Flash Drive

2018 Mazda CX-5

March 5, 2018 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is handsomely styled outside and well-built inside.

Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/30-mpg highway/26-mpg combined

Base Price: $30,945

As Tested: $34,685

Performance:

Hearty, respectable performance

Sport mode, but not much quicker than normal mode

Strong fuel economy for highway driving

Well-integrated Skyactiv technology for engine and electronics

The rear overhand is short, which aids off-road maneuvering. The cargo deck is flat.

Cohesive engineering/design

Great city vehicle, but also excellent in the back country or snow

Radar cruise control

Sharp 19-inch alloy wheels

Highly useful head up display with speed limits/traffic signs

Excellent safety features—an industry award winner

Comfort:

Stretch-out front row accommodations

Comfortable, supportive driver’s seat with power lumbar

Three temperature heated front and rear seats

Ample headroom front and rear

Thick, contoured leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel

The CX-5 front seats are comfortable and supportive with soft headrests.

Wide adjustment range on steering column

Good quality interior materials and design

OK rear legroom if front seats are up slightly

Good rear shoe room

Utility:

Power tailgate with good clearance

Flat cargo deck

Easy to manage/manipulate infotainment control dial

Large, wide front door storage bins

Medium size, but deep console bin

Soft center armrest

Efficient rain sensing wipers

Big sunvisors with center extensions

The infotainment controls are intuitive and easy to access.

Bright interior lighting for front row; rear a little dim

Medium size non-locking glovebox

Split, folding rear seats

WOW Factors:

Brilliant Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint

Handsome styling

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick

Whines:

Lockable interior storage bin(s) would be nice

Too small sunroof

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is by far our favorite model and size of Mazda’s three SUVs. It’s a right sized, right

The mid-size Mazda CX-5 is an excellent city car as well as a weekend fun vehicle.

priced crossover SUV that makes an ideal family vehicle for active, multi-dimensional owners. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 hasn’t changed much from the redesigned 2017 model, but it didn’t need to since the ’17 was done so well.