Used 2018 MAZDA CX-5

Among the vast field of compact-crossover SUVs roaming the freeways, there’s one that offers an exceptional combination of styling, economy and sports-car-like driving dynamics. It’s the 2018 Mazda CX-5, and if you’re shopping this segment it’s an SUV you’ll definitely want to test-drive. From its sleek styling to its handsome interior, the CX-5 feels far more premium than its $25,000 asking price might suggest. There’s a new diesel model coming this year, as well as an advanced gasoline engine with cylinder deactivation, a first for a 4-cylinder car in North America. And of course, there’s the CX-5 generous equipment roster that includes such amenities as a Bose audio system, a power tailgate and a full suite of driver-safety and collision-avoidance systems.

We’ve always considered the Mazda CX-5 to be one of the most spirited and enjoyable-driving compact-crossover SUVs money can buy. While not the quickest or most powerful in its class, the CX-5 has enough muscle to make it feel swift when accelerating from a stop or merging with fast-moving traffic. The CX-5’s beauty lies in its agility and nimbleness. If you’re the type of driver who prefers twisting back roads to vast expanses of freeway, the CX-5 is the SUV you’ll want. Feedback from the taut steering never feels too heavy or artificial, and the CX-5’s Sport mode helps deliver better response from the engine. The ride is firm, but not harsh, something to keep in mind if you prefer the softer ride of the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Updates last year helped the suspension better absorb road imperfections without diminishing ride quality or comfort, and Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control is standard on every model.

All CX-5 models have two rows of seating for up to five passengers. Like its rivals, though, trying to fit three adults in back can be a squeeze. On the other end of the spectrum, installing child seats is now easier thanks to wide-opening rear doors. Mazda’s interiors feel a class-above: From the standard push-button start and 7-inch touch-screen display with command dial down to the elegant air vents surrounded by brightwork, this is one classy cabin. With 40/20/40-split rear seats folded, cargo room maxes out at just under 60 cubic feet — nearly 16 less than a Honda CR-V.

The CX-5 has always been a fine-looking vehicle, but this latest version ups the ante to arguably the classiest in its segment. Thank the cues taken from its svelte big brother, the CX-9. Like that midsize SUV, Mazda’s compact-crossover SUV begins with a prominent trapezoidal grille connected to fancy-looking — and bright — LED headlight slits and extends to a flowing “Kodo” design meant to invoke a “refined toughness.” We think it works well. This is most true in the new Soul Red Crystal paint, a production color so deep and glossy that it’d do justice to an exotic sports car.

SMART CITY BRAKE SUPPORT
Active at speeds up to 19 mph, Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support can reduce or altogether prevent the damage incurred from a front-end collision. The system senses danger ahead and, if the driver fails to act, automatically applies the brakes. Best of all, it is standard on every 2018 CX-5.

LANE-DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM
Using sensors and a windshield-mounted camera to read the painted lane lines, this system helps alert the driver when the car is drifting from its lane. A low-pitched audible warning alerts the driver and if no action is taken, the system will gently pull the car back into its lane.

The 2018 CX-5 is offered in three main trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The least expensive CX-5 Sport model includes cloth seats, keyless entry with push-button start, 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, electronic parking brake, the Smart City Brake Support active-safety system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rearview camera. The base infotainment system includes a 7-inch touch screen with 4-speaker AM/FM/HD Radio, twin USB inputs and an auxiliary port. To date Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not in the offing, but Mazda says the systems can be retroactively added later.

For less than $2,000 more, we recommend the mid-trim CX-5 Touring model, which replaces the base model’s 6-way-manual driver’s seat with a power-adjustable one and adds Leatherette, plus heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, two rear USB charging ports, rear privacy glass, auto-leveling headlights and the full i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite including adaptive cruise control, Smart Brake Support, lane-departure warning and assist, auto high beams and rain-sensing wipers. Grand Touring models add leather seating, 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and navigation. Further options include a head-up display, heated steering wheel and heated rear outboard seats.

To date, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes to showrooms with just one engine, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Skyactiv gasoline powerplant with cylinder deactivation. Tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the engine is neither the most powerful nor most efficient in its class, but it puts up respectable numbers, especially in fuel economy of up to 31 mpg. The standard setup is front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. The CX-5 is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds. After years in the making, Mazda says it will finally bring a diesel CX-5 to the U.S. market. The diesel model is set to use a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder that is touted for its torque and fuel efficiency. Stay tuned for our impressions on that one.

2.5-liter inline-4
187 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 3,250 rpm (4,000 rpm for AWD models)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/31 mpg (FWD), 24/30 mpg (AWD)