Model Year | 2008 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Mazda CX-5 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 106.3 in | 0.1 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 178.7 in | -4.4 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 72.4 in | -2.7 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 65.7 in | -12.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 3194 lb. | -149 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.8 gal. | 1.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.1 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 57.5 in | -2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 55.2 in | -1.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.0 in | 1.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.0 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 55.5 in | -0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 53.7 in | -5.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 39.3 in | -7.1 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.3 in (over 2 rows) | -5.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 34.1 ft3 | -26.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 64.8 ft3 | -57.2 ft3 |
2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2013 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | There's plenty of legroom in the rear seat, but the same can be said of most compact crossovers. Based on the official specs the Mazda has 4.4 inches more total legroom than a VW Tiguan, but to me the Tiguan's rear seat seemed slightly roomier and more comfortable owing to a higher position. The rear seat reclines in the VW and some other compact crossovers, but not in the Mazda. The Escape's rear seat is considerably less spacious than the others. Adults will fit, but with less knee room to spare. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2013 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | There's no clear winner in rear seat room and comfort, either. The Mazda's rear seat is mounted a little lower than the Toyota's, and when sitting in it my knees are considerably closer (if still not close) to the front seat backs. Also, the Toyota's rear seat reclines, while the Mazda's does not. Neither car has air vents in the rear passenger compartment, but the RAV4 has a large vent high on the instrument panel apparently intended to push cool air into the rear seat via the ceiling. To counter these RAV4 advantages, the CX-5 offers about five inches more rear hip room. So three passengers will fit more comfortably. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2013 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While recently shopping for a new car for the first time in over 10 years, I found that driver's seats are now made with high sides. For me, a 5'1" female driver, this makes it a bit awkward getting in and out. Combined with the higher ground clearance of a compact SUV, it's not the ideal setup. The Mazda CX-5 is not as bad as others, but it's still an issue. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2013 | 4dr SUV 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Could use some more support on the front of the seats, the back seems to fully support me. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2013 | 4dr SUV 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seat is roomy enough for an average or above average adult, but the seats themselves could be better-- perhaps more sculpted and padded. Not nearly as comfortable as the front seats after an hour or two. I'm sure, however, that this is a common complaint on other smaller SUVs too, having tried them out at dealers, so it's not unique to Mazda. Again, a modest complaint since I'm in the driver's seat most of the time! (which is VERY comfortable, I might add, even for long drives!) see full Mazda CX-5 review |