Overview
The charismatic CX-5 crossover combines unrivaled driving enjoyment and rich-looking style, inside and out. A fuel-efficient inline-four transmits 187 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is optional. Although not the most practical or feature-laden compact crossover, the CX-5 proves how much fun a small SUV can be to drive. Its precise steering and exceptional chassis provide levels of mechanical refinement and driving joy that are often reserved for higher-end vehicles. All in all, the CX-5 looks and feels like an upscale choice at a bargain price.
What’s New for 2017?
Although the CX-5 appears all new for 2017, it’s actually a heavily revised version of the previous-generation model. Aside from the gorgeous new sheetmetal and sharply redesigned interior, it rides on a similar platform and uses the familiar Mazda 2.5-liter inline-four. The CX-5 is slightly longer and wider and has a lower center of gravity for better handling and further driving fun—but its lower roofline and other interior revisions have reduced cargo volume.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The CX-5’s lone engine is Mazda’s familiar 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-four, and it drives through a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. Snappy low-speed throttle response is satisfying, but the engine loses gumption on the highway, leaving us thirsty for thrust. You don’t need to drive the CX-5 hard to appreciate its excellence. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads for a joyous driving experience.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make the CX-5’s cabin feel especially upscale. It’s clear that Mazda’s interior-styling team sweated the details of this redesign. The seats are very comfortable, but we wish power adjustment and ventilated seats were at least an option for leather-clad models. Mazda added more sound insulation and a thicker windshield to make the new CX-5 quieter than before. Sacrifices come in small packages, though: the CX-5’s cargo volume has actually decreased with the redesign. The new model’s rear storage space is more useful, however, because of its completely flat load floor.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every CX-5 sports an attractive 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that satisfies with an intuitive console-mounted rotary control and straightforward interface. While the Mazda Connect system wouldn’t seem out of place in a BMW or Audi, it’s missing desirable features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The base Sport trim has a four-speaker stereo, HD radio, and two USB ports. Touring models have two more speakers and two extra USB ports on the back of the center console. Navigation and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system come with the Preferred Equipment package. On the Grand Touring trim, that package is standard, as is SiriusXM satellite radio.
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