Since it was first introduced, the Mazda CX-5 has rated high on most lists of desirable compact crossovers, and for good reason. It is well made, fun to drive, gets excellent mileage, and has a roomy, well designed interior. The biggest changes for 2016 are the addition of more safety features, which should keep its ratings up there for now.
Compact crossovers are among the biggest sellers these days, even though gas prices have fallen from the levels that made them so attractive in the first place. Consumers were quick to realize smaller crossovers can do almost as much a big SUV, even though they cost less and are more fuel efficient. Although gas costs less now, other advantage still shine through, like the smaller wheelbases that make them more maneuverable and easier to park in cities.
And, as it turned out, most big SUV owners weren't going seriously off road all that often anyway, meaning the available all-wheel-drive systems on the compact crossovers were more than adequate for most situations, even if they weren't quite so heavy duty.
The CX-5 entered the marketplace as a 2013 model with another advantage unique to Mazda, the company's SkyActiv Technology. The somewhat obtuse name means the engineers have gone through every component on their vehicles to make them as fuel efficient as possible. The results are lighter vehicles that feel more nimble on the road. They are also more responsive to smaller and simpler engines, meaning Mazda only has to offer a pair of four cylinder engines in the CX-5, not a V6 or series of turbocharged options.
Our test model was a top-of-the line Grand Touring edition with the "big" 2.5-liter engine. It also came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Base models come standard with a 2.0-liter engine, six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive.
As equipped, our CX-5 had plenty of pep. The engine pumped out a respectable 185 horsepower and the transmission featured a Sport mode that held the gears longer for even better acceleration. The suspension was a good compromise between too soft and good firm, soaking up road imperfections but still encouraging spirited driving through curves. And the all-wheel-drive kept us secure during the frequently heavy rainstorms heralding the beginning of fall in the Pacific Northwest.
The interior offered all the benefits of the best compact crossovers, including higher ride height for improved visibility and a surprising amount of space in both the front and rear seats. The optional power moonroof did not reduce the headroom, and the cargo space behind the rear seats was sizable made even larger by folding them down flat.
The layout of the gauges and controls is deceptively simple. The dash looks a little spartan at first but everything is there, with many adjustments made through the 7-inch color display screen (new for 2106) via an easy to use console-mounted shift knob.
As the name suggests, our Grand Tour model had all the goodies, including heated front leather seats, an upgraded Bose stereo, and connectivity for all forms of portable electronic devices. It also had the newest safety systems an i-ActiveSense package that included adaptive cruise control, lane departure, and Smart Brake Support that automatic applies the brakes to prevent low speed collision.
Even with all that, the MSRP was just $33,855. Although that's up from the $21,795 base price, it's very competitive with every other fully loaded affordable compact crossover on the market. And it's one of the most enjoyable to drive.
2016 Mazda CX-5
Base price: $21,795
Price as tested: $33,855
Type: Compact crossover
Engines: 2.0-liter inline 4 (155 hp, 150 lbs-ft); 2.5-liter inline 4 (184 hp, 185 lbs-ft - as tested)
Transmissions: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic (as tested)
EPA estimated mileage: 24/30 - as tested
Overall length: 178.7 inches
Curb weight: 3,212 to 3,589 pounds
Final assembly: Hiroshima, Japan