Mazda CX-5 will surprise you

Consumers historically think of Nissan and Hyundai as providing their biggest bang for the buck.

In this Grasso’s Garage review, we officially disagree: the budget-friendly manufacturer is officially Mazda. Our CX-5 mid-size SUV boasted a grandish and crisper appearance, more power and sleekness.

It’s pretty. Our CX-5 Signature Turbo tester sported a gorgeous Soul Red Crystal Metallic exterior. Its sharklike front fascia is still large and in-charge while sightlines are easy to see out of with minimal blind spots.

Safety and security have always been a top priority for the Japanese manufacturer; a full suite of safety features are standard on the CX-5.

In the powertrain department, a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G turbo engine produces 227 horsepower with an astounding 310 lb.-ft. of torque; getting this CX-5 up and moving is effortless! Aligned with a six-speed automatic transmission, it was a blast to drive. We did our weeklong test in Sport mode and were impressed.

Disc brakes, 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated power mirrors with auto fold and a power sunroof were just a few of the sweet features. LED headlamps ,fog lights and taillights as well as a body-color rear roof spoiler are just a few of the additional standard features that stood out on our Signature model.

A 10.25-inch infotainment system with center console controls, an enjoyable Bose 10-speaker system with SiriusXM radio as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. Heated seats and steering wheel, heads-up display, cooled front seats (also power) — just a few of the great standard features on the CX-5.

A five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty as well as a three-year/36,000mile bumper to bumper warranty is standard, as is 24-hour roadside assistance.

We underestimated Mazda’s ability to put upscale accoutrements into an economy vehicle but they did it and did it really well. Not only do we really enjoy the CX-5, we encourage consumers to take a long hard look at what Mazda has to offer. The CX-5 is a diamond in the rough.

Mazda CX-5

MSRP: $37,405

As tested: $39,225

MPG: 22 city, 27 highway, 25.2 as tested

MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP Easy acceleration, reassuring safety engineering and some nice standard features. such as heated and cooled front seats, are impressive features in the Mazda CX-5.

MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The shark-like front end of the Mazda CX-5 is an eyecatcher, and the rest of the car is just as impressive.