What do you need in a vehicle? Do you have a family? Do you need to haul anything? Do you like sporty or more calm riding vehicles?I'm debating between a 2019-2022 Acura RDX A-Spec SH-AWD, a 2023 Pathfinder; an Audi Q5 S-line and the Mazda CX50 - Turbo, new.
Random thoughts - 2023 Pathfinder (thank GOD no more CVT). I love the value and interior of the Mazda. The exterior styling is fine; not as much of a fan of the back, but love the front end. The engine also seems strong with the turbo and I read it's likely to achieve it's EPA results more than other makers. Mazda has come a LONG way! I like the styling of the Acura and their SH-AWD system; it's top notch. The versatility of the Pathfinder is nice - three rows of useable seats and then the Audi is just a stylish package that seems to combine all but the 3 rows. My challenge with the Audi is the price point and the reliability ratings.
If I buy new, it will be the Mazda CX50, or the Pathfinder. Both are in my range - the Pathfinder is a small stretch. The other two would be used, by a year or two; but, would have CPO behind them to 84 months, or 100k.
Look forward to your thoughts. I know this is personal; however, I'm most interested in hearing what you all think of yours and what you compared it to before you purchased.
Thanks!
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Good questions! I have two girls; 14 and 16. We only haul a small cargo carrier, with luggage, on the hitch - 3 girls, total? Think about their suitcases! 
I like some power and styling. I will never go off road. I don't like the CX5. For me, it looks too top heavy and awkward - not wide enough, or something. Maybe if I lowered it? Not sure. Just not a raving fan.
I currently drive a twin turbo V6 AWD 2019 Explorer with a tune, CAI and 3 bar map. It's fast, for what it is. 3 rows of seats and I've had no issues in 85k. But, it sucks gas. Around town, I might get 18 in the summer; 16 in the winter. With just the family, on the highway, I get 20mpg going 75-80mph. If I am loaded with a lot of luggage, and that hitch on the back, I get 17mpg. BARF. What's worse, I need to run premium with the tune. I'm getting tired of that; and, frankly, the power is nice. But, I don't drag race. It has enough power in stock format.
Hope that helps?
I like some power and styling. I will never go off road. I don't like the CX5. For me, it looks too top heavy and awkward - not wide enough, or something. Maybe if I lowered it? Not sure. Just not a raving fan. I currently drive a twin turbo V6 AWD 2019 Explorer with a tune, CAI and 3 bar map. It's fast, for what it is. 3 rows of seats and I've had no issues in 85k. But, it sucks gas. Around town, I might get 18 in the summer; 16 in the winter. With just the family, on the highway, I get 20mpg going 75-80mph. If I am loaded with a lot of luggage, and that hitch on the back, I get 17mpg. BARF. What's worse, I need to run premium with the tune. I'm getting tired of that; and, frankly, the power is nice. But, I don't drag race. It has enough power in stock format.
Hope that helps?
This helps. From what you described, it sounds like you enjoy having a performance oriented vehicle, but offers passenger and cargo capacity. The Nissan will offer capacity, but not performance. And honestly, I don’t trust them as a brand right now. The CX50 will offer more rear passenger leg room than the Acura. The Acura is a sporty suv that is hindered by its transmission. The transmission hunts a lot and seems like it is always in the wrong gear. It could also be said the CX50 is also hindered by its six speed transmission. I suggest driving the two back to back and see which one speaks to you. Just make sure you are completely positive with your choice, as you giving up a 350whp suv for smaller SUVs that make around 210whp.Good questions! I have two girls; 14 and 16. We only haul a small cargo carrier, with luggage, on the hitch - 3 girls, total? Think about their suitcases!
I currently drive a twin turbo V6 AWD 2019 Explorer with a tune, CAI and 3 bar map. It's fast, for what it is. 3 rows of seats and I've had no issues in 85k. But, it sucks gas. Around town, I might get 18 in the summer; 16 in the winter. With just the family, on the highway, I get 20mpg going 75-80mph. If I am loaded with a lot of luggage, and that hitch on the back, I get 17mpg. BARF. What's worse, I need to run premium with the tune. I'm getting tired of that; and, frankly, the power is nice. But, I don't drag race. It has enough power in stock format.
Hope that helps?
Well, I finally drove a CX-5 and CX50 turbo. The CX-5 is too small. The CX50 is the winner! Now, some additional questions...
The power is good. The torque is impressive for its size. It's not going to beat my Explorer, but I didn't expect that. Who has installed the Burger Motorsports JBV4 module? I have one on a VW Tiguan and it's an impressive change for a mod that can be removed without the dealer knowing. I like it. How about a change to the exhaust? I see Corksport makes products for Mazda? Finally, and I know this is a topic of debate, but I want to lower it a bit. I will never take this vehicle off road - not intentionally, anyway. I don't want to slam it; rather, I want a more athletic stance and rid of some of the wheel well gap. That's what I am after. Again, I see Corksport has products for Mazda. I don't see a lot out there for the CX50 - likely because it is too new.
Final item is the package. I am looking at just the standard Turbo. I see what's in the premium and; frankly, the Bose radio in the one I drove was not impressive. At all. I would miss a heated steering wheel; maybe vented seats. But, not for $3k. I'd rather put that in what I outlined above. I can easily add a small sub to fill out the stereo and provide the fill/bass I need.
I think I'm there with the product. Done with Acura, Nissan, etc. Just need to land some of the above.
Thanks for taking the time!
Shumax
The power is good. The torque is impressive for its size. It's not going to beat my Explorer, but I didn't expect that. Who has installed the Burger Motorsports JBV4 module? I have one on a VW Tiguan and it's an impressive change for a mod that can be removed without the dealer knowing. I like it. How about a change to the exhaust? I see Corksport makes products for Mazda? Finally, and I know this is a topic of debate, but I want to lower it a bit. I will never take this vehicle off road - not intentionally, anyway.
I don't want to slam it; rather, I want a more athletic stance and rid of some of the wheel well gap. That's what I am after. Again, I see Corksport has products for Mazda. I don't see a lot out there for the CX50 - likely because it is too new. Final item is the package. I am looking at just the standard Turbo. I see what's in the premium and; frankly, the Bose radio in the one I drove was not impressive. At all. I would miss a heated steering wheel; maybe vented seats. But, not for $3k. I'd rather put that in what I outlined above. I can easily add a small sub to fill out the stereo and provide the fill/bass I need.
I think I'm there with the product. Done with Acura, Nissan, etc. Just need to land some of the above.
Thanks for taking the time!
Shumax
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