2016 Mazda CX-5: The Crossover All Others Are Measured By

Описание: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD | MSRP: $29,470
Engine: 2.5L 184 h.p.; 185 lb.-ft. | MPG: 24 city / 30 hwy
Features: Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Keyless,
Smart City Brake Support, etc.

When the CX-5 was first introduced in 2012, it was an overnight success story for Mazda. Beautiful design coupled with unparalleled technology, efficiency and value. Since then, the other brands have all been playing catch-up, offering more and more CX-5-like features and driving experience. So we thought this would be a good time to check in on the CX-5 to see how it stacks four years later.
We got a fully-optioned GT version to drive, which is packed with a ton of features for its $32k sticker price. You get adaptive lighting, blind-spot monitor, cross-traffic detection, forward-collision warning, radar cruise control, braking assist and smart-city braking. Coupled with the Skyactiv 2.5-liter powerplant, which gets an impressive 24-mpg city and 30-mpg highway, even with the all-wheel drive, you can get a front-drive version with the 2.0-liter and get as much as 35-mpg highway.
All this is achieved without any batteries or hybrid technology. Simply making all of the components of a standard engine as precisely as possible, and using a unique variable-timing system yield such impressive mileage without all the added complexity and potential waste of a hybrid system. It pays to keep in mind all the mining, manufacturing and eventual disposal that is needed to manufacture the batteries used in most Hybrid vehicles. Few owners take that into account when trying to understand the full environmental impact of their vehicle. In fact, the CX-5 was a finalist for Green Car of The Year in 2013 from the ‘Green Car Journal.’
All the technology and efficiency aside, how does the CX-5 drive? Well, with such impressive mileage, you might think it’s boring to drive - but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The soul of Mazda has always been performance, and specifically handling. This CX-5 is no exception, and still has a class-leading driving experience. The engine is powerful, and the suspension soaks up a bumpy road as well as it handles a curvy road. You feel the history of all those race-winning Mazdas through the steering, and it makes driving such a practical vehicle fun. It’s the perfect car for those who enjoy driving, but need a crossover to carry their family...