Mazda CX-5 brings a suite of features and updates

The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV continues to win the hearts of critics and customers, with its sales off to a record pace since the second generation went on sale.

For the 2018 model year, Mazda CX-5 is getting even better, employing cylinder-deactivation technology, safety and refinement updates at all trim levels and carries features rarely seen in vehicles competing in the next class up such as an available head-up display and standard LED headlights and tail lights.

Mazda CX-5's SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine has received small updates to reduce internal friction and the amount customers will spend on fuel, but no feature stands out more than its segment-exclusive cylinder-deactivation technology. The engine has the ability to imperceptible shut down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. It is designed to assist in improving real-world efficiency rather than simply in catalogued evaluations and comes standard on all trim levels. Mazda is the only automaker to equip a four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation in North America.

Additional newly standard equipment includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob. On the safety front, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert comes standard across all models. All features were previously available on mid-level CX-5 Touring models and above. standard LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment with a 7-inch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing as standard, among a much longer list of features. In its newly available Sport i-ACTIVSENSE Package, CX-5 adds High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic on/off headlights.

The mid-trim CX-5 Touring adds standard 19-inch allow wheels for 2018 and the full i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features. Mazda CX-5 Touring upgrades to leatherette-upholstered seats and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry. Additional features in CX-5 Touring include heated front seats, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air condition vents and two rear USB ports for charging smartphones or tablets.

The available Touring Preferred Package includes auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, BOSE 10-speaker audio sound system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot, navigation, a power glass moonroof and a power liftgate.

Further building on the Touring Preferred Package, the top-trim CX-5 Grand Touring receives new 2-position memory driver's seat and 6-way power adjustable passenger seat.