Hi Scotty! I am looking to buy a new car.
Right now I am choosing between 2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5 non-turbo and 2021 Toyota Highlander 3.5 V6.
What are your thoughts? Will be Toyota considerably more reliable compared to Mazda in a long run?
I excluded RAV4 because it is too slow and noisy. Also excluded CX-9 cause of the turbocharged engine. My son really likes Highlander, but I am not sure it is a good idea to pay that much extra over CX-5.
By the way, I used to have a 2017 GTI and feel relieved after selling it and 48k miles.
Thank you.
@serge
Just have this article for you to read https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5, Mazda wins it
Hi lander by far I have a Customer with one that has 425000 miles on
From the wise words of scotty i would go for the highlander because toyotas are really reliable if you take care of it so i would take that
CX5 is pretty good too. Just look at Consumer Reports for reliability ratings over the last 6 years. The good thing with the non-turbo engine and 6 speed auto it comes with is that both have been around for that long and they've both held up well. Interior-wise there's no comparison, esp. in the lighter colors. Mazda won't be using hard-touch plastic, etc. either as much as Toyota and Honda which play these games as they want folks to shell out 40K+ for their luxury brands if they want such nice touches.
Also, those older Highlanders Scotty is referring to used tried and tested technology, i.e. 5+ years of real-world data to judge with (as is true for some Toyota models like 4Runner). Sadly, the new 8 speed transmission in newer models is not as reliable, just search for "toyota 8 speed transmission issues" and you'll find all kinds of info, including class-action lawsuits!
https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/toyota-8-speed-transmission-problems-lawsuit.shtml
@mazda_787b
Wow. Wasn’t aware of these tranny issues. I hope Toyota does right by their customers and fixes them.
Get the Toyota, but OTD cost will be higher. Drive normal/conservative and the tranny problems never surface. Drive like a manic, floor it at every light, drag race a lot, and tranny problems may surface !
Forget what Car & Driver or other "professional website reviewers" have to say about anything: They never mention that they get "incentives" to recommend a product, do they ??
Wow really 2 different "size" cars. Mazda probably better on gas. All about your budget, needs and likes. Both good cars. I have owned both Mazda and toyota products.
