Sexy, versatile and compact, Mazda CX-5 seeks a long-term relationship
CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
crwauto@aol.com
There are many great little crossovers roaming America’s freeways and clubways — so many, it may be difficult to tell the difference between that cute little Korean ride and the sexy American one. Combining the reliability of Japanese benchmarks and the swift sportiness of a Miata is the Mazda CX-5. Its emotional style plants a big kiss on crossovers.
Borrowing styling cues from the Miata and Mazda3 compact, the smooth crossover is one sporty machine. Mazda’s trademark five-point grille is big and proud, accented by a black plastic eyebrow with integral logo. Falcon eye clear lens headlamps look angry enough to sink the lower facia foglamps and faux-splitter into the wind. Nature-inspired body carvings imply motion while gray lower body cladding and 19-inch alloys make the vehicle look shorter and more agile than it actually is: nice styling work. Around back, edgy wrap-around taillamps give the wagon an upscale European finish.
The CX-5’s interior isn’t as fashion-forward as some of its rivals, but that wasn’t the point. Everything is simple to keep focus on the driving experience. Large analog gauges, near-perfect leather-wrapped three-point steering wheel and grippy heated leather seats are the opening salvo. A firm Mercedes-style notched gear selector, ebony piano panels across the dash, and padding in all the right places give the impression of quality and heft. Relatively roomy back seats, large console, deep cupholders and a cavernous rear cavern are ready for your daily activities.
Engineers and stylists cleverly included a fair amount of technology without ruining the sporty atmosphere. A touchscreen in the upper dash controls audio and navigation while the dual-zone automatic climate control is activated by knobs and buttons in the lower center stack. Bluetooth, USB connection for MP3 players, sunroof, backing camera and thumping Bose speakers are available.
Under the suave hood is a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine that delivers 155 horsepower. Front-drive is standard, all-wheel-drive optional. Our test vehicle came with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Despite a robust powertrain, the CX-5 feels a little pudgy when you step on his big, um, pedal. Zoom Zoom, it is not. On the plus side, fuel economy is 25/31-MPG city/hwy.
To be fair, the ponderous acceleration is at least partly to conserve dino-remains. The transmission shifts into a higher gear early to put pennies back in the bank. All-wheel-drive provides sure footing, but adds the feeling of too many brownies. Stomp the throttle harder, and the CX-5 wakes up, stretches and scats down the road. The best part of driving the CX-5 is its chassis with a firm four-wheel independent suspension system, four-wheel disc brakes and stiff body structure that absorbs rough roads without drama. I don’t need drama.
The compact crossover market is as hot as Brody on Glee. These vehicles are versatile with sporty handling and the fuel economy of a compact car. You could take one of many crossovers back to your house, but I would not buy any without first driving the Mazda CX-5. It is not the most flamboyant, but it still deserves a little kiss — and perhaps a long relationship.
An as-tested price of $30,415 puts it against the Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and Jeep Compass.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition January 31, 2014.
