"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
2018 CX-5 Engine and Transmission
The CX-5 comes with a sole engine choice of 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 187 hp, and 186 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with standard FWD. However, Mazda offers the 2018 CX-5 with an available all-wheel-drive option.
The CX-5's four-cylinder engine moves the crossover swiftly around the town, thanks to its lightweight. On the highway, the Mazda CX-5 scoots up speed and has adequate passing power. Also, the automatic transmission is refined and delivers well-times gear shifts.
Models
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2018 Mazda CX-5
|
2018 Ford escape
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2018 Honda CR-V
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2018 Toyota RAV4
|
MSRP
|
$24,150
|
$23,850
|
$24,150
|
$24,410
|
Engine
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2.5L Inline 4
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2.5L Inline 4
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2.4L Inline 4
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2.5L inline 4
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Transmission
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6-speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
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CVT Automatic
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6-speed automatic
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Power
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187hp @ 6000 RPM
|
168hp @ 6000 RPM
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184hp @ 6400 RPM
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176hp @6000 RPM
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Torque
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186 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
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170 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
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180 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM
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172 ft-lb @4100 RPM
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The Mazda CX-5 has the most powerful four-cylinder engine under the hood. Though the Honda CR-V's base engine is slightly behind the Mazda, it also offers a good acceleration. The Sports mode in Mazda further enhances the drivability of the crossover SUV.
"The Mazda’s six-speed automatic is an excellent gearbox, shifting smoothly and quickly and never hesitating to downshift and get you more power."– Motortrend
2018 CX-5 0-60 mph Acceleration
The CX-5 with its standard 2.5-liter engine delivers unimpressive acceleration from a stop. The Mazda sprints from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is quick against most rivals with similar four-cylinder engines.
Models
|
2018 Mazda CX-5
|
2018 Ford escape
|
2018 Honda CR-V
|
2018 Toyota RAV4
|
0-60 MPH
|
8.7 sec
|
9.1 sec
|
7.5 sec
|
8.3 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
16.3 sec
|
16.7 sec
|
15.9 sec
|
16.3 sec
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Towing Capacity
|
2000 lbs
|
1500 lbs
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1500 lbs
|
1500 lbs
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Engine
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2.5L
|
2.5L
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2.4L
|
2.5L
|
It is noteworthy that unlike Mazda some of the rivals offer upgraded engine options. The 2018 CR-V offers a new 1.5-liter turbo while the Ford Escape follows the same suite. The Mazda CX-5 can tow 2000 pounds – more than the CR-V and the RAV4. You can have the optional $450 Trailer hitch with Harness and Cover for making use of this capability.
2018 CX-5 Ride, Handling, and Braking
The best aspect of CX-5 is its driving dynamics, surely, it is the most fun-to-drive SUVs in its segment. Steering is weighted on the heavier side, specifying the sporting intentions. The crossover feels lightweight around turns, and you can take corners at speeds greater than rivals. It is not hard to say that this is the best-handling small crossover.
The CX-5's taut suspension keeps the composure and stability under check without being uncomfortable on rough pavements. All the road imperfections are soaked up nicely. The standard four-cylinder engine has adequate power and the transmission is quick to respond.
Model
|
2018 Mazda CX-5
|
2018 Ford Escape
|
2018 Honda CR-V
|
2018 Toyota RAV4
|
Brake pads-Front
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11.7"
|
12.8"
|
11.1"
|
10.8"
|
Brake pads Rear
|
11.9"
|
12"
|
10.2"
|
11.2"
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Curb weight
|
3563 lbs.
|
3542 lbs.
|
3307 lbs.
|
3455 lbs.
|
60-0 MPH
|
121 ft.
|
126 ft.
|
129 ft.
|
128 ft.
|
In the emergency stopping test, the 2018 CX-5 needed 121 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is average in the class. The brake pedals are moderately firm and result in a predictable response.