Vehicle Tested
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD
Base Price: $28,295
At-Tested Price: $30,415
Built in Japan.
Options
Grand Touring Tech Package
Engine: 2.0-liter I4, 155 horsepower
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive
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Gone is the Ford Escape-based Mazda Tribute. Replacing it for 2013 is an all-new vehicle called the CX-5. Like the Tribute, the Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover-utility vehicle that seats five and comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. Mazda claims that CX-5 is its first vehicle designed from the ground up to incorporate its fuel-saving SKYACTIV technologies. Competitors include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4.
Sidewise, CX-5 is similar in dimension to the CX-7, which it also replaces in the Mazda lineup. Almost everything about the CX-5 is new. It features a new engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, suspension and interior and exterior styling. In addition, it adds several key safety features, most notably blind-spot alert and a rearview camera.
Three trim levels are offered: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. All come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower. The Sport comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional on that and standard on the others is a six-speed automatic. All models are available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Prices range from $20,995 on the front-drive Sport to $28,595 on the AWD Grand Touring. Push-button start, AC, power windows and locks are standard on all models. Touring adds fog lamps, 5.8-inch center display with rear-view camera, blind-spot alert, Bluetooth cell-phone link and trim upgrades. Grand Touring includes leather, heated front seats, 19-inch wheels, sunroof, auto lamps, dual-zone auto climate control and upgraded stereo system. A stand-alone technology package adds Tom-Tom navigation system and HID headlamps.
Get Up and Go Mazda engineers worked hard to develop a compact crossover that offered great fuel economy. They generally succeeded, but it came at the expense of acceleration. The 2.0-liter four is just adequate and is quickly overmatched when you start adding passengers or cargo. Most auto magazines peg 0 to 60 mph acceleration at about 10 seconds. That's below average for the class and another indication that fuel economy was a primary concern.
Thankfully the engine is smooth and willing to rev. In addition, the automatic transmission behaves well and provides quick and decisive downshifts when more power is needed.
EPA estimates for the AWD model come in at 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Those are among the best non-hybrid numbers in the class. In addition, Mazda says that the CX-5 runs fine on regular-grade gasoline.
Real-world driving yields surprisingly good fuel economy. Driven with a light throttle foot, you are likely to easily match the EPA estimates. If you have a mild suburban commute you might see as high as 30 mpg overall. Straight highway driving yields an easy 32 mpg. One note, front-drive models get a 14.8 gallon tank while AWD models get a slightly larger capacity at 15.3.
On the Road CX-5 is one of the most carlike crossovers on the market, meaning that other than the elevated seat height, you feel like you could be in a compact-to-midsize sedan. The suspension does an excellent job of filtering out bumps and expansion joints while still minimizing bobbing and secondary motions. There's not a lot of difference in ride quality between the 17- and 19-inch wheels.
For a small crossover, CX-5 is quite nimble and maneuverable. Steering has a nice heft and good on-center feel. Brakes are plenty strong and easy to modulate. Body lean is minimal. The tires have good dry-road grip and sharp turn in - especially the 19-inch rubber. Overall the CX-5 impresses with solid road manners and is one of the more rewarding compact crossovers to drive.
Interior noise levels are a touch higher than class leaders Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson. Wind and tire noise at highway speeds are the main culprits, but the engine also buzzes in hard acceleration.
Behind the Wheel CX-5 interior is utilitarian to a fault, but does sport some nice materials and soft-touch surfaces. While nothing really stands out, most of the vehicles in this class suffer the same fate. Overall design is functional and user friendly as the gauges are easy to read and most controls are conveniently placed and clearly marked. About the only negative is the Tom-Tom navigation system. It is not well integrated into the vehicle, hard to program and seems slow to react to user inputs.
Front seats are nicely bolstered and offer plenty of head and leg room for large adults. Ride height is slightly taller than a typical sedan, giving a great view of the road without too much of a step up. Outward visibility is great, aided by thin roof pillars, available blind-spot alert and rear-view camera.
Rear seats are class norm, meaning there is adequate room for two adults if the front seats aren't pushed all the way back. Seat cushions are flat, but at least comfortable and the seatbacks offer nice support. Rear door openings are a bit tight, forcing a twist and turn affair when getting in or out.
Cargo space is great. There's ample room behind the rear seats. In addition, the rear seats fold nearly flat to expand room further. Sadly, there are no covered bins as in most competitors. Interior storage is average with a large center-console bin and a numerous cubbies on the door panel.
Bottom Line The new Mazda CX-5 surprises in a lot of ways. It is fun-to-drive and an extremely competitive offering in the segment. Great fuel economy and reasonable prices are pluses. About the only downside is an engine that doesn't feel as responsive as it could. It's easy to recommend and well worth a test drive.
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