Compact SUVs all look the same. That’s kind of boring for most of us, and it makes the car-buying experience for even casual owners somewhat of a snore. That’s good for Mazda’s CX-5, which boasts bold styling and a sporty selection of features that offer plenty of “zoom-zoom” and creature comforts.
Plenty of Power
Starting at just a few lattes over $24,000, the CX-5 base trim is well-equipped: A 2.5L DOHC I4 pumps out a respectable 187 horses, while Mazda’s signature SKYACTIV technology comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission. SKYACTIV helps manage higher compression ratios for more fuel efficiency without sacrificing any power, and Mazda’s perfected the technology quite well. The CX-5 gets 31 highway MPGs.
Surprising Feature List
Beyond these basic power amenities, the CX-5 delivers more luxury features as standard ilk compared to many compact SUVs: 7” tough display, voice-controlled infotainment, rearview camera, remote and keyless entry, push start, HD radio, Bluetooth, dynamic stability control, TPMS, city automatic braking, and a laundry list of available packages that include a Bose 10-speaker system, lane departure, automatic wipers, Mazda Navigation, power liftgate, moonroof, and the list goes on.
The CX-5’s interior is modern, sleek, luxury-feeling yet functional
Design with a Little Spirit
But what we like most about the CX-5 is its physical profile. The front end looks quite fast standing still, with its super-sleek headlight bezels and nearly Merc-AMG-like front grille profile. The hood is acute and sharp, pointing with a blade line over the grille bezel, while the front fascia eschews curvy, friendly, googly round bits, instead favoring a proper sportscar look.
The side profile of the CX-5 is quite nice, too. A solid, one-piece window design terminates with a perfectly balanced tip above the rear tire, kind of like a samurai’s sword. The rear doesn’t droop down and crunch passengers’ heads like other compact SUVs seem to do in a half-assed attempt at fastback style. Instead, the CX-5 gets it right with just a tad of downward swoop that doesn’t sacrifice seating, storage or rear door functionality when it’s time to load up for the beach or campsite.
See, where other compact SUVs with economy price tags are slapped together by interns and junior designers, the CX-5 even has its own page dedicated to the designers’ intent and vision. They call it “kodo design”, by their “Takumi craftsmen”, who attempted to strip away all fluff and fake bits to give a driver’s experience that feels connected. They certainly pulled it off.
Ready for Light Trails
And for all that design glitz and glam, the CX-5 is still a utility vehicle that shines. Popular opinion says the CX-5 out-sports both RAV4 and Nissan Rogue with its i-ACTIV AWD. The i-ACTIV system continuously modifies the power band and torque output of the motor, distributing all that wheel spin potential between the front and rear with an electronic coupling. On the road, most power is transferred to the front for fuel efficiency and handling. Hit the dirt trails, and the i-ACTIV wakes up. Because we humans can only perceive the “gross motor skills” of a vehicle, the i-ACTIV system gets smart and warns of slip and potential loss of steering well before it’s apparent. The system simultaneously works to correct the problem with active power distribution, too. It works quite well, maintaining grip under rough, wet, snowy conditions with ease.
The CX-5’s Sport Mode firms up shift points and turns the throttle into a hairpin trigger
Loads of Value
That’s a corporate statement, sure, but it’s true. The Mazda CX-5 is a helluva value. The power, features, AWD command and control, styling and general spirit of the thing is rare in the compact SUV world, and one can grab all this starting at around $24,000. Even a fully-loaded model stays within the everyman’s price range, making the CX-5 tough to beat by all measures. Good luck to Ford, Toyota, Honda, and the like. Mazda’s beating you.
