Suggested upgrades for my daily driver (2015 Mazda CX-5)?

[ClangClang]

I've got about 7500 miles on my CX-5 now and I'm starting to think about potential upgrades. Anyone have any recommendations? The car is our only car (I work from home, wife has an 11 minute walk to work) so I don't want to compromise reliability. I have a set of Blizzak WS-80 tires for winter on their own alloys. I'm primarily looking for DIY upgrades to improve power, gas mileage, stability, durability, etc. I don't do any rock crawling or actual off-roading, but routinely drive on forest roads to access backcountry skiing and ice climbs. I also go to the Moab/Indian Creek area 1-3 times per year to rock climb, and that area also requires mandatory desert driving, 12"-18" streams to ford, etc. Would love to hear people's thoughts.

 

[Tundraexplorer]

What about a fridge? I would recommend an arb or national luna, and instead of going with a dual battery setup, buy an arkpack or similar and plug in the arkpack to the rear acc outlet, just make sure it only gets power when the car is on, so then you have a self contained fridge and battery and you can easily move it from car to car if you need. It's incredibly handy and nice to have just on a day to day basis, as well as getting food, and road trips.not going to improve really anything mentioned but it will make it more enjoyable on your trips!

 

[ihatemybike]

A little too much?

How about this?

 

[tanglefoot]

We have a CX-5 as well (okay, it's my sister's, but I like to pretend). The only thing we've done is put on a hitch receiver. I couldn't bear to do anything else to it--it's too perfect as it is!

 

[CurtStyler]

One of my favorite mods I did to my old daily was mounting a Maglight (or any flashlight) within reach of the driver. It's surprisingly useful, I use my pen light far more than my pocket knife and is a cheap quick addition to any car.

If you want mechanical upgrades, some sort of skid plate would be high on my list. Sounds like you do some dirt road driving and any protection under the car would help. I'm not sure what is made for the CX-5, but some sort of under carriage protection would give some great peace of mind when hitting the dirt.

 

[XJLI]

If you need to run access trails in Moab, I'd swap the CX5 for a new Jeep Renegade or Cherokee... this way you have something that is actually made for trails instead of depending on a weaker platform. If all you wanted to do was run light fire roads and drive to ski resorts, you wouldn't have to do much to the Mazda.

 

[metalryder]

A little too much?

How about this?

Makes me wish I sprung for the AWD version, but I do have a very competent Isuzu Trooper to fall back on.

 

[ClangClang]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Love those example photos posted above, but clearly beyond the scope of this project. Those are some ************ vehicles.

Occasionally I'll have to ford a 12" deep creek or navigate some softball-sized scree, but that's the worst I'm willing to go down. Something like a skid plate is an excellent idea. A quick googling turned up nothing at all though, so this will probably have to be a custom job. Hopefully it won't break the bank.

Any other ideas of relatively inexpensive mods to improve durability? I was thinking some sort of brushguard, maybe Rhinoline or Plastidip the lower fenders, a cold-air intake (or are those things snake-oil?), and maybe some other little things here and there.

I realize this isn't an expo vehicle, and not looking to make it one, but I figure a little bit of work can go a long way. The other budget Isuzu Trooper thread here certainly is inspiring and has me thinking about a 2nd vehicle though.... It's an addiction

 

[tanglefoot]

I would avoid the brushguard and the cold air intake. Most brushguards do practically nothing but reduce approach angle and add weight. They also help ensure that any frontal impact (even on the sides) manages to crack the radiator.

I wouldn't change anything under the hood. Mazda's got these things running on the cutting edge (13:1 compression and tuned for regular fuel?!) There's practically no way to do any better, without negative impact.

 

[Dake21]

Honestly if the worst you do is 12'' of water fording you should be fine but check where your diff breather are located. An extension couldn't hurt and it's cheap. Maybe an inch spacer if you want higher...but personally I would keep it as close to stock as possible.

 

[ClangClang]

Roger that. It all makes sense to me. This is the first new car I've ever owned, so some of the tech is new to me.

Sounds like one and done. Time to find me a skid plate.