By Derek Price
Automotive Writer
It’s tough to review new crossover vehicles because they’re all so alike and all so good.
Crossovers — those spacious vehicles that look like SUVs but are actually built like passenger cars — have been the hottest, most competitive, fastest growing part of the automotive market for several years. And all that competition means that the products have gotten consistently impressive, with only subtle differences of styling and personality setting each one apart.
For the Mazda CX-5, that happens to be its driving feel.
The Mazda CX-5’s sporty looks match its driving feel. It’s one of the most fun crossovers you can buy today.
Like all Mazda’s products, the CX-5 crossover has a zippy, sporty vibe that makes it enjoyable on winding roads. Its firm suspension and perfectly dialed-in steering and braking all work together to make drivers grin.
It’s also surprisingly fuel efficient for something that feels so fast. It’s rated for 35 mpg on the highway, which isn’t too much worse than you would expect to get from a compact economy car. It’s the best EPA-estimated highway mileage in its class, Mazda says.
While the base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower, my test car came with the optional, bigger 2.5-liter engine.
By the numbers, it shouldn’t feel so quick — with just 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque on tap — but through the brilliance of Mazda’s engineering, it drives like a faster, more powerful car. Lots of weight reduction in the body structure and an emphasis on making the car respond instantly to all driver inputs, almost like a sports car, give it the impression of something more powerful.
The CX-5’s cabin has a solid, high-quality feel, which is exactly what it needs to compete in this tough, packed crossover category.
The end result is a crossover that is sublime to drive. Despite having front-wheel drive (or, optionally, sending power to all four wheels) it’s nearly as fun and rewarding as a sports sedan from the driver’s seat. That’s made it a darling of magazines and the automotive press since it was introduced as a 2013 model.
In fact, the only downside I see to the CX-5 is for people who don’t like that sporty ride. If you want something smoother and quieter on the highway, you’d be happier with another crossover because this one is tuned more for corners than straight lines, by design.
Pricing starts at $21,545 for the Sport model and ranges up to $27,970 for the Grand Touring trim.
At a Glance
What was tested?
2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD ($27,970). Options: Cargo mat ($60), rear bumper guard ($100), tech package ($1,425). Price as tested (including $830 destination charge): $30,385
Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
Length: 179.3 in.
Width: 72.4 in.
Height: 67.3 in.
Engine: SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (184 horsepower, 185 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed sport automatic
Estimated Mileage: 26 city, 35 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 10
Price: 9
Handling: 10
Ride: 8
Comfort: 7
Quality: 9
Overall: 9
Video Review:
2015 Mazda CX-5
bit.ly/2015cx5
Why buy it?
It feels fast and fun in corners. Its lightweight body and nicely adjusted suspension, steering and brakes make it almost as enjoyable as a sports sedan.