Recently changed from Vitara to CX5 as needed more room for our junk. Thought write comparsion towing our Adria Altea 430 caravan, 1150kg loaded.
Handling wise CX5 leaves Vitara for dead especially in high winds which hardly bother it. This comes down to pure physics, heavier 1650kg vs 1250kg, long and wide wheel base. Towing in high winds with Vitara never had me worried but it knock car around demanded lot attention and slowing down. In calmer weather Vitara handled caravan well.
When comes to engines to Vitara leaves CX5 for dead. 105KW+ 240NM 1500rpm vs 148kw+ 250NM 4000rpms. That low down torque of Vitara makes for more relaxing drive. Put it in cruise control and it leave Auto do its thing, no problem maintain 90kmh and only need to >3500rpm(3rd) on steep hills. Used Sport mode on windy hilly roads. Few 1000kms of towing never felt needed more power.
CX5 on other hand needs quite bit of important (paddle shifters) if want to maintain its speed on undulating roads and hills. Cruise control will drop 5-10kmh before shifting down to 4th or 3rd to build speed again. 2.5L isn't under powered but just needs to use gears to access its torque band.
Handling wise I've no doubt it would tow +1500kg 7m caravan with no issues. Power wise will need lot more input from driver to maintain pace on hill roads.
Not drive 2.5 turbo version but from specs suspect powerwise it would make easy work of 1800kg caravan.
Outside towing both cars are easy to live with plenty of power. Lightly loaded think Vitara is slightly quicker when it comes to over taking. Both have similar active safety system and bells and whistles. Both cars safety systems rarely beep and bong unlike others, looking at you Sportage and Outback. Couple thinks that standout with CX5.
1) mirrors that fold when car is locked. This was gripe with Vitara had electric mirrors but no option to fold on locking. No way to tell if car is locked at glance.
2) headup display thought it was gimmick on test drive but wife and I are now sold on it. Must on any future cars.
Vitara wins on economy stakes by about 2L/100km CX5 both unladen and towing. No surprise there given weight differences. But it uses 95octane compared to CX5 cheaper 91.
In summary if you own either one of these cars and looking to buy caravan. Vitara will handle upto 1200kg no problems powerwise just be careful towing in high winds or avoid them altogether.
CX5 upto 1500kg but be prepared to put bit work in to maintain pace. >1500kg probably be looking to upgrade to vehicle with more grunty engine in long run.
Handling wise CX5 leaves Vitara for dead especially in high winds which hardly bother it. This comes down to pure physics, heavier 1650kg vs 1250kg, long and wide wheel base. Towing in high winds with Vitara never had me worried but it knock car around demanded lot attention and slowing down. In calmer weather Vitara handled caravan well.
When comes to engines to Vitara leaves CX5 for dead. 105KW+ 240NM 1500rpm vs 148kw+ 250NM 4000rpms. That low down torque of Vitara makes for more relaxing drive. Put it in cruise control and it leave Auto do its thing, no problem maintain 90kmh and only need to >3500rpm(3rd) on steep hills. Used Sport mode on windy hilly roads. Few 1000kms of towing never felt needed more power.
CX5 on other hand needs quite bit of important (paddle shifters) if want to maintain its speed on undulating roads and hills. Cruise control will drop 5-10kmh before shifting down to 4th or 3rd to build speed again. 2.5L isn't under powered but just needs to use gears to access its torque band.
Handling wise I've no doubt it would tow +1500kg 7m caravan with no issues. Power wise will need lot more input from driver to maintain pace on hill roads.
Not drive 2.5 turbo version but from specs suspect powerwise it would make easy work of 1800kg caravan.
Outside towing both cars are easy to live with plenty of power. Lightly loaded think Vitara is slightly quicker when it comes to over taking. Both have similar active safety system and bells and whistles. Both cars safety systems rarely beep and bong unlike others, looking at you Sportage and Outback. Couple thinks that standout with CX5.
1) mirrors that fold when car is locked. This was gripe with Vitara had electric mirrors but no option to fold on locking. No way to tell if car is locked at glance.
2) headup display thought it was gimmick on test drive but wife and I are now sold on it. Must on any future cars.
Vitara wins on economy stakes by about 2L/100km CX5 both unladen and towing. No surprise there given weight differences. But it uses 95octane compared to CX5 cheaper 91.
In summary if you own either one of these cars and looking to buy caravan. Vitara will handle upto 1200kg no problems powerwise just be careful towing in high winds or avoid them altogether.
CX5 upto 1500kg but be prepared to put bit work in to maintain pace. >1500kg probably be looking to upgrade to vehicle with more grunty engine in long run.
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