2016 Mazda CX5
Mazda CX-5 returns to an upgraded lineup
By Dave Boe
Mazda may not qualify as the largest Pacific Rim participant in the automotive playground, but it's carved a nice niche from which patrons can thrill to these rides when in motion.
The current lineup exists without a pickup truck or large, heavy-duty sport utility vehicles. Instead, moderately priced, fuel efficient sedans, wagons, coupes and five-door crossovers with perky personalities dot dealerships. Ironically, Mazda's aspirational halo vehicle is not a prohibitively expensive, low-volume, fire-breathing behemoth. Instead, the tiny Miata MX-5 two-seat roadster takes the honor; a vehicle which reinvigorated open-top riding enjoyment to a mass audience during its debuted a quarter century ago.
The diminutive five-door CX-5, this week's tester, rates as one of the few compact crossovers available with a six-speed manual transmission. Most competitors stay the course solely with automatic transmissions.
In a busy upcoming 2016 model year at Mazda, the CX-5 no longer qualifies as the coziest crossover gracing the portfolio. An all-new, even shorter CX-3 debuts virtually at the same time as rival Honda rolls out an all-new subcompact crossover of its own; the 2016 HR-V. Honda's slightly larger CR-V (and direct CX-5 rival) has forged top sales in the compact crossover segment, and HR-V intends to capitalize on CR-V's good will. Also in 2016, Mazda debuts a highly-anticipated fourth-generation effort of the aforementioned MX-5 Miata open-top roadster along with a revamped Mazda2 subcompact hatchback.
Largely a carryover mechanically from 2015, many up-market options join the 2016 CX-5 including lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. Cabin quietness has stepped up a notch also. In a crowed compact crossover segment, CX-5's handling, steering and braking remain competent; sprinkled throughout with a dash of zoom-zoom.
During the past decade, Mazda opted to invest limited resource dollars to maximize internal combustion engine efficiencies. No all-electric plug-in vehicles, gas-electric hybrids or other alternative-powered combinations currently adorn the U.S. lineup. Mazda's global engine investment resulted in its 'SkyActiv' commitment.
What's SkyActiv? It's an umbrella philosophy and marketing term encompassing several interwoven technologies including chassis structure, transmissions and lighter weight engines. It incorporates a higher compression environment to pimp up fuel economy. When CX-5 debuted early in the 2013 model year, it marked the first Mazda vehicle in the United States to fully embrace the SkyActiv program.
The CX-5 offers two normally aspirated four cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter cranking out 155 horsepower and the recommended 2.5-liter boosting horsepower output to 184.
Three trim lines include Sport, Touring and Grand Touring; all offer front-wheel or Midwest-friendly all-wheel drive. The 2.0 engine comes exclusive in front-drive Sport trims teamed with a six-speed manual transmission. Touring and Grand Touring feature the 2.5-liter and automatic transmission standard.
Expect decent fuel economy from the larger 2.5-liter engine. When teamed with all-wheel drive, the 30 mile per gallon highway signpost is attained; around town, expect 24 mpg. With front wheel drive, the 2.5-liter delivers 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Also newly available and very welcome in 2016 is radar cruise control, which received plenty of exercise during a Fall-time trek to the picturesque Wisconsin Dells area. This highway technology automatically decelerates the vehicle when approaching a slower-moving car ahead, then accelerates back to the pre-selected cruise speed when conditions merit. It's optional as part of a package only in the top Grand Touring model.
While not new to the industry, this easy-to-operate system was once the domain of luxury-appointed vehicles; now, it's available on a growing number of entry-level offerings. Cruise controls are found 3 o'clock on the three-spoke manually tilt-and-telescope steering wheel..
Our five-passenger Grand Touring tester with all-wheel drive checked at $29,470. Two factory-installed groups included a Technology Package ($1,505) featuring pivoting front lighting system, navigation system and LED-type daytime running lights and new-for-2016 I-Activesense Package ($1,500) with radar cruise control and lane departure warning. Along with a smattering of dealer-installed goodies, the bottom line ended at $34,140 including an $880 destination charge; representing the most opulent CX-5 available. The lowest priced CX-5, a manual transmission Sport, checks in at $21,795; add $1,400 for optional six-speed automatic transmission in all-wheel-drive selections.
The simplistic instrument panel includes three independent circular gauges with the speedometer front and center with a digital odometer mid-range. The right orb includes a half-moon fuel gauge along the bottom and digital information (outside temperature, miles-to-empty etc.) above. Numbers and letters could use a point-size lift; may be too small for some tastes. The driver's door includes power window, mirror and lock buttons and tabs at 45 degrees connecting with a plank arm rest for elbows to relax. Push-button start comes standard.
Front bucket seats include side bolsters designed to keep human tushies better planted during spirited turns and maneuvers. These buckets tilt towards supportive and firm rather than overly cushy, helpful during long stretches along I-90. Seat positioning is not too high, or too low; just right. Expect good visibility in all directions. Front headroom continues commendable for a compact product, row two strictly average. Rear seatbacks fold down relatively flat onto cushions with a 40/20/40 split, expanding cargo-carrying capacity nicely. With row two prone, a pair of adults fit with optimal comfort; three would be counter-productive.
New for 2016 in all trims is a push-activated electronic parking brake between front buckets, replacing a larger, longer mechanical hand-operated version. In Touring and Grand Touring trims, a larger seven-inch multi-function screen awaits riders. Leather-like materials cover Grand Touring buckets while cloth adorns Sport and Touring. The seven-inch screen is optional in Sport trims with automatic transmissions.
This touch screen also works in tandem with a large 'Commander Control' chrome scroll dial and narrow 'volume' stalk found between front bucket seats. The tactile twist dial includes a push-down function, serving as a screen select mode once scrolling is complete. The volume stalk, right of the scroll dial, raises and lowers audio volume along with secondary controls found at 9 o'clock on the steering wheel.
Our Grand Touring's piano black interior is enhanced by brushed aluminum accents. Sport and Touring models add a Black-and-sand color combo in addition to the all-black theme.
The rectangular ventilation system layout includes dual temperature zone dials endwise and mid-section display window and rows of push-buttons above and below the window directing fan direction, speed, rear and front/rear window defrosters. As with the instrument panel, fonts need a point-size increase for better view quickly. The top-row A/C button and digital indicator signaling activity stand out as main culprits. An inlet alcove below contains portable electronic plug-in ports.
The manually-operating rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens from the bottom up as one unit (rear glass is static and includes a rain wiper). Body colored strap-like handles adorn all four side doors. All trims receive refreshed front grille fill pattern, but the design still retains Mazda's familiar and well-executed 'winged M' logo front and center. Grand Touring adds large 19-inch alloy wheels in 2016.
2016 Mazda CX-5Price as Tested: $34,140
Engine: 2.5-litre four cylinder
Horsepower: 184
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 178.7 inches
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Curb weight: 3,589 pounds
Built: Japan
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles