Mazda's compact crossover is the CX-5. It replaced the Tribute in the Asian manufacturer's lineup back in 2013. It shares a platform with the Mazda 3 and 6 and competes with for buyers with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tiburon, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Forester and Toyota Rav4.
Like all of those vehicles, the CX-5 is a front- or all-wheel drive four-door wagon that's powered by a four-cylinder engine. Three trim levels are offered, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
The front-drive Sport comes with a 2.0-liter four that makes 155 horsepower. Standard on the AWD Sport and the Touring and Grand Touring is a 2.5-liter four that makes 184 horsepower. The 2.0-liter engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The 2.5 comes only with the 6-speed auto shifter. Towing rating is 2000 pounds, regardless of engine.
Features include Bluetooth integration, navigation system, sunroof and Bose audio system. Safety features include blind-spot warning and a forward crash notification system called Smart City Brake Support.
The CX-5 is priced at $21,545 for the Sport, $24,965 for the Touring and $27,970 for the Grand Touring. All models have a destination charge of $830.
Get Up and Go The base engine provides nothing more than adequate acceleration -- 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. However, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, it's the most efficient CX-5.
Most buyers will want to step up to the larger and more powerful 2.5-liter four. It provides good punch around town and above-average passing response. Most enthusiast sites clock the 2.5 CX-5 at about 8 seconds from 0 - 60 mph. That's better than some in the class, but doesn't match the vigor of the turbocharged engines in the Ford Escape or Subaru Forester. Thankfully, there's not much of a fuel-economy penalty with the 2.5 as the engine is EPA rated at 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Regardless of engine, the 6-speed automatic provides smooth, if not a tad premature, upshifts and timely downshifts when called upon. Occasionally, the transmission will get caught between gears and hunt for a second to find the right ratio, a problem that is compounded in close-quarter commuting.
Like most crossovers, the CX-5's all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for serious off-road driving. It is however, a good compromise for those looking for all-weather traction in the winter.
On the Road CX-5 is infused with Mazda's "zoom-zoom" DNA, making it one of the most athletic-feeling compact crossovers on the market. Everything about the way it drives makes it feel agile and sure footed. The suspension provides a taught and firm ride that's, thankfully, never harsh. The steering feels directly connected to the wheels (as is should) and has a weight that's appropriately hefty at speed but delightfully light when maneuvering in parking lots. Brakes feel plenty powerful and have an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Available on the Touring and Grand Touring, is Smart City Brake Support, a system that uses a laser sensor to detect stationary objects in front of the vehicle at speeds up to 19 mph. If the driver fails to respond to a warning, the system can automatically apply the brakes.
Interior noise levels are slightly higher than you might expect in the class, but never annoying. Wind noise grows bothersome at speeds above 70 mph, so if you do a lot of long-distance highway commuting, you might want to make sure you are OK with the wind noise.
Behind the Wheel CX-5 has an understated and conservative interior. Materials are a bit plain and there's lots of hard plastic. Still, assembly quality is good and nothing seems cut-rate. Gauges are simple, straightforward and easy to read. Center stack is well designed, featuring nice round climate control dials. There's a small display screen for radio information that's sometimes cumbersome to view. Navigation system seems to be a generation behind class leaders but provides enough information to be usable. Bluetooth is good for both phone calls and audio integration.
Front seats are firm and well bolstered. They provide good support for long trips. Head room is good and leg room is adequate. Rear seat room is great, perhaps the most spacious in the class. Getting in and out is a snap and outward visibility is top notch.
Cargo space is good, thanks to the upright design and the rear seats fold in a snap. Touring and above feature a cleaver leaver that lowers the rear seat cushions when folding the seats to provide a flat load floor making it more useful for carrying long items. Interior storage is good, but it would be nice if the door map pockets were larger and there were a few more bins in the center console for small items.
Bottom Line Attractively priced and fun-to-drive, the CX-5 is a great choice among compact crossovers. Pricing is on par with most competitors, the CX-5 really only lacks a high-power engine option -- something not everyone wants. Ample rear seat room and tons of useful cargo space, two CX-5 strengths, are expected but not always offered in this class. Shop around and make sure to be careful with the options, it's easy to top the $30,000 mark on a fully loaded Grand Touring model.
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