Cool review! I’ve had a manual 2014 CX-5 for about a year now. It’s got just over 100k miles on it. It replaced a 2015 Subaru Outback (CVT) and 2017 VW GTI (manual) before that. Pros: Super reliable. Gas mileage is excellent for the size. Shifter feels nice and it’s peppy enough around town. Comfortable and roomy. Plenty of room for hauling. Looks good. Cons: sSlooowww on the highway. You will have to downshift to 4th gear to even attempt to pass. Stock audio was 1990s bad. Head unit and speakers had to go. Final thoughts: Excellent all around car if you have a light foot. If you have a heavy foot and want to zoom zoom, it’ll probably frustrate you on the highway.
Hey rust, I'm between getting one of these and the mazda 6 same year range. The 6 has a 2.5 liter so isn't so slow. How bad or tolerable is it? I do have a light foot (drive a corolla right now) but will be driving it on long interstate trips with the family and luggage and want to enjoy it. I just love the idea of having a manual suv, and nicer to sit higher with the family in the car, but I'm sure the 6 will be more fun to drive. Would love to get thoughts from an actual owner.
I was looking for my mazda model for almost 2 hours and found two photos with the same equipment until I didn't find your video thanks for the clarification :D
I live in Quebec, Canada, and I LOVE manual transmissions. My last car was an 04 Civic SE Sedan (DX with AC, no VTEC, 114hp), at 320,000kms - the headgasket was so far gone, it wasn't worth fixing. I wanted a change, a larger vehicle, I was looking at SUV's, but I wanted one with a 5-6 speed manual transmission. Probaby as rare as a 4 leaf clover. 7 months of looking at autotrader and every other site i could, I finally found one. A 2018 Mazda CX-5, GX (Sport) model with 43,000 kms, black mica color, it has a 2.0 liter engine, 156hp and 150 ft of tourque, all I need. I checked out the Honda HRV with a manual transmission as well, but that felt like a Honda Fit with a foot of ground clearance, it had zero pep, but it did kill it with cargo space (magic seats were really magic). The Mazda CX-5 - has a much more premium feel, and it was cheaper. It is exactly what I need for work, and weekend errands. Plenty of room and features. It has the backup cam, 7" LCD display, I had Mazda put in the retro Android auto/Apple carplay, via USB cable. Blind spot warning (no mirror cameras, but the beep warning is good enough), no heated seats, but in -40C, I honestly don't care. Maunal seats, but I prefer to slide for a few seconds than wait for a motor to move my seat. My only gripe, is that it's only got 4 speakrs, 2 of which I already upgraded. I consider myself an amateur audiopile, so I will be adding a sub and have to figure out where to put 2 tweeters, where there are no tweeter holes, mounts, or wires (youtube).
I actually had a 2014 CX-5 MT, later sold it for a BRZ MT, and now drive a Countryman MT. But what I miss about the CX-5 and what is basically non-existent now is to have a vehicle of this size offered with a MT. It's marketed as a compact SUV but to me (coming from smaller cars) it's quite large. And it's fun to have a large vehicle. But what's nice is that it drives like a smaller car and is great on gas like a smaller car. The only downside is it's not terribly fast and you do have to give up any trim upgrades to get it since it was only offered on the base model, but that's all easily remedied. I wish they hadn't stopped offering this with a manual.
I want want of the years it has manual. Doing my research now but hopefully a good multi seat manual. Currently in a Miata and when more space is needed I want a manual. Autos put me to sleep lol
I have one in Grey 2013 sport standard transmission 6 speed just like this one with 181000 km but my entertainment console is the same as the automatic transmission version you did the review on. Everything else is identical though
Thanks for your review Zack. Actually looking at this vehicle to an upgrade my old 2008 VW 5speed 2.5L Golf with 180k miles on it. Used to work at VW and we always said 2L engines were bulletproof. Looks like this vehicle proves that. The 6 speed manual transmission would be an upgrade from my 5 speed manual as the added 6th gear adds an overdrive gear to provide incredible highway fuel economy. The competiton to this vehicle would be the Mitsubishi RVR, however their base model only comes with a 5 speed manual. Overall I feel the look of the CX-5 looks far more appealing than the RVR. The aerodynamic body style seems better as well than the clunkly looking RVR. Who knows, maybe you would have different opinions about the 2013 RVR. Yes they are 9 year old vehicles, but in times like these and a shortage of new model cars, many people are looking for used cars. Great job with your review by the way, I really enjoyed it. - Greg from Canada.
Just a thought/suggestion maybe you could put a glimpse of the of the backseat from the getting in perspective. Love the videos, I have a 2021 cx5 and thankfully big bottles fit in the side thing but rip to the normal cupholders being that big.
I was just thinking about the decline of manuals on my way home tonight. Automatics are so much more convenient, resulting in fewer people wanting manuals and therefore lower demand. But even more importantly, automatics get better gas mileage, taking away one of the biggest advantages manuals once had. Performance is moot too, as dual-clutches and even the ZF 8HP shift in milliseconds. At this point it's an enthusiast's option. Of note though, Jeep and the Porsche 911 have high take rates for manuals. Porsche Germany was specifically told by Porsche USA that a manual option was required for the US 911 992. Myself? If I (theoretically) get a truck or a Jeep, if it's available with a manual I will get the manual. They don't have great driver aids anyway so I'm not missing much. A sports car with a dual clutch? Veeerrry hard call. The dual clutch is faster and has paddles, but there's just something about rowing your own gears and working a clutch.
Too bad you can't get the 6 speed manual with the 2.5L. I don't see why they couldn't do it, that engine is paired with a manual in the Mazda3 and 6. Would be nice if you could get the AWD as well.
Saw a manual In the title.. instantly clicked on it!! I never knew the older CX 5s have manuals!! That’s super rare 😨😨😨 Edit: the 2017 Subaru Forester still had a 6 speed manual, but you couldn’t get it with the XT turbo. Only the Premium trim
Great review. I'm thinking of buying a 2014 CX-5 manual as we speak for my commuter, 112k, $11,000. Need to drive it and determine if I can live with this body style or move up to a 2017+ body style.
New to the channel. Great review. I must point out thought that a common misconception is that Mazda was using Ford engineering. In fact, it's the opposite. The Mazda L engine (rebranded as a Duratec for Fords) may have been backed by Ford money, but it is Mazda engineering. I owned a Mazda5 with a 6MT and there were FoMoCo stamps on the intake manifold. However the entire van was assembled in Hiroshima, with most parts sourced from Japan. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine
I just got myself a 2014 cx 5 manual with 80k miles and I absolutely love the thing
Super cool, whoever that fellow mazda cx5 owner is a baller for having a manual, from the 200k cx5 owner
I have a manual cx5 2014. I feel special.
Cool review! I’ve had a manual 2014 CX-5 for about a year now. It’s got just over 100k miles on it. It replaced a 2015 Subaru Outback (CVT) and 2017 VW GTI (manual) before that.
Pros: Super reliable. Gas mileage is excellent for the size. Shifter feels nice and it’s peppy enough around town. Comfortable and roomy. Plenty of room for hauling. Looks good.
Cons: sSlooowww on the highway. You will have to downshift to 4th gear to even attempt to pass. Stock audio was 1990s bad. Head unit and speakers had to go.
Final thoughts: Excellent all around car if you have a light foot. If you have a heavy foot and want to zoom zoom, it’ll probably frustrate you on the highway.
Hey rust, I'm between getting one of these and the mazda 6 same year range. The 6 has a 2.5 liter so isn't so slow. How bad or tolerable is it? I do have a light foot (drive a corolla right now) but will be driving it on long interstate trips with the family and luggage and want to enjoy it.
I just love the idea of having a manual suv, and nicer to sit higher with the family in the car, but I'm sure the 6 will be more fun to drive. Would love to get thoughts from an actual owner.
We got our manual cx-5 on 2016 model year. Great little SUV. Perfect for a small family I would say.
I was looking for my mazda model for almost 2 hours and found two photos with the same equipment until I didn't find your video thanks for the clarification :D
I live in Quebec, Canada, and I LOVE manual transmissions. My last car was an 04 Civic SE Sedan (DX with AC, no VTEC, 114hp), at 320,000kms - the headgasket was so far gone, it wasn't worth fixing. I wanted a change, a larger vehicle, I was looking at SUV's, but I wanted one with a 5-6 speed manual transmission. Probaby as rare as a 4 leaf clover. 7 months of looking at autotrader and every other site i could, I finally found one. A 2018 Mazda CX-5, GX (Sport) model with 43,000 kms, black mica color, it has a 2.0 liter engine, 156hp and 150 ft of tourque, all I need. I checked out the Honda HRV with a manual transmission as well, but that felt like a Honda Fit with a foot of ground clearance, it had zero pep, but it did kill it with cargo space (magic seats were really magic). The Mazda CX-5 - has a much more premium feel, and it was cheaper. It is exactly what I need for work, and weekend errands. Plenty of room and features. It has the backup cam, 7" LCD display, I had Mazda put in the retro Android auto/Apple carplay, via USB cable. Blind spot warning (no mirror cameras, but the beep warning is good enough), no heated seats, but in -40C, I honestly don't care. Maunal seats, but I prefer to slide for a few seconds than wait for a motor to move my seat. My only gripe, is that it's only got 4 speakrs, 2 of which I already upgraded. I consider myself an amateur audiopile, so I will be adding a sub and have to figure out where to put 2 tweeters, where there are no tweeter holes, mounts, or wires (youtube).
Very cool to see a manual transmission in the Mazda cx5
I learned how to drive a stick in my 2014 CX-5, just picked it up about a year and a half ago. Slower than molasses but wayyyy more fun
I actually had a 2014 CX-5 MT, later sold it for a BRZ MT, and now drive a Countryman MT. But what I miss about the CX-5 and what is basically non-existent now is to have a vehicle of this size offered with a MT. It's marketed as a compact SUV but to me (coming from smaller cars) it's quite large. And it's fun to have a large vehicle. But what's nice is that it drives like a smaller car and is great on gas like a smaller car. The only downside is it's not terribly fast and you do have to give up any trim upgrades to get it since it was only offered on the base model, but that's all easily remedied. I wish they hadn't stopped offering this with a manual.
I want want of the years it has manual. Doing my research now but hopefully a good multi seat manual. Currently in a Miata and when more space is needed I want a manual. Autos put me to sleep lol
I have one in Grey 2013 sport standard transmission 6 speed just like this one with 181000 km but my entertainment console is the same as the automatic transmission version you did the review on. Everything else is identical though
Any mazda with a manual is a dream 😊
i didnt even know this existed, super cool!
What?! I have a 2013 cx5 Grand Touring awd and I had no idea these things could have a stick?!
Thanks for your review Zack. Actually looking at this vehicle to an upgrade my old 2008 VW 5speed 2.5L Golf with 180k miles on it. Used to work at VW and we always said 2L engines were bulletproof. Looks like this vehicle proves that. The 6 speed manual transmission would be an upgrade from my 5 speed manual as the added 6th gear adds an overdrive gear to provide incredible highway fuel economy. The competiton to this vehicle would be the Mitsubishi RVR, however their base model only comes with a 5 speed manual. Overall I feel the look of the CX-5 looks far more appealing than the RVR. The aerodynamic body style seems better as well than the clunkly looking RVR. Who knows, maybe you would have different opinions about the 2013 RVR. Yes they are 9 year old vehicles, but in times like these and a shortage of new model cars, many people are looking for used cars. Great job with your review by the way, I really enjoyed it. - Greg from Canada.
Just a thought/suggestion maybe you could put a glimpse of the of the backseat from the getting in perspective. Love the videos, I have a 2021 cx5 and thankfully big bottles fit in the side thing but rip to the normal cupholders being that big.
I was just thinking about the decline of manuals on my way home tonight. Automatics are so much more convenient, resulting in fewer people wanting manuals and therefore lower demand. But even more importantly, automatics get better gas mileage, taking away one of the biggest advantages manuals once had. Performance is moot too, as dual-clutches and even the ZF 8HP shift in milliseconds. At this point it's an enthusiast's option. Of note though, Jeep and the Porsche 911 have high take rates for manuals. Porsche Germany was specifically told by Porsche USA that a manual option was required for the US 911 992.
Myself? If I (theoretically) get a truck or a Jeep, if it's available with a manual I will get the manual. They don't have great driver aids anyway so I'm not missing much. A sports car with a dual clutch? Veeerrry hard call. The dual clutch is faster and has paddles, but there's just something about rowing your own gears and working a clutch.
Props to Mazda for this.
Holy moly you found one! Awesome
I have one but 2.2 liter diesel. It is fairly peppy for a two liter. But I can imagine it would be pretty slow with the automatic.
Wait did you just credit Ford for the MZR 😭
Hi @Shooting Cars, I'm looking to drive 200 miles to go see a 2014 CX-5 Manual. Any suggestions what to look for when I'm looking at this car?
Too bad you can't get the 6 speed manual with the 2.5L. I don't see why they couldn't do it, that engine is paired with a manual in the Mazda3 and 6. Would be nice if you could get the AWD as well.
Zach you gotta go to Canada. Enlist the help of Londoners and people from toronto there a great number of cars to try
Saw a manual In the title.. instantly clicked on it!! I never knew the older CX 5s have manuals!! That’s super rare 😨😨😨
Edit: the 2017 Subaru Forester still had a 6 speed manual, but you couldn’t get it with the XT turbo. Only the Premium trim
Even the second generation came manual as well up until 2018 I believe
Great review. I'm thinking of buying a 2014 CX-5 manual as we speak for my commuter, 112k, $11,000. Need to drive it and determine if I can live with this body style or move up to a 2017+ body style.
did you ever buy one? how many miles have you put on it. I'm considering. 2015 with 106k miles
@@robertp9370 I went with 2014 Mazda3. 2.5 automatic.
@@robertp9370did you buy the manual CX5? I'm looking at a 2016 for $10k.
We should have more manual transmissions not cvt bullshit
Agreed, but I'm glad that as of 2021 Mazda still has not used a CVT yet!
Lovely car
my kids love when i chirp 2nd.......
I had almost this exact car. The radio was dog shit. And it was SLOW.
SUV's with manual transmissions🤮😖☹️
New to the channel. Great review. I must point out thought that a common misconception is that Mazda was using Ford engineering. In fact, it's the opposite. The Mazda L engine (rebranded as a Duratec for Fords) may have been backed by Ford money, but it is Mazda engineering. I owned a Mazda5 with a 6MT and there were FoMoCo stamps on the intake manifold. However the entire van was assembled in Hiroshima, with most parts sourced from Japan.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine