TOKYO: Mazda consistently puts out a quality product that’s fun to drive and fuel efficient. The CX-5 is a newly redesigned small SUV that brings some bold styling and on-road performance to consumers.
Under the hood is a 2.5L 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque that is controlled through a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Acceleration isn’t going to win any quarter mile races, but it’s plenty strong to enter the highway or climb a steep hill.
On the exterior the CX-5 has fluid styling with large wheel arches and a large upright front grill. The GT model I tested was equipped with 19-inch black alloy wheels that really looked good with the red metallic paint and black trim. The CX-5 can be equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlamps and LED combination tail lamps. Dual exhaust pipes finish off the clean look of the exterior.
Inside, the driver and passengers are greeted by quality materials and tight fit and finish. The Mazda Connect infotainment system controls all of the stereo and navigation settings. HVAC has a separate section on the dash, making it quick and easy to make adjustments. The use of a rotary knob on the console is a favorite of mine because it allows you to safely make changes without distracting you from the road.
Rear-seat legroom is not as bad as you might expect. There was plenty of room for my kids’ car seats and without the seats installed, comfort for two adults is adequate. Rear storage isn’t terrible and I was able to fit my hockey bag.
On road, the CX-5 is a ton of fun to drive. It’s quiet on most road surfaces and if you find a twisty back road, this SUV will not disappoint. Flip the drive mode to Sport and you’ll get a boost from the 2.5L under the hood. Switch to manual mode and you have the control to shift gears manually so you can stay in the sweet spot longer.
I found the CX-5 to be a good all-around performer during my road test. It has great exterior style, a functional interior and can carry the family with no problem.
Mazda claims an average of 26 mpg for the Grand Touring Automatic with AWD, but I was only able to maintain 23 mpg during my test. On long highway commutes, you should be able to average closer to 30 mpg. Given that mileage and the options available, this is a quality and attractive option in the small SUV segment. MSRP is $29,470, but adding the GT i-Activesense package and GT Tech package boosts the price to $34,140 as tested.
