My old Lexus is falling apart and needs to be replaced, and I’m really excited about the rumors about the hybrid CX-5. Is it dumb to lease a CX-5 for a year or two to hold me over until the refreshed model comes out?
I generally don’t like the first couple years of a refresh. The current CX-5s have amazing reliability, and they’ve been tested and proven.
If you really love the CX-5, go for it. But there’s no guarantee the hybrid will be perfect when it first comes out.
River said:
If you really love the CX-5, go for it. But there’s no guarantee the hybrid will be perfect when it first comes out.
A friend of mine works at a Mazda dealership, and the reviews for the CX-50 hybrid haven’t been great. The hybrid seems to lack the true Mazda feel, and the small increase in gas mileage doesn’t really make the higher price worth it. Plus, with rising costs and fewer incentives, the hybrid might not make sense. I’d suggest just getting a regular CX-5 instead.
@Kai
To be fair, the CX-5 hybrid will have a different powertrain from the Toyota one used in the CX-50, so it could be different.
Emmy said:
@Kai
To be fair, the CX-5 hybrid will have a different powertrain from the Toyota one used in the CX-50, so it could be different.
I still think it’s going to be a hybrid, and with all the added costs of the hybrid version, it doesn’t seem worth it. I’d rather just go with a standard CX-5 with 0.9% APR. The reason people love Mazda is for the fun driving experience and the lack of a CVT. If you go hybrid, you might as well just get a Toyota.
@Kai
I love the way the Mazda feels and looks, that’s why I would stick with it!
@Kai
Not all hybrids are boring to drive. Toyota’s hybrid powertrains often give a significant power boost along with better mileage. I think Mazda might go in that direction too, but we’ll have to wait and see.
@Kai
I currently have a mild hybrid CX-5, and it’s a lot of fun to drive. You can feel a little extra power when you accelerate, and there’s also some regenerative braking. If the full hybrid comes out, I’d wait a year or two to see if they work out the bugs.
Why not just go for the CX-50 hybrid instead?
Finlo said:
Why not just go for the CX-50 hybrid instead?
I’m in the same spot. I prefer Japanese-made cars, so I’m willing to wait.
Finlo said:
Why not just go for the CX-50 hybrid instead?
I’m in the same spot. I prefer Japanese-made cars, so I’m willing to wait.
I like that Japanese-built feel too, and the CX-5 is a bit more nimble. Still can’t decide though, I’m on the fence about which one to go for.
Finlo said:
Why not just go for the CX-50 hybrid instead?
The CX-50 hybrid has less features, even in the highest trim level.
Finlo said:
Why not just go for the CX-50 hybrid instead?
The CX-50 hybrid has less features, even in the highest trim level.
What do you mean by ‘less features’? What’s missing from the CX-50 hybrid?
@Finlo
It doesn’t have rear heated seats, the 360-degree camera, or heated steering wheels in some models.
I’d try to hold on to the Lexus for another year, but that’s just me.
Burn your money or finance it and trade later?
I’m personally waiting for the CX-5 hybrid too. One thing I like is the extra headroom compared to the CX-50. The CX-5 also has independent rear suspension, unlike the CX-50, which uses a torsion beam. I prefer the looks of the CX-5 as well, but that’s a personal choice. The hybrid system in the CX-5 is supposed to be different from the one in the CX-50, which is proven, so that’s something to keep in mind. The CX-5 is built in Japan, but the CX-50 isn’t, though that may change with the hybrid.
I did the same thing last week to hold me over, and I have no regrets.
I would lease the CX-5 for 3 years, give the new model some time to work out the bugs, then trade in if you like it. If you don’t like the new model, you can just keep your lease and pay it off. Leasing is great for those who trade in often or aren’t sure what they want. If the car ends up being worth more than the residual value, you can sell it and pocket the difference. If it’s worth less, you can just return it.