Mazda6 vs Mazda CX-5 - Is The SUV Better Than The Car?

The Mazda CX-5 outsells the Mazda6 by over 130,000 units in 2019. However, the Mazda 6 is a fantastic vehicle so I explore and try to see what the differences are and if the CX5 is actually better or if it's all just a trend.

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#Mazda #Mazda6 #MazdaCX5

[dwnshft]

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[KCFlyer]

I had a 2014 Mazda 6. I traded it for a 2019 CX5. Both were "touring" level trim. I loved the Mazda 6...it was a blast to drive, felt luxurious and got pretty good fuel economy. The CX 5 is fun to drive...it almost feels like a sports car. It feels luxurious (even in the touring level) and gets pretty good fuel economy. In that respect, they are great vehicles (maybe the best cars I've ever owned). But I'm 64 and not as limber as I used to be, and getting out of the 6 a bit of a challenge. The CX5 is wonderful to get in and out of. So - for a younger person - go for the Mazda 6. If you are a bit older but want a vehicle that drives and rides great but is easier to get in and out of - go with the CX5.

[kajseel]

Actually, the wood in the 6 Signature is real - same wood they use to make drums in Japan.

[adriannalundasan]

Those wood trims are from Japanese Sen wood tree. They are real. They are made in Japan.

[mortenstra]

I have an AWD Mazda 6 diesel for five years now, here in Norway. I'm very satisfied with the power train, and having a 4-wheel drive here in cold winter!

[Teasquared]

The 6 has better fuel economy and a larger fuel tank as well. The only thing holding the 6 back is not being rwd/awd.

[jeffmorse]

I'm tall with long legs and I can't stretch out in the CX-5 due to the more "sitting in a chair" position. My knees bump the console and the driver's door. That' doesn't happen in the Mazda6. While the seating is lower, but I can stretch my legs out and my knees aren't bumping into anything.

[ofnachix]

Mazda 6 wagon enters the chat. Laughs. And leaves. More practical than any Mazda

[victorramsey]

I have the 2021 Mazda6 Signature. Same colors as this car. I traded a 2020 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4 for it. Im done with trucks, just not necessary for me anymore. I wanted something sporty, a great daily driver, and not a Honda nor Toyota! And I remember Mazda was the "fun car" back in my teenage years (1980s). I saw the '21 6 and was instantly obsessed with her. I love her more now than the day I got her. Most people are actually unsure of what it is until they see the back and I love that. It isnt just another Accord or Camry. Its become something unique and a little mysterious in 2023.

[devilsadvocate]

'Skyactiv G' relates to the engine and not the AWD system as part of their 'skyactiv suite' of technologies that includes engines, transmissions and chassis. The 'G' refers to 'Gasolene', just like Skyactiv 'D' badging in countries that have them refers to, you guessed it, a 'Diesel' engine.
The AWD system is actually called 'i-ACTIV AWD' and that is the system that controls the torque distribution between axles. The 'Skyactiv G vectoring system' however is a completely different system where it slightly reduces the torque/throttle from the engine to induce a slight forward weight transfer to assist with 'turn-in'. Later systems of G vector control also slightly drag the inside brake to further enhance the turn in. This system is compeletely independant from the AWD i-ACTIV system and is fitted to all of their recent AWD and FWD passenger cars, including the Mazda6 that was driven in this comparison.

[themockalove]

A modern Mazda 6 wagon would be an automatic "take my money" moment for me.

[islandtoisland]

I was hoping you’d do a practical comparison, like trunk space, MPGs, 5 year cost to own, etc. There are already a ton of reviews like this out there, that say the exact same thing.

[snapunderstr]

I used to be very anti-SUV. Now that I have people and things to move on a regular basis, I completely understand the move away from sedans. I loved my last sedan but I sold it because I felt I could benefit greatly from the extra utility factor of an SUV.
Performance SUVs will never replace serious sports cars though. You cannot deny physics

[seaninness]

I was just struggling with this same issue. What it came down to for me was the ease in getting in and out of it and comfort, cargo, then all wheel drive. As to the first two issues, A) I'm finally admitting that I am middle aged- damn it and b) I'm also currently getting PT for an injured shoulder. I'll be taking delivery of the CX-5 in the next week or so. I had a 626 hatchback back in the 90's and loved that car. I've had Honda's and Toyota's too but the Mazda's always pulled me back.

[rezhaadriantanuharja]

My ideal infotainment system is a small strip of LED screen that tells me if my phone is connected to the car's speakers. Tell you what, infotainment system gets old way quicker than the car itself so simpler display like in the Mazdas is better in the long term. Those gigantic touch screen in Mercedez become outdated as soon as it leave the dealership.

[kennedypoi]

I upgraded from my 2 year old 6 to a CX 5 But still owned the 6 for another 5 more years. I went to the SUV purely on space practicality and then fine tuned my choice again 3.5 years later to a larger suv cx8. So I've owned a 6, a Cx5 and now with a CX8. My family drive a CX 30 and two 3s 2018 HB, 2024sdn models. We maintain SUV Sedan balance now in my family with 2 a piece. So for my family, we've stayed with Mazda faithfully 5 drivers buying a total of 8 Mazda's since 2017 unceasingly, 4 sedans, 2017 3sedan, 2024 3Sedan, 2018 3 hb, 2017 6 Sedan, 4 suvs 2019 CX 5, 2021 CX 30, 2023 CX 30, 2023 cx8. SUVs are a clear winner for space practicality and it appears the younger folks prefer the sedan and HBs.

[spyderhead]

You are comparing two DIFFERENT trim levels: the 6 is a Signature; the 5 is not. Unfair comparison. BTW: the wood is REAL. 😎

[billm]

Americans don’t like hatchbacks. But if you raise them a few inches and call them an SUV — oh boy. That being said, it’s good to have some extra ground clearance for snow and once or twice in the vehicles lifetime driving down a dirt road or in my experience, a road covered in sand after a hurricane. In the last 5 years I’ve owned or currently own a VW GTI, BMW 340xi, Mazda CX-5, Acura RDX A ASPEC. Since I travel a lot, I constantly rent cars and BMW has given me X3 and X4M loaners. The X3 is a better vehicle than the older 3 series. The M version for the street of the X3/X4 is better than the current 3 series. So unless the car is so much better dynamically, then why bother with the car? Unfortunately most manufacturers don’t really quite get that yet. They are going more in this direction, but they aren’t quite there yet. Outside of an economy car or car service type vehicle, the mission for a car is now basically an M, GTI, Type S, dedicated sports car, etc. Otherwise just get an AWD few inch higher hatchback urrr SUV.

[thatcopenguy]

SUVs give Manufacturers an excuse to make a good looking ( compared to MPVs ), bigger cars out of the same platforms at the sacrifice of weight, handling, and minimal MPG loss ( 2 of 3 things people don't actually care about )

The end result for the customer is a bigger car for little extra costs ( the best example for this is Mazda 3 vs CX-30 )

And another thing, which is utter BS, people think SUVs are safer.

[calvinh]

If you like to hit the winding road, take the Mazda 6. It's more stylish both interior and exterior. With almost the same $, Mazda 6 gives you a bid more luxury touch as well.