Hi Scotty,
I finally got to a point on deciding to buy a Mazda CX-5 2.5L 2020 with the help of your videos and other research&test drives when I came a across another one of your videos indicating that the Cylinder Deactivation ("CD") is big issue for reliability (and in some cases safety). Are you aware if this is still a problem? If so, can this be deactivated? From my limited research and understanding it appears that it cannot be turned off but perhaps their are specialists who can.
Should I just go for the 2.0L Dynamic which does not have the CD technology? This doesnt have the power and AWD (there might be a silver lining here because you mention how the mileage ratings for AWD are "total BS"). I went for the 2.5L based on your recommendation - in South Africa you can only get 2.5L with AWD.
I also asked for the part numbers for their transmissions at the dealership to determine if it is still Jatco made but I could not confirm either. How do I confirm that it has an FW6A-EL automatic transmission without asking the dealer?
Video reference:
Cylinder Deactivation in Mazda CX-5 warning video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMM4sKrcWng
AWD "total BS" rating video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUE5yvWOmLA&t=13s
Mazda CX-5 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByOAh5buCUQ
PS: I would ideally buy a Toyota Rav4 2020 but they are a hijack risk here in South Africa.
Here is another one of Scotty's videos on a 2014 CX-5, similar model except no CD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqSgfvVQjbc
Thank you. How do you know there is no CD? Watched it twice and no mention of it.
Also another reminder for me to go test drive the Honda CR-V - I am just so damn reluctant because of the CVT.
@kieran
Mazda didn't implement cylinder deactivation into its engines until the 2018 model year.
I don't know if its specific to South Africa, but it should have a 6 speed automatic not a CVT.
If you get a used one, I believe before model year 2018, you can avoid the cylinder deactivation in the 2.5 engines. Mazda is good at fixing kinks like this so 2019+ models should be fine short term, but the long-term reliability is still unknown. You can shut off the cylinder deactivation though, just realize the hardware will still be intact, but better than nothing.
I don’t know how you can shut off the cylinder deactivation in the Mazda’s. I know in the GMs, FCAs, and Honda’s you can via the aftermarket, but I cannot vouch for Mazda’s yet.
Maybe the owners manuals say how to do it. I know for example you can shut off auto start stop wth the infotainment display on Subarus.
i-Stop can be deactivated through infotainment system but has to be done on every startup. I will contact Mazda directly and ask about CD deactivation.
Thanks for the posts.
IMO if the general kinks are worked out, and everything else makes you think its a positive buy, then cylinder deactivation isn't a deal breaker, just a thing to be mindful of as the car ages. What about a 2014-2017 CX-5 which didn't have cylinder deactivation?
I do wish for every single vehicle that has cylinder deactivation can disable by a simple switch like Scotty mentioned in the video about one of the Acura MDXs. Not those annoying electronic switches that shuts off every time like auto start stop button.
I would choose the one without cylinder deactivation, although you can deactivate this option with the other engine but you should find a pro first. About the transmission, call up the Mazda headquarter in your country and provide them the VIN number, they should be able to tell you.
Just an update: it turns out that in South Africa all Mazda's models are sold without cylinder deactivation. Confirmed this with Mazda South Africa directly.
Now the hard part... finding a good deal.