Scotty, I'm ready to say goodbye to my '08 Ford Focus with 280,000 miles--driven it through 41 states and 27 national parks, and I'm finally moving on. I'm looking at small SUVs with AWD so I can get through snow on snowboarding trips, camping trips, and long road trips. I wanted to get an Outback, but the reliability scares me. I'm now trying to decide between the RAV-4 or Mazda CX-5 (years 2016-18). Any thoughts, especially on the CX-5?
Thank you to everybody--great advice.
Re: the 2016 CX-5, I did find out that they started using a different, better transmission in the '17 model, so I'll start looking at more of those. If both the RAV4 and CX-5 are pretty close in reliability, it'll come down to which I like driving better. Thanks everybody!
I don't know about the CX-5, but have heard Mazda's cost a lot to fix. If you want to get another 280,000 miles on your car, the best bet would be with the Toyota Rav-4. The 2016-2018 Rav4 is the mid cycle refresh of the fourth generation of the toyota Rav4. This generation was known for having almost no problems whatsoever because of the extremely reliable 6 speed automatic transmission, which gets great fuel economy, and the 2.5L 4 cylinder engine which is known to last forever. You can get a used one for as low as $14,000 depending on the amount of miles. I suggest you look up the edmunds consumer reviews on these 2 models and see which car model is problematic and also research the stats and recalls on both vehicles that will help you make the best decision possible. Lastly, Toyota invented the crossover segment back in 1996 in the US and the other car manufacturers tried to just copy and replicate the design and formula and no Rav4 generation except for the first generation has been built as good as the 2016-2018 Toyota Rav4.
CX-5s are good just avoid the 2016 model year because of complaints they are not as good as the rav4 when it comes to reliability and somewhat better than the already decent Outback. Check them both out, but Rav4 will be more reliable.
I would usually say go with RAV4 or CRV. But the CX5 is quite compelling. I actually the aesthetics better than both the RAV4 and the CRV.
Mazda quality has been getting better.
Congrats on getting 280,000 miles out of your Ford Focus. I like your SUV choices. Rav 4 is probably the best quality SUV you can buy. Mazda seems to be pretty good choice too, good advice from others to avoid 2016 CX-5. Scotty has been saying some good things about Mazda’s being better than they used to be. Best of luck
For best longevity and piece of mind, I’d go for the Toyota RAV4. If you care a little for driving dynamics then go for the Mazda, but the RAV4 is no slouch either.
