Mazda CX-5 agile, fun to drive
In its first year, the Mazda CX-5 crossover sport-utility vehicle won over auto critics with its driver-pleasing handling, comfortable interior and sporty looks.
Now in its second model year, the five-passenger CX-5 promises to garner more compliments, thanks to a more powerful but still fuel-efficient engine that puts zoomzoom into the compact SUV.
New for 2014, the 2.5-liter double-overhead-cam SkyActiv-G inline-4 generates 184 horsepower, an increase of 29 over last year’s 2.0-liter fourcylinder, which was the only engine offered. The 2.5-liter is more powerful than the fourcylinder in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 and one of the turbo engines offered in the 2014 Ford Escape SUV.
The 2.5-liter engine delivers 185 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm.
The CX-5’s smaller engine recommended buy of
magazine, and it’s no wonder the CX-5 is Mazda’s second best-selling vehicle in America. The 54,388 U.S. sales so far this year are more than double the CX-5 sales last year at this time.
The CX-5 still offers a sixspeed manual, though it is with only the 2-liter engine.
All told, the 2014 CX-5 remains an affordable and noteworthy choice for smaller-SUV shoppers. Starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $22,190 for a base 2014 CX-5 Sport with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual. The lowest starting retail price for a base 2014 CX-5 Sport with six-speed automatic is $23,590. The lowest starting price, including destination charge, for a 2014 CX-5 with all-wheel drive is $24,840.
All base models, which are Sport trim, have the 155-horsepower 2-liter four.
Buyers wanting the new 2.5-liter four must move up to a 2014 CX-5 Touring or Grand Touring model. Starting retail price for a 2014 CX-5 Touring with front-wheel drive is $25,610, while a Touring model with all-wheel drive starts at $26,860.
The test CX-5 was a top-ofthe-line Grand Touring model with all-wheel drive, plus the optional technology package that added a TomTom navigation system, high-intensity headlamps and advanced keyless entry, among other things. The test vehicle’s price was just more than $32,000.
Fuel economy was a sur- prising 25.5 mpg, which is just below the combined city/highway mileage of 26 mpg estimated by the federal government.
The test CX-5 was stable in curves and corners.
The engaging experience for the driver, who, like other SUV drivers, sits a good distance above the pavement, helps set the CX-5 apart. Although there are plenty of crossover SUVs with a plusher ride that’s more isolated from the road ride, and quieter interiors, too, the CX-5 is agile, fun and relatively spunky.