Forester XT or CX-5 2.5 AWD

[AllenR]

Hi, I'm looking at replacing my car with either of the two models, which are now heavily discounted and have similar prices. Any opinions on either/both of them? Here are the factors which are important to me:

1: Durability
2: Ride Comfort
3: Driving Dynamics / Handling
4: Ease of Ingress / Egress

I'm not concerned with maintenance costs no with fuel economy, I just want a ride that's dependable and whose ownership is hassle-free. Thanks for anyone who's willing to share any feedback.

[hardwang]

Hi, I'm looking at replacing my car with either of the two models, which are now heavily discounted and have similar prices. Any opinions on either/both of them? Here are the factors which are important to me:

1: Durability
2: Ride Comfort
3: Driving Dynamics / Handling
4: Ease of Ingress / Egress

I'm not concerned with maintenance costs no with fuel economy, I just want a ride that's dependable and whose ownership is hassle-free. Thanks for anyone who's willing to share any feedback.

Durability goes to Mazda for sure. Subaru’s CVTs aren’t the best historically when it comes to reliability. I’d go with the conventional 6 speed of the mazda.

[StockEngine]

wait for the rav4?

hw is resident anticvt btw

[travajante]

For those w/ CVTs, if you're keeping your cars long term, it's advised to change the CVT fluid every 30-40k kms. Driving short distances & in heavy traffic are classified under severe conditions usage. Passing on here the parts & procedure needed for '14-'18 XT CVT as shared in subaruforester.org by member, 1roamingnome:
Parts:
-Transmission pan filter
-5gal bucket of Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid
-Transmission drain plug crush washer
-Transmission fill plug gasket
-Permatex RTV, preferably its quick cure "The Right Stuff"

Basic Procedure : Vehicle must be perfectly level.
1) Drain fluid, meaure volume, observe color & smell.
2) Remove fill plug at rear end of transmission case (allen plug).
3) Drop pan, replace pan screen,. Clean magnet& pan well. Remove all original Subaru orange Gasket Maker (rtv). Use wipes that won’t leave any lint behind. That pan should have nothing in it when done, just the clean magnet.
4) Should brake cleaner be used, None should hit the valve body nor the CVT. Just use it on a pc of cloth to remove oil and debris from mating surface.
5) Clean mating surfaces of the transmission & pan thoroughly. When done, it should be clean shiny metal .
6) Apply Permatex " The Right Stuff " to the transmission pan. Follow directions. It cures fast and the equipment can be returned to service immediately.
7) With an extra pair of hands holding the pan up, mate it to the bottom of the transmission. Before mating, wipe clean any oil from mating surfaces Finger tighten bolts, corners 1st.
8) Install remaining ones by hand. Then, lightly torque in cris-cross pattern.
9) Lightly torque is super important....steel going into aluminum.
10) Replace transmission pan drain plug w/ new crush washer.
11) Fill transmission through fill plug in rear of transmission. Fill with High Torque CVT Fluid using a new pump. Do not contaminate CVT and Fluid with anything foreign.
12) Fill til fluid drips out fill port. Reinstall drain plug with original gasket, then, lightly tighten.
13) Start engine and idle til transmission fluid temp comes to between 35°C-45°C. Use a vehicle diagnostic computer that can access tranny temp out of the OBD or TCM.
14) Run the gear selector through the gears. R N D then D N R P. This ensures fluid is well circulated.
15) With engine running and transmission in park remove fill plug. Add CVT fluid til it drips out the fill plug. When it’s at a slow drip to no drip reinstall fill plug. Remove old gasket and use new gasket.Torque to light tight, torque spec 35 ft/lbs.
16) Clean everything up, clean off any splashed cvt fluid on transmission and exhaust.
17) Check for leaks and weeps. Tighten transmission pan drain plug if its leaking or weeping till leak/weep stops.
18) Now you are going to need an advanced diagnostic computer. Most of us will have to go to the dealership to access the TCM for a relearn procedure. The procedure takes about 20 mins though and will have to be done with the transmission fluid temp around that 40°C.
19) Drive lightly, no WOT, nor quick acceleration for 100kms let the transmission relearn itself out with the new fluid.

That's CVT maintenance for everyone....pro or anti.[emoji4][emoji13]




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[StockEngine]

that panscreen is needed maybe after 5years.. its not like an oil filter. its a sealed trans after all.

[travajante]

that panscreen is needed maybe after 5years.. its not like an oil filter. its a sealed trans after all.

But while one is at it, why not swap it in 1 go? The thing w/ CVTs is we gotta keep its own bits from killing itself by regular fluid changes as they're practically non-rebuildable. They're efficient, yes, but, however one sugarcoats, spins or defends em, CVTs can never claim durability the way they're currently built. Sad truth, apologies.[emoji852]

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[Egan101]

I just changed CVTF this weekend. Subaru suggests fluid change every 40k actual mileage. It was 36k on my odometer and I had it done at Fusion R. CVTF and gear oil change for 9k, a lot cheaper compared to being done at Motor Image.

These two vehicles were our top choices back in 2016. The CX5 feels more luxurious inside compared to the spartan interiors of the FXT. However, the FXT has better legroom and a bigger trunk. There is no question as to power output plus Subie has a better AWD system. At the time we were buying, Motor Image offered a hefty discount bringing the price to almost the same as the CX5 AWD.


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[MR_BIG18]

I just changed CVTF this weekend. Subaru suggests fluid change every 40k actual mileage. It was 36k on my odometer and I had it done at Fusion R. CVTF and gear oil change for 9k, a lot cheaper compared to being done at Motor Image.

These two vehicles were our top choices back in 2016. The CX5 feels more luxurious inside compared to the spartan interiors of the FXT. However, the FXT has better legroom and a bigger trunk. There is no question as to power output plus Subie has a better AWD system. At the time we were buying, Motor Image offered a hefty discount bringing the price to almost the same as the CX5 AWD.


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Bro...smoother? Noticed any difference?

[Egan101]

Bro...smoother? Noticed any difference?

Just the same, like an oil change. It took 6L for a normal drain and refill method. 1L of gear oil for the rear differential and 1.5L for the front differential. Sinabay ko na rin oil change. 10k all in except the oil which I brought with me.

Going back to the topic, I would be happy driving either CUV. My wife really liked the interiors of the CX5 and it is a prettier vehicle than the FXT. Even though both vehicles handle like sedans but the CX5 feels like you're enclosed or wrapped inside while the FXT has those big windows which offer better outward visibility.

My suggestion would be to test drive both vehicles and choose one that feels right for you. I would suggest bringing the vehicles to some open area to give it a spirited run. I drive in SLEX daily and I prefer a vehicle that can get up to speed quicker.

[AllenR]

^ Thank you for all the feedback! Lots of very useful info. A test drive is a bit difficult now due to my schedule, and the dealers are an hour's drive (I live in the neckadawoods). I'm leaning towards the XT, but the GF likes the CX-5 better. I really appreciate everyone sharing their opinions and experiences!

[Egan101]

^ Thank you for all the feedback! Lots of very useful info. A test drive is a bit difficult now due to my schedule, and the dealers are an hour's drive (I live in the neckadawoods). I'm leaning towards the XT, but the GF likes the CX-5 better. I really appreciate everyone sharing their opinions and experiences!

Motor Image is offering 250k discount for the remaining stocks of the FXT (SJ). If you're not in a hurry, maybe you can check with Mazda when they will bring here the CX5 AWD 2.5L Turbo.

The FXT loves the open roads. It can stretch its legs and still feels planted at twice the normal highway speed limit (if you feel like pushing its limits). One thing annoying is the vehicle control system as it takes over every time it senses it loses traction on any tire. Even with a wet surface (raining), the AWD system will do its best to keep all 4 wheels on the road even if you're driving a bit faster than others. On low traction surfaces (mud or rough terrain), just switch on X-Mode and the vehicle will automatically apply gas and brake input to keep traction (limited to 30 kmh only). I have not used it on very rough terrain but it works on muddy terrain.

[SpinCycle]

I would also consider the location of the casa where you will have the car maintained. The reason why I stuck with Subaru was that the BGC casa was very convenient for me as it is just walking distance from my office when I still lived in PH. I can just bring the car in the morning to the casa and pick it up after work. Free parking for the day as well

Good luck with your decision! You won't go wrong with either.

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[yebo]

Re cx5, better ask first people in the mazda forums if the issues regarding batteries and transmissions persist. This were the #1 and #2 concerns of cx5 owners before.

[travajante]

Re cx5, better ask first people in the mazda forums if the issues regarding batteries and transmissions persist. This were the #1 and #2 concerns of cx5 owners before.

The recommended EFB & AGM Start/Stop batts remain pricey, but more brands are making theirs available now as it's not only Mazda that requires em. The dealership has ended their special Motolite EFB supply agreement & has now made the nippon made Yuasa Q85(D23) EFB available at Motolite EFB price of around 15k from the previous 25. The 2.2 SkyD uses the larger D31 Q85 batt. That should cost more than the petrol D23s.
Most owners have gotten trickle chargers to keep the batts healthy longer. The model of choice is the CTEK CT5 Start/Stop. Lazada & Blade sells em for about Php6+K. It's a worthy investment that has proven to extend batt life.
The said transmission kinks that may have haunted early gen1 CX5s have been sorted & have not bothered Skyactivs since. We've a high use pre-MzdConnect model '13 CX5 at work that has not had anything but PMS done. It's still running like new.


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[tool_46n2]

My only qualm with the local spec CX-5 is that its made in Malaysia, unlike before it was CBU in Japan.

Otherwise, its a great compact SUV that is great and fun to drive with an interior feel that rivals luxury car brands.

[Pilaps]

Re cx5, better ask first people in the mazda forums if the issues regarding batteries and transmissions persist. This were the #1 and #2 concerns of cx5 owners before.

sir can you post link of that forum about the issue ?

[travajante]

sir can you post link of that forum about the issue ?

Transmission kinks were from early 1st gen. The 1st of the Skyactivs. Long been ironed. Their transmissions(nonCVT) are shared, depending on engine size, from the 2 all the way up to the CX9. On point of assembly...CBU Jp will be the choice if there were 1, but there has been no noted quality concern with the Mazdas coming from Thailand(M2) or MY(CX5). Mazda currently is up there w/ Lexus & Toyota in the reliability ladder.
Re battery, you'll require the pricier Start/Stop Enhanced Flood vs the Regular Flooded...or AGM batts. The complaints came when MazdaPh tapped Motolite to supply them w/ EFBatts. They're now back to the Japanese GS Yuasa. Delkor, Panasonic have EFBs of the same specs or higher at more reasonable prices.
To stretch the service life of batts, it's recommended to get a trickle charger like the CTEK CT5 Start/Stop.
Subaru, of late, has been plagued by quality issues which they're addressing vigorously.
Subaru Tries To Rebuild Your Trust After Scandals And Quality Issues But It Won't Be Easy | Torque News
Good luck, sir! Happy Christmas car shopping![emoji4]

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[Egan101]

If you need more compact-car handling and scared of CVT, then go for the CX5. The CX5 2.5 turbo is much quicker but not sure if it’s available locally. Down side of the CX5 is the interior and cargo space.

If you need something with more cargo and interior space, get the Forester (even the non turbo will do). If you need a quick and fast CUV plus space, then get the Forester XT.


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[ray_noel]

If you need more compact-car handling and scared of CVT, then go for the CX5. The CX5 2.5 turbo is much quicker but not sure if it’s available locally. Down side of the CX5 is the interior and cargo space.

If you need something with more cargo and interior space, get the Forester (even the non turbo will do). If you need a quick and fast CUV plus space, then get the Forester XT.


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Yes, check if you are okay with the space of cx5. Performance of 2.5NA and interior are superb. [emoji106]

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[Egan101]

If you want something comfortable with a usable trunk and drives very well, then you can opt for the Mazda6 wagon 2.5L NA. The 6 drives very well compared to any CUV.

The CX5 interior space is more like a Mazda3. Legroom is shorter than the Forester and its trunk is smaller. The windows are also a bit smaller. With the CX5, you are seated like in a car. With the Forester, you feel like you are seating on top with better view outside with its big windows.


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