In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Continuing with our End of Year showcase...Two SUVs, two philosophies, one clear question: what do you actually want from your daily driver? We put the 2025 Mazda CX-5 under the microscope to see why a design from 2017 still pulls buyers, then swing to the Dodge Durango’s 5.7 Hemi to explore how old-school power and modern tech can coexist in a three-row hauler. Along the way, we zoom in on steering feel, ride character, real-world fuel economy, towing confidence, and the pricing sweet spots that make these choices more interesting than a simple spec-sheet duel.The CX-5 shows why restraint pays off: a clean exterior, a driver-first cabin, and a turbo four that makes a six-speed feel current. Yes, the infotainment system is dated, and second-row space isn’t class-leading, but the steering and chassis deliver a sports-sedan vibe that crossovers rarely match. We line it up against the CX-50, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage to map where style, value, and dynamics diverge—and where Mazda still wins on feel.Then we cl