Compact crossover utility vehicles are my favorite because they marry the function of an SUV with the handling and fuel economy of a small sedan or station wagon. Plus, these mini-CUVs actually have enough cargo space to accommodate the needs of most buyers, with the exception of those that need a third seat for carpooling.
Mazda’s all-new CX-5 has fresh styling with a new design theme that is called KODO, Soul of Motion. It is a welcome departure from Mazda’s grinning face grille.
The CX-5 reflects the company’s fun-to-drive philosophy by showcasing sharp and responsive handling while returning excellent fuel economy.
The CX-5 comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $20,695 for the Sport, $23,895 for the Touring and $27,045 for the Grand Touring. The Sport can be equipped with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Touring and Grand Touring are only available with the automatic. I drove an all-wheel-drive Grand Touring and its base price was $28,295.
For Midwestern winters, I would choose all-wheel drive over front-wheel drive, but buyers in southern climes will be happy with front-wheel drive.
The CX-5 uses what Mazda calls Skyactiv Technology to achieve fuel economy that is rated at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version with the six-speed manual transmission. The highway number is mighty impressive for a vehicle with such a tall and boxy profile.
All-wheel-drive models with the automatic transmission are rated at 25 city and 31 highway, which is still quite good compared to competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Skyactiv is more of a strategy than a technology. Mazda uses high-strength, lightweight steel for the chassis to keep weight down, and that means a small, highly efficient engine can be used. The one used in the CX-5 is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 155 horsepower. It has an aluminum block, dual overhead cams, direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and a high compression ratio. It runs on regular fuel.
A 2.0-liter engine is small for a vehicle this size, and it shows when you load the vehicle with people or need a strong burst of power for climbing hills or entering the freeway. The hot-selling Honda CR-V has 30 more horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 has 24 more. Clearly, Mazda chose fuel economy over performance, and that may be wise in a time of expensive gasoline.
The CX-5 makes driving actually fun because it has such nice handling. It acquits itself at least as well as, and sometimes better than, the Mazda3, and that’s not an easy task for a vehicle that is relatively tall.
Ride quality is an excellent combination of comfort and control. The electronic power steering has a nice feel, and body roll is held in check nicely during cornering. The tight suspension that yields good handling is not so firm that it makes the ride harsh or choppy.
Compact crossovers are about function and versatility, and that means the interior is a key to how useful the vehicle is over a long period of time. The CX-5 shines in its ability to carry various-sized cargo, be comfortable and offer popular convenience items.
The Grand Touring test car was equipped with the technology package that included GPS navigation, satellite radio, high-intensity headlights and keyless ignition. Other standard features included stability control, heated front seats, Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and dual-zone climate control.
The leather-trimmed sport seats had excellent lateral support and were quite comfortable.
One or both sides of the rear seat can be folded.
Other safety features include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and front, side and side-curtain airbags.
Price
The base price of the test car was $28,295. Options included navigation, high-intensity headlights, satellite radio, keyless ignition and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The sticker price was $30,415.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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