Refreshed and ready for 2016 the Mazda CX-5 comes at you in a fully engaged, fun way. I admit I was hesitant to drive it for a week due to my lack luster feelings on the CX-9 last year but then I remembered that I loved the 2015 CX-5 so I was eager to see what had changed in the last year.
Mazda calls the CX-5 an overachiever and I have to agree. This SUV handles itself well in so many categories while still being a joy to drive. First, the Titanium Flash Mica paint job on the exterior drew me to it. It has a depth in its subtle brown shade with a touch of graphite paint color. When I opened the door I was fell in love with the interior color of black and parchment. It was a nice touch to the car that felt inviting each time I climbed into it.
Source: Victoria Mason
Source: Victoria Mason
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV with Skyactiv-G 2.5L engine and Skyactiv sport mode. It’s all-wheel drive with 184 horsepower and it gets 26 combined mpg with 24 city and 30 highway, which is better than other vehicles in its class. I drove this SUV a lot. I put over 300 miles on it and only then did I need to fill up the tank. It’s efficient on gas and it doesn’t cost a lot to fill the tank, especially right now with gas prices being lower.
This model is also rated five stars in government safety and is a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick. I felt safe driving this SUV. The blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert (new to this year) and front headlights that track your direction as you drive all help in many types of driving scenarios. On a dark night as I drove my kids around winding roads seeing the headlights turn with the car wasn’t just cool but downright helpful.
I drove the CX-5 Grand Touring in many situations. I drove it in the rain, on the highway, around town and commuting daily. On my way home from the annual WAPA Rally I took many scenic back roads from Maryland to Virginia to soak up the late afternoon fall foliage. The car handled beautifully with smooth steering that wasn’t too stiff or slippery. Acceleration isn’t labored but modestly quick. In each condition it felt engaged and I felt connected to the road and my driving experience which made this Mazda a real pleasure to drive. It has roomy storage in the back (we fit at least 4 giant pumpkins, and two sets of lacrosse gear in the back with room to spare on one afternoon). There is more room in the cabin this year and a 40/20/40 split fold-down rear seat. That’s more cargo space than the Hyundai Tucson or the Kia Sportage.
In the end this was one of the cars that didn’t just surprise me but made me feel sad when it had to go. The interior has some small upgrades from last year that make a difference. It is also quiet and comfortable no matter where you sit. The Bose stereo system with 9 speakers created many moments of window-rattling Sirius XM Backspin joy for me after I dropped the kids off at school each day. I love when a car is not just well-appointed but fun to drive while offering a real feeling of connection between you, the road and the whole driving experience. That’s what makes me love a car and want to keep driving it day in and day out.
A bonus to this driving experience is that when the Mazda CX-5 was dropped off it came with this $25 charitable gift card. I was happy to be able to pass it on to Turning Points, my local Domestic Violence Intervention Program.
Source: Victoria Mason
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 starts at $21,795 and is worth every penny. I tested the Grand Touring AWD model with an MSRP of $29,470. Additional optional equipment such as the Grand Touring Tech Package which includes LED headlights and adaptive front lighting plus a few other items prices out at $32,340. If you are in the market for a smaller SUV you cannot miss testing the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
*Disclosure: Car provided by Drive Shop. Opinions are 100% my own.
