Hey folks, I'm considering a 2023 CX-5 S Premium because I want to drive on sandy beaches. I see that the trans has an off-road button which I suppose locks the 4 wheels. Any advice on not getting stuck? Also, how does the AWD base engine do on gas on average? Does the CX-5 have a stiff ride or is it the tires? Should I be considering a Rav4 hybrid AWD or Subaru CrossTrek instead? How is overall reliability? THANKS!

 

1) Don’t drive on soft sand, deep mud or loose gravel.

2) The EPA numbers are 24 and 30.

3) Stiff compared to what? How long is a piece of string?

4) You should consider a vehicle which meets your needs, no one else can answer that for you.

5) JD Powers considers its reliability as great.

6) You’re welcome.

 

And to add on, this car probably isn't best on sand since it's not built for it specifically. It does great on regular roads and on rough roads if you're only driving on them every once in a while.

 

CX-5 is not designed for driving on sand.
If you want to drive on sand, get a CX-5, or any of the others you mentioned plus a trailer and 4-wheeler.

 

I would never drive my CX-5, or MX-5 for that matter, in sand, or mud or down riverbeds. I paid way too much money this year for each of these automobiles to trash them.

I have owned my CX-5 since July 15, 2023 and it has 2,675 miles with a lifetime miles per gallon of about 28.

 

I paid way more for my Jeep when I bought it new and I have driven it in sand, mud and riverbeds (as well as a bunch of other places), but it is designed to handle those situations. I would never do any of that with my CX5 or MX5 either.

 

With the right tyres and tyre pressures, CX-5s can handle the sand.

I enjoyed my time in the sand, only problem was I was about 1,000 miles from the beach.

 

grim I am convinced you just like to keep your MAZDA dirty as much as possible!

Kool pictures!

 

I don't try keep it dirty, I'm just not afraid to intentionally get it dirty in the 1st place.

 

Funny as it may seem to some that know me, but I am that way with my Mazda 3. But then it takes 3 days or more to clean and detail the adventures The reality is I should have gotten something more in line with your Mazda. LOL