Road test
MAZDA CX-5 2017
Cliché alert: The term “sport” utility fits like a glove
November 5, 2018
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dynamic handling
- Balanced ride
- Improved sound insulation
- Close to luxurious finish
- Generally clear controls
- Pleasant driving position
Cons
- Just adequate power
- Noisy engine acceleration
- Certain shortcomings in features
- Advanced safety equipment still optional
Overview
Less than five years after it was launched, the Mazda CX-5 has undergone several modifications. Nothing revolutionary in terms of mechanics, but a redesigned shape, a new interior and numerous revised details suffice to talk about a major remake. The first, 100-percent Mazda crossover—its predecessor, the Tribute, was a clone of the old Ford Escape—has a fully deserved its “sporty” reputation. Now, let’s see if Mazda has successfully positioned it as a high-end model.
Mazda still assembles the CX-5, and all the other models it sells in Canada, in Japan. This year’s $26,795 starting price reflects a $2,000 increase; features included in 2016 in the Convenience package (alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth connectivity) are now standard. However, a comparison with equivalent 2016 models shows that the cost in general is a few hundred dollars less, for slightly more generous equipment, in 2017.
Verdict
The redesigned Mazda CX-5 follows the path laid out by its big brother, the CX-9. The designers honed refinement, compromised in the past by an overly high level of interior noise. The stylists designed a sleek cabin, as carefully finished as any entry-level luxury SUV. The engineers preserved the dynamic tunings that make the vehicle so enjoyably agile. Still on our wish list, more powerful engines, at least as an option, and equipment more on a scale with the competition.
Evaluation
Body and cabin
Mazda is a past master in the art giving its line-up an air of family. The 2017 Mazda CX-5 closely resembles the CX-9, with a difference in length of 50 cm, more or less. The only dimension to change this year is height, lowered 3 cm for a more athletic look.That has a slight impact on headroom, which is about 1 cm lower in front. On the other hand, rear passengers gain 1 cm more legroom. They also enjoy easier access to the rear bench thanks to doors that open wider—80 degrees, instead of 74.
Overall the cabin feels as roomy as before. It remains about average for the segment in this respect; tops in terms of space, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 still offer their passengers more.
An examination of the cargo area—and claimed volume—also plays out in favour of the CX-5’s two rivals. That said, the Mazda is one of the rare mass-produced compact SUVs to offer carpeted surfaces in the cargo area; this seemingly trivial detail protects from wear while reducing noise. Also new for 2017 is a power liftgate, starting on the mid-level GS.
The rear seatbacks now recline, are less upright, and fold more level with the load floor. The CX-5 is one of the few compact SUVs with an independently folding centre section, which means it can haul two rear passengers and hockey sticks at the same time.
Returning to the front, the designers dedicated a lot of effort to refining the driving position. They made sure the steering wheel is precisely centered and repositioned the armrests to heighten the feel of a cockpit while enhancing comfort on long trips. The result is a very pleasant drive more reminiscent of a sport car than of an SUV. The CX-5 may not be a favourite of those who want to dominate the road, but there is enough height adjustment to reach an acceptable compromise.
Finish also received special attention, in line with Mazda’s wish to give its products a high-level image. The first CX-5 held its own in this respect, and the redesigned version goes even further with tasteful metallic accents and soft-touch surfaces throughout. The optional two-tone trims with certain GT colour schemes are impressive, whereas the simulated leather and suede seats in the GS provide a nice touch of class, for a mid-level model.
Noteworthy among the new convenience features are a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold, and the afore-mentioned power liftgate. However, several popular items are still absent, such as a panoramic sunroof, wheel-mounted paddle shifters and, above all, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interfaces, scheduled to be added sometime in future.
Safety
Mazda formerly reserved advanced safety technologies for the top-level GT. For 2017, GS buyers also have access to lane-departure warning with automatic lane-keep assist, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control now with a stop-start function in traffic. As with the GT, you must opt for an options package; hopefully, Mazda will follow Honda’s example and incorporate these features as standard equipment on its compact SUV.On a positive note, this year’s GX gains a backup camera, and the GS and GT get automatic emergency low-speed braking and blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment.
Headlights: The CX-5 becomes the first compact SUV to be equipped with LED headlights on all versions. It remains to be seen if this system will obtain the same Acceptable (3/4) rating as the LED projectors on the 2016 GT in tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Crash testing of the CX-5 has not yet been conducted by the IIHS or the U.S. government.
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: Not tested
Frontal impact: Not tested
Side impact: Not tested
Rollover resistance: Not tested
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact:
- driver side: 4 / 4
- passenger side: 4 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Mechanical overview
The big news under the hood of the 2017 Mazda CX-5… is yet to come. We’re talking about a diesel engine Mazda has been promising almost as far back as the launch of the former model. North-American spokespersons met at the press launch of the redesigned model say that this time is for real. We’ll see if they deliver during the second half of the year.Until then, buyers can opt for either of the two gasoline engines already offered last year. In fact, the majority will get a 2.5L direct injected four-cylinder since it is the only engine available with the automatic transmission. The 2.0L is reserved for the manual two-wheel-drive GX, which is not a big hit.
Thanks to a few minor improvements, the “large” 2.5L four-cylinder delivers three more horsepower for a total of 187. Maximum torque remains at 185 lb-ft. The two six-speed transmissions are unchanged, but the engineers re-tuned the automatic to shift from first to second a bit less quickly, a wish formulated by CX-5 owners and the specialized media alike. They also tweaked accelerator response to better reflect the intentions of the driver, in as linear a fashion as possible.
All CX-5s are now delivered with G-Vectoring Control technology. First introduced on the Mazda 3, the system adjusts power instead of braking to improve steering response in tight bends. For the first time, Mazda is combining it with four-wheel-drive. The latter system, too, has received several updates supposed to reduce fuel consumption by 2 percent.
Those mostly minor changes are accompanied by a 15-percent increase in structural rigidity and a more solidly mounted steering rack. The goal was to make the suspension slightly more compliant without adversely affecting handling. Mazda also worked very hard to enhance the refinement of its small SUV by multiplying sound-attenuating measures, for example.
Driving impressions
The good news is that it works, according to impressions gleaned in our recent first drive in the San Diego region. Just driving onto a freeway was enough to note a significant reduction in wind noise around the windshield and doors. Tire hum is also better filtered, as noted on the rough pavement of the backroads of California.The engine still accelerates too noisily, especially since it often has to be pushed to obtain the desired results. As dynamic and well-balanced as ever, the Mazda CX-5’s excellent chassis could easily channel more power.
Cliché alert: The “sport” part of the sport-utility nomenclature still fits the CX-5 like a glove. A quick jaunt on a tortuous route soon proved that. Now it seems Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in Canada is also easier to appreciate on long trips.