2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV

A compact SUV is a rational choice. If you are here, you are probably looking for a vehicle that can accommodate your family in comfort and provide room for their luggage. However, if you are worrying that such a vehicle will be boring, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 has a pleasant surprise for you.

Although it is less practical than segment leader CR-V, it’s still adequate for most. However, its gorgeous exterior will make you believe it’s far costlier than it really is (starting price: $24,150) and the exquisite interior will reinforce that misconception. A single test drive through curvy road will make you buy it then and there with its playful handling, responsive throttle, and slick gear shifts.

On highway, interior is as quiet as a luxury car and ride is supple too with great fuel efficiency. However, the fuel efficiency comes at the cost of straight-line acceleration. And although the infotainment is one of the most intuitive, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, the Mazda CX-5 is still a lovable SUV and it’s a genuine alternative to the segment darling – the Honda CR-V.

“Among the vast field of compact-crossover SUVs roaming the freeways, there’s one that offers an exceptional combination of styling, economy and sports-car-like driving dynamics. It’s the 2018 Mazda CX-5, and if you’re shopping this segment it’s an SUV you’ll definitely want to test-drive.” – Kelley Blue Book 

The CX-5 comes with only a single engine-transmission choice but AWD can be added for $1300 across the trim. The base Mazda CX-5 Sport without any options will cost $24,150 (Mazda’s signature color named “soul red crystal metallic” costs $595 more). You get features like:

• Mazda Connect infotainment with 7-inch touchscreen
• 17-inch wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Rearview Camera
• Push Button Start
• 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat

You can also add the Sport I-ACTIVESENSE package ($625) with advanced driver assistance systems. Next up is the CX-5 Touring ($26,215) that adds amenities like:

• 19-inch Wheels
• Keyless Ignition and Entry
• Heated Front Seats
• Simulated Leather Upholstery
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• A Power-Adjustable Driver Seat
• Two Additional Speakers and Two More USB Ports
• Standard i-Activsense Suite of Safety Features

Trims	Sport	Touring	Grand Touring
MSRP	$24,150	$26,215	$29,645
AWD	$+1300	$+1300	$+1300
Features	Mazda Connect infotainment with 7-inch touchscreen 17-inch wheels Leather-wrapped steering wheel Rearview Camera Push Button Start	19-inch Wheels Keyless Ignition And Entry Heated Front Seats Simulated Leather Upholstery Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control	Leather Upholstery Driver-Seat Memory Settings Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat LED Fog lights And Taillights

The optional Touring preferred package adds luxuries like navigation, 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, a sunroof, and power lift gate.  The top of the line CX-5 Grand Touring adds:

• Leather Upholstery
• Driver-Seat Memory Settings
• Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
• LED Fog lights And Taillights

If you desire even more, the Grand Touring Premium Package adds heated steering wheel, head-up display with traffic sign recognition, windshield wiper de-icer and heated second-row outboard seats.

Too many to choose from? We help you find the best trim

While the base Sport trim is adequately equipped, it does not do justice to the overall premium feel of the CX-5. The Touring trim is $2k dearer than the CX-5 Sport but adds supple and expensive looking leatherette upholstery, gorgeous 19-inch wheels that have minimal impact on ride quality, dual zone climate control and more - it’s our recommendation.

“We’ve always considered the Mazda CX-5 to be one of the most spirited and enjoyable-driving compact-crossover SUVs money can buy.” – Kelley Blue Book

Regardless of body style you chose, a modern Mazda will excite you behind the wheel. Their new-found vision of “vitalizing and stimulating the body and soul with a driving experience matched to human sensibilities” is evident in CX-5. While the steering is telepathic for a compact SUV, the driving position is also spot on. The interior is especially silent and it rides with excellent composure.

“You don’t need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or 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.” – Car and Driver

That said, the engine does not do justice to such a capable chassis and a more powerful engine option from Mazda is desirable to supplement the current efficiency focused 2.5 L I4.

Powertrain

A 2.5 L naturally aspirated Inline 4 mated to a 6-speed automatic is the only available powertrain option but you can upgrade to AWD. Although the engine develops just 187 horsepower, it develops it in a very tractable and exciting manner. However, the engine does not do justice to such a capable chassis in CX-5.

Models	Mazda CX-5	Ford escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
MSRP	$ 24,150	$ 23,850	$ 24,150	$24,410
Engine	2.5L Inline 4 Gas engine	2.5L Inline 4 Gas Engine	2.4L Inline 4 Gas Engine	2.5L inline 4 Gas engine
Transmission	6-speed Automatic	6-speed Automatic	CVT Automatic	6-speed automatic
Power	187hp @ 6000 rpm	168hp @ 6000 rpm	184hp @ 6400 rpm	176hp @6000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm	170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm	172 ft-lb @4100 rpm

A more powerful engine option from Mazda is desirable to supplement the current efficiency focused 2.5 L I4. That said, the 6-speed automatic is there to make the 2.5 feel more exciting as stated by Motortrend:

“The Mazda’s six-speed automatic is an excellent gearbox, shifting smoothly and quickly and never hesitating to downshift and get you more power. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to not get a downshift when accelerating from a steady pace.” – Motortrend

Acceleration

The linear acceleration is where the CX-5 disappoints and sadly, it’s the most common metric to measure performance of a vehicle. Also, with similarly powerful engine, the CR-V is almost a second faster to 60 mph owing to its CVT transmission that always keeps the engine in its optimum powerband. Those looking for more power can take a look at 245 hp 2.0 Ecoboost equipped Ford Escape.

Models	Mazda CX-5	Ford escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
0-60 MPH	8.3 sec	9.1 sec	7.5 sec	8.3 sec
Quarter mile	16.3 sec @ 83.8 mph	16.7 @ 81 mph	15.9 @ 88 mph	16.3 sec @ 86.4 mph
Engine	2.5L	2.5L	2.4L	2.5L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	6.5	7.3	6.3	7.1

Ride and Handling

While 0-60 numbers are most talked about, few things can excite you as much as a car coaxing you into carrying scary speeds through corners. This where the CX-5 will plant a smile on your face and this is why all automotive critiques rate CX-5 as the best drivers car in this segment.

Technologies like the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) adjusts engine torque depending on the situation – like it can reduce engine torque imperceptibly while entering turns. This shifts the weight on the front wheels and sharpens the steering.

“The CX-5’s beauty lies in its agility and nimbleness. If you’re the type of driver who prefers twisting back roads to vast expanses of freeway, the CX-5 is the SUV you’ll want.” – Kelley Blue Book

“Based on the numbers, the CX-5 isn’t the best at anything. But it is the best-looking and best-driving compact crossover. That makes it a winner in our book.” – Car and Driver

However, if you fell for the CX-5 for its premium looks and wondering whether it’s as luxurious and comfortable inside, it is. Car critiques have especially applauded its superbly quiet cabin and pliant suspension.

“It can’t be said enough: The CX-5 rides like a more expensive vehicle. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty.” – Car and Driver

Braking

The Mazda CX-5 has a responsive brake that stops the compact crossover within 135 from 60 mph. The competitors, however, post better times – the escape stops in 126 feet. The CX-5 brake pedal also lacks some initial bite.

“It's easy to bring the CX-5 to a smooth stop with the moderate pedal firmness and predictable brake effort.” - Edmunds

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford Escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
Brake pads-front(in)	11.7	12.8	11.1	10.8
Brake pads Rear(in)	11.9	12	10.2	11.2
Curb weight(lbs)	3563	3542	3307	3455
60-0 MPH (ft.)	135 ft.	126 ft.	129 ft.	128 ft.

Towing Capacity

The Mazda CX-5 can tow 2000 pounds – more than the CR-V and the RAV4. However, you have to get the optional $450 Trailer hitch (Class 1) with Harness and Cover for making use of this capability. Those in need of more pulling muscle can get the Ford Escape equipped with 2.0 L Ecoboost. It can tow a healthy 3500 pounds.

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford Escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
Weight (lbs)	2000	1500	1500	1500
Power Train	2.5L	2.5L	2.4L	2.5L
Drive Train	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD

 

“The best-looking and best-driving compact crossover.” – Car and Driver

The compromise in engine power is balanced by the impressive fuel economy – 24 mpg in city and 31 on highway for a 27 mpg combined EPA rating. That’s slightly lower than the CR-V’s 28 mpg combined rating but more than the RAV4 and Ford Escape. Choosing the Mazda CX-5 AWD costs 1 mpg reduction in efficiency.

“The CX-5 has average EPA estimates compared with rivals that have similar power. The Mazda was the only one, however, to exceed its highway rating on our fuel loop, and it has the longest highway range.” – Car and Driver

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford Escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
Mpg city mpg	24	21	26	23
Mpg highway mpg	31	29	32	29
Mpg combine mpg	27	24	28	25

The following quote by Eric Stafford from Car and Driver perfectly describes the interior of Mazda CX-5:

“Wake up inside the CX-5 Touring or Grand Touring, and you may think you’ve been abducted by kidnappers who own an Audi or a Mercedes. First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale.”

While the fabric interior in base trim looks great too, it’s the Touring trims leatherette draped interior that is properly exquisite with fine details - like the real French stitching on dashboard. The driver is cushioned with thick and well-placed armrest. Although CR-V is roomier, there is nothing to complain in CX-5 either. Infotainment is also one of the most intuitive and responsive in the automotive business.

“All CX-5 models have two rows of seating for up to five passengers. Like its rivals, though, trying to fit three adults in back can be a squeeze.” – Kelley Blue Book

Seating and Comfort

The Mazda CX-5 can seat 5 passengers – but they won’t be equally comfortable. The front seats are roomy and offer great outside visibility. The armrests are well cushioned and are at equal height affording a comfortable driving position. CX-5 Touring gets 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support.

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	103.6	98.1	105.9	101.9
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.7/55.2/57.1/41	39.9/54.8/56/43.1	40.1/55.1/57.9/41.3	39.8/57.3/42.6
Rear (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39/55.3/54.8/39.6	39/52.4/55.3/36.8	39.2/49.5/55.6/40.6	38.9/55.4/37.2

However, adults in rear seats will find the legroom to be a little tight when the front seats are moved to full aft position. The CR-V in comparison offers near luxury car level of legroom in the rear seats. That said, all the occupants in CX-5 will find plenty of cubby holes for stowing small items.

“The CX-5 feels spacious up front, and there's enough headroom for tall folks all around even with the sunroof. Rear passengers might feel cramped by the sculpted outboard seats, which also make it difficult for an adult to sit in the middle. Rear legroom is a little tight.” - Edmunds

Space matters!

With all seats up, the 34.1 cubic feet cargo capacity of CX-5 is average among the competitor. Unsurprisingly, the CR-V is more practical here too with best in class 39.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. When second row is folded, CX-5’s 64.8 cubic feet cargo capacity is least in the segment.

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
Behind 2nd Row(ft.cube)	34.1	31.4	39.2	38.4
With 2nd row folded (ft.cube)	64.8	67.2	75.8	73.4

The CR-V leads here too with 75.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. On a positive note, the load floor on the CX-5 is nearly flat and hence it’s very usable. Also, the low loading height and available power liftgate with adjustable height makes loading convenient.

“Cargo area is a little small for the class, but you still get the capacity expected from a crossover. The rear seats fold nearly flat at a pull of the remote release latches.” - Edmunds

Infotainment System

A crisp and sharp looking dash mounted 7-inch touchscreen does duty on all trims. Mazda considers using touchscreen during driving as a hazard and hence you can only use the touchscreen when the car is stationary. While driving, the rotary controller feels intuitive and the UI is simple and straightforward. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing.

The base CX-5 Sport gets a 4 speaker audio system while the CX-5 Touring gets a 6-speaker audio system. Keeping with the upscale aura of CX-5, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system is optional on CX5 Touring and standard on CX-5 Grand Touring. CX-5 Touring and CX-5 Grand Touring also get Mazda Navigation System.

“Every CX-5 sports an attractive 7.0-inch infotainment screen that sits atop the dash like a floating tablet. It satisfies with an intuitive console-mounted rotary control and a straightforward interface.”  – Car and Driver

“The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is far too pretty to be a crossover.” - Carconnection

The Mazda CX-5 is considered by many as the best looking compact crossover. Its exterior will actually shame some cars over two times more expensive. Mazda says the design keyword was “refined toughness” and that it is “free of non-essential elements”.

Anyone will agree that it looks “refined” and “tough”. Everyone will also agree that it’s devoid of any fussy element. The proportions are athletic and curves reflect the natural light gorgeously. We highly recommend getting the $595 “soul red crystal metallic” as it accentuates the design even more glamorously.

“The CX-5 has always been a fine-looking vehicle, but this latest version ups the ante to arguably the classiest in its segment.” – Kelley Blue Book

LED fog lamps can be added to CX-5 Sport and CX-5 Touring for $400. They are standard on CX-5 Grand Touring. Other features include:

• Roof Rails ($400 on all trims)
• Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers (available from Touring onwards)
• LED headlights (standard)
• LED daytime running lamps (in Grand Touring trim only)

Dimension and Weight

The CX-5 is 179.1 inches long – lengthier than the Ford Escape but shorter than the CR-V and the RAV4. Although the CX-5 has the longest wheelbase, its rear seat actually have less legroom than the CR-V. The CX-5 is low slung among others at 65.3 inches and that give it a sporty stance but it has generous 7.6 inches of ground clearance.

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
curb weight(lbs)	3563	3542	3307	3455
Length(in)	179.1	178.1	180.6	183.5
Width(in)	72.5	72.4	73.0	72.6
Height(in)	65.3	66.3	66.1	67.1
Ground clearance(in)	7.6	7.9	8.2	6.1
Wheel base(in)	106.3	105.9	104.7	104.7
Track width(in) F/R	62.8/6.2	61.5/61.6	63.0/63.7	61.8/61.8

Wheels

The base Mazda CX-5 Sport comes with standard 17-inch aluminum alloys. The CX-5 Touring and CX-5 Grand Touring trim sport larger 19-inch aluminum alloys. The 19-inch wheels have a negligible effect on the pliant ride quality and they add to the upscale look of the CX-5.

Model	Mazda CX-5	Ford escape	Honda CR-V	Toyota  RAV4
Size F/R (in.)	17*7/17*7	17*7.5/17*7.5	17*6.5/17*6.5	17*6.5/17*6.5
Quality	Aluminum	Steel	Aluminum	Steel
Wheel type	Alloy	w/o alloy	Alloy	w/o Alloy

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 gets 4-star crash safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick from IIHS – both are little short of being perfect. You can have advanced active safety features and driver assistance systems from base CX-5 Sport onwards with optional sport I-ACTIVESENCE package. However, a glaring omission is the absence of 360-degree camera view system.

Advanced front air bags with seat belt-use, passenger-weight sensors

Front side-impact airbags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection

3-point seat belts for all seating positions

Front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters

Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution & Brake Assist

Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System

Hill Launch Assist

Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Smart City Brake Support

Rear Child Safety Locks

Engine-immobilizer antitheft system

Back-Up Camera

LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors

2018 Mazda CX-5 NHTSA crash test rating

Overall Rating	4 star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	5 star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating overall	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5 star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5 star
Rollover Rating	4 star

2018 Mazda CX-5 IIHS crash test rating

Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a do-it-all competitor in the segment. Its spacious, comfortable, feature loaded, has great luggage capacity, drives, handles and rides impressively and delivers class-leading fuel economy figures as well. However, the CX-5 is more entertaining through corners and it rides like a luxury car with impeccable silence. It also has a really upscale interior with those gorgeous exteriors.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape costs more than a comparatively equipped CX-5. However, you can drive the price even higher and get luxury car like amenities. You can also get segment beating performance with optional 2.0 L Ecoboost engine that accelerates hard and offers 3500 pounds of towing capacity as well. But be ready to pay fuel bills. Also, the CX-5 is definitely more entertaining to drive, look at, and be in.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 basically invented compact crossover segment and it is what every Toyota is – a safe bet. Although a little short of CR-V, the RAV4 cargo capacity is plenty and the interior is comfortable and roomy as well. Reliability is a given with a Toyota but entertaining driving characteristics are not – RAV4 is no different. Also, the CX-5 looks and feels far more upscale.

The Mazda CX-5 differentiates itself from the crowded compact SUV segment by looking, feeling and driving like a vehicle from a class above. Its exterior is downright gorgeous and the interior looks like it was painstakingly crafted. It handles corners like a seasoned athlete and its ride quality and cabin quietness is out of reach of others in the segment.

That said, the pricing will leave anyone bewildered (in a good way) – it’s priced neck-to-neck with the rivals. So where is the tradeoff? The interior is not as roomy as the CR-V and the luggage capacity is also compromised against rivals. Its sublime chassis will leave you asking for more power and then is the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

All considered, the Honda CR-V is the best compact SUV in traditional sense and it has genuinely well-sorted dynamics as well. However, if you desire something that stands out among others and willing to compromise a bit on practicality, get the CX-5. Mazda says most of the customer opt for higher Touring and Grand Touring trims – they look at it as a compact luxury SUV alternative. And we agree.