Road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. This Mazda comes alive on curvy roads, but you don’t need to drive the CX-5 hard to appreciate its excellence. The CX-5 also retains front- and all-wheel-drive formats. The quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission carries over unchanged, and we prefer it to the dull and droning continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) used by some competitors. The engine still makes 187 horsepower, but torque has increased by one pound-foot, to 186. Mazda enhanced the 2.5-liter inline-four with cylinder deactivation to improve fuel efficiency.

While the CX-5 is one of the few in its class without a turbocharged engine, this four-cylinder feels quite responsive. The top-tier Grand Touring adds memory settings for the driver’s seat and six power adjustments for the passenger. The Touring trim receives 19-inch wheels and the full suite of driver assists. The base model adds a host of active safety options, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. Every CX-5 now has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert. The technology shuts down two cylinders during cruising to improve fuel efficiency. What's New for 2018?įor 2018, Mazda updated the CX-5’s standard four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation. Its rich-looking interior is a class above, and advanced driver-assistance features are available. Inside and out, this marvelous Mazda appears more expensive than it is. A fuel-efficient four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive are standard all-wheel drive is optional. No other compact crossover can match the Mazda's precise steering or refined ride. Attractive styling and engaging driving dynamics separate the CX-5 from the competition.

2021 mazda cx5 msrp