Hi Scotty
Huge fan all the way from Malaysia. Should I go for a new Mazda CX5 2.5 FWD with traditional automatic or a new Corolla Cross 1.8 FWD with CVT? I am planning on using the car for the next 10 years (200k milage). I am on the edge for CVT reliability. Also what are your thoughts on Toyota Venza (Toyota Harrier)?
@dan I'm not sure this question is for you. But give it a go.
Can anyone explain to me what NA stands for? North America?
"Naturally aspirated" engines.
Thank you @yaser
Between the new CX5 and Corolla, I would get the Corolla. the cylinder deactivation in Mazda is not a good thing, on the other hand, the 1.8 L Toyota engines are excellent. About the CVT, Toyota makes good CVTs and if you take care of that, by changing the ATF religiously, you can expect to get a long life out of that.
What is the problem with the cylinder deactivation in the Mazdas?
It is not only for Mazda, Every car that has that feature can not last long without serious engine issues.
I would test drive them both to see what you like. Mazda CX-5 does have cylinder deactivation so the engines may not last as long as you expected to. Toyota Venza and Toyota Corolla Cross are both new vehicles so you may not know what problems you can encounter in the future. Toyota Venza is a hybrid vehicle so it may not last as long as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla Cross. Long story short, I would get the Toyota Corolla Cross even though again it's a new vehicle.
Whats the problem with the cylinder deactivation?
Cylinder deactivation sucks. Scotty has videos on this or see FAQ.
Those are in different classes. The cx30 would be the same class as the corolla crossover. Having both a Toyota and Mazda, I would go Mazda all day long.
Also throw in the Honda CR-V to your shortlist.
The Toyota Harrier is indestructible, which is why you still see so many of the older ones still running on the roads, in Malaysia (all of SE Asia for that matter).
The Corolla Cross is based off of the Corolla so I wouldn't really consider it a fully new car; it's a Corolla but SUV version of it. As far as cvt Toyota makes very good cvt. I have a Corolla Cross and so far I'm very satisfied with it.
