Need help in SUV decision.
 

We are planning to get an SUV in the near future and would need some advise from you guys. It will be primarily used by wife and therefore it has to be her liking (no matter what else). We were open to all brands but some leading contenders were dismissed on frivolous reasons… (of course by her)..:D

Ford escape ( She doesn't like it's "mouth")
Honda CRV (rear looks like a hunchback granny)
Toyota RAV ( Boxy rear lights..:confused:)
Even Benz GLK ..(Too squarish...:()
…and so on ……

Finally we are left with some choices

-Nissan Rogue (new model)
- Mazda CX-5
- Also Jeep Cherookee (I really don't know if its worth it..:eek:)

Our criteria is simple
New 2014 models, 5 seater, need ample space in rear (child seat) / cargo
Like to have as much loaded as possible
Reliability is high on the list
Cost somewhere around 25K
Would not prefer base models.
She needs some sort of parking sensor (non negotiable) :D
I would like some good lighting (LED / HID) and good sound system if possible.
Comfort is priority (over performance… she doesn't know what it means).
Would like some input from you guys please….
Thanks in advance.

CX5 review
 

You could read the CX5 review in TheCarConnection.com.
They liked it a bunch.

Bond007 give us some indication where in the world are you.

Wv, usa
I'm getting to know there are some issues with the battery dying early in some newer Mazdas. Is this a known / full blown issue or just isolated incidents? Not happy reading those!!!

After reading the long thread on this forum and before I bought mine, I went into two different dealership and asked the service department managers. One didn't know of any problems and the other said they had to replace one battery on a early model 2014 that had 9000 miles on it.

Thanks stb.
Now the other issue that keeps cropping up in the forums is regarding the navigation system. Some members seem to think that it is very crude and unrefined and it might be a good idea to wait for the 2015 models (whenever it arrives). Did you have any problems while using the navigation. Or do you feel it needs some refinement / improvement?

The nav for the 2015 is no different. I have never been a fan of Tom Toms. It's ok but I had very limited use with it so far. My wife wanted nav built in the car so that's what we got. I use google on my cell for my other vehicle.
Hopefully, someone else that has lots of experience with it can chime in.

From my angle of fixing Mazda's the CX5 is a good unit, yes there has been a few battery issues, not a huge problem, I've found the biggest issue with batteries & I-stop is people not locking their cars when not in use. Having the car in stand-by mode will deplete the battery over a week or so. Also the batteries aren't made by Mazda, so Mazda are pissed off too when they get faulty units.

Wind noise seams to be a pet peeve from people, hopefully this will be fixed with facelift releases.


The main issue with the Tomtom seems to be fixed with the latest software update version 10.851.

Most will be 10.815******* or 10.817*** or 10.850***
( 10.851 is the latest )
--------------------------------------
A: Confirmation Of Software Version
1. Switch ignition to the “ACC” position.
2. Push the NAV button on the Head Unit.
3. Tap the screen (anywhere in the map screen) to switch to the menu screen.
4. The version information can be found by following these steps:
a. First, tap “Settings”.
b. Tap “Status & Information”.
c. Tap “Version information”.
d. Confirm the software version.
If the version (App) is “10.851.1441501” or higher, no update is needed.

Just want to give you guys an update. After a lot of test driving several cars we purchased an Acura RDX. It was a bit above our budget but my wife loves it so much, so I guess I am happy too (except my wallet). It was a lot of fun going through these forums. Thanks a lot guys.

Booooooo :( :(

Just a posh dressed up Honda??