I am a longtime Mazda driver who still owns the Mazda5 and love the look of the Mazda CX5. My only reservation is the mileage. 80% of my driving in the city, and Hybrid models provide much more potential savings.(24 mpg vs 42 mpg). Planning to drive around 6-8 thousand a year. Looks like Hybrid technologies are the way to go. I can get Mazda at a discount today but there is a dealer markup and wait time for hybrid Kia. Want to hear some expert opinions here. Thanks.
I worked for Mazda for 6 years. Leased two Cx5 models and a Cx9 model. Would buy the Mazda all day long for driving feel and reliability. In their class the Mazdas typically give you more safety tech for the money, and handle very sporty compared to similiar cars. Ive driven trade in Kia models and can tell you the Mazda will prob win every contest except maybe the gas mileage.