Hi everyone- we are looking to get a cx5 for my teenager. Original plan was to buy a used one, but the market is so crazy as you know. We want AWD, and sunroof and then of course all of the safety features. They are both about the same amount. Anyone have experience driving either of these? I know the Carbon has bigger wheels. Not sure if that makes it smoother or bumpier? Or any other features we need to know about. We would get gray exterior if we get Preferred. We wanted a used Touring or GT but those are the same price, if not more!

 

Normally, larger wheels may have a harsher ride. I drove a Preferred (P225/65 R17) and purchased a Premium Plus (P225/55 R19), and I didn't notice much difference in the ride between the two. I think the Premium Plus rides pretty well on 19" wheels. I live in Michigan, so potholes and bad roads are the norm here.

Larger tires with lower-profile wheels are also more susceptible to wheel damage from potholes and road debris. That may be a consideration with a newer driver.

 

I bought a 2021 GT for my 16 yr old. It is a sport ride and the seats are not the best for older guys like me. But she loves it and the safety equipment has been great.

 

Yeah, thinking of passing on our CX-5 as well to our teenage kid because of the CX-5's superb safety ratings

 

thanks. Do they all have a sport ride or the GT more than preferred? Do bigger wheels make a difference? That's what Im trying to figure out

 

I read a review and the journalist compared it to a BMW. It is bumpy but controlled so when you hit a pothole it won't sound like my old Hyundai Elantra and make a loud bang-like parts fell off. It absorbs it but way to sporty for me in my 40's. I love driving it, the best car I compare the ride to is a BMW X3 I rented. You should try renting one from budget rental I believe has it. I think the suspension is the same on all models.

 

For sure the 19" wheels will ride more harshly than the 17's as they have less sidewall. Tires will also be more expensive on the 19" wheels and the OEM tires are crap so you will have to replace them pretty quickly. I would strongly suggest you go and drive both so you can experience the difference yourself.