/dealer.

Don't forget AWD versions of the Matrix/Vibe. While still a Toyota, they will cost less and get better mpg than a Rav4 or Venza.

And when it's time for tires, get all-weather tires



You could get a pre-mounted tire/wheel package from TR

Rare car. Not a good choice if you need to find one in a local salvage yard for an odd part.

 

[cptbarkey]

If only they made them in AWD.

If one of my questions offends you it’s perfectly acceptable to just ignore it and scroll on by.

No offense taken, none of those vehicles have stellar AWD systems.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Honda Accord Crosstour AWD was made up to 2015. @macarose might be able to find something for you also

Define bad weather and the want/need for AWD. I have a couple AWD vehicles in the fleet and some FWD. All of them get winter tires for winter in bad weather. The SUV's have the easier to use cargo space. On a trip for the most part I prefer my '17 Accord (with manual transmission by the way). The tires will help with stop/turn which is the main factor. As told to me long ago AWD/4WD will help get you in trouble faster or further away from help so plan accordingly.

The downsides are if I really want/need the extra ability to drive in really sloppy or deeper stuff like ambulance/fire calls during unplowed times that I need to respond to. The higher ground clearance may help at those unplowed OR plowed into a berm you need to get through off ramps. That happened I think 2x over the last 40 years and I had to drive further on highway to get off as I knew I would be stuck or damaged.

The Accord is got for about 6-7 inches of unplowed snow as was my Sonata and they were pushing snow with the bumper.

I love my 6MT Accord but as I get older an SUV like your looking at is easier to get into and out of.

 

[fantastic]

After a zillion and one threads, I think you might be happy with another Scion XB, 2008+.

Title of the thread "paralyzed by choices".
I think we've reached the rabbit hole & can't get out.

OP: Mazda

 

[fdcg27]

The Mazda would be my first choice and the CRV the last.
JMHO
As noted above, a Forester (or an Outback) might be a better choice, especially when you really need AWD.

 

[shortyb]

Mazda. /thread .

 

[andrew_j]

None of those choices have great AWD. More like FWD and if it’s slipping the rear wheels kick. That might be perfectly fine for use case.

Just make sure they have decent in winter tires even if all season . I have 13 RDX with similar type AWD.