Road test
MAZDA CX-5 2018
The engineers designed an interior as refined as those found in luxury SUVs
March 29, 2017
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dynamic handling
- Balanced ride
- Improved sound insulation
- Close to luxurious finish
- Generally clear controls
Cons
- Just adequate power
- Noisy engine acceleration
- Tight interior space
- Limited cargo space for an SUV
Overview
Less than five years after it was launched, the Mazda CX-5 has undergone several modifications in 2017. Nothing revolutionary in terms of mechanics, but a redesigned shape, a new interior and numerous revised details were sufficient to talk about a major remake.
Mazda went a bit farther for 2018 by adding cylinder deactivation to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that comes standard in all automatic CX-5s. The manufacturer also eased access to the i-ActivSense driver assistance suite and made automatic emergency braking standard across the board.
Details on the 2019 models were still unclear at the beginning of November 2018, but Mazda had already confirmed the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to the entire line-up. The turbo engine already offered in the Mazda 6 and CX-9 is also expected to migrate under the hood of high-end CX-5s, which should please performance fans.
Mazda still builds the CX-5 in Japan with every other Canadian-bound model, except for the Mazda 3.
(Video in French only)
Verdict
The redesigned Mazda CX-5 follows the path laid out by its big brother, the Mazda 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, and that should pair very well with the new turbo engine. With more space inside, especially upfront, and better practicality, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 would accomplish about everything that one can expect from such a well-honed crossover.
Evaluation
Body and cabin
Mazda is a past master in the art giving its line-up an air of family. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 closely resembles the Mazda CX-9, with a difference in length of 50 cm, more or less. The only dimension to change in 2017 was height, lowered 3 cm for a more athletic look.That had a slight impact on headroom, which is about 1 cm lower in front. On the other hand, rear passengers gained 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.
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 more reminiscent of a sport car than of an SUV. It would be very pleasant were it not for the slightly too high footrest and, especially, the much too wide centre console.
This really impedes on tall drivers comfort during long trips. 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 convenience features are a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold and a power liftgate. The upcoming arrival of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay should decrease distraction induced by the use of an infotainment system.
Used Mazda CX-5 owners will be happy to learn that they can retrofit both interfaces in their vehicle, provided it is equipped with the MazdaConnect device. However, several popular items are still absent, such as a panoramic sunroof and wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Safety
Mazda formerly reserved advanced safety technologies for the top-level GT. The OEM now equips every trim level with automatic emergency braking, which marks a clear step forward. 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, but we expect Mazda to make all these features standard in the 2019 GS and GT.The Mazda CX-5 is the first compact SUV to be equipped with LED headlights on all versions. When bundled with a curve-adaptive function (GT only), they are among the rare lighting systems to obtain the highest rating (4/4) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Overall score: 5 / 5
Frontal impact: 5 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5
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
Even though Mazda Canada stays quiet about it for now, it does not seem like it will hold its oft-repeated promise to offer a diesel engine in the Mazda CX-5. It is really no surprise, with all the bad publicity now surrounding this type of powertrain.As a replacement, internal documents for dealer use clearly evoke the arrival of a turbo gas engine in the 2019 CX-5. It would obviously be the same 2.5L boosted four-cylinder as in the CX-9 and select Mazda 6 trim levels. Its 227 hp and 310 lb-ft will probably grace the CX-5 with new found ease.
Until then, buyers can opt for either of the two engines already offered since 2014. 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.
That addition of cylinder deactivation did not change total power of the naturally-aspirated 2.5L, which still stands at 187. Maximum torque remains at 185 lb-ft. Totally imperceptible at the wheel, the device allows an equally unnoticeable 0.2 L/100km drop in combined fuel economy.
The six-speed automatic transmission shifts from first to second a bit less quickly, a wish formulated by CX-5 owners and the specialized media alike. It is quick to downshift when necessary, but it is also harsh sometimes between the first gears, especially when cold.
In the same conditions, 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 CX-5’s excellent chassis will probably handle the addet thrust of the turbo engine with ease.
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. And now Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in Canada is also easier to appreciate on long trips.
We drove more than 2,000 km in one week at Fall of 2018, notably to attend the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada's TestFest. Mainly traveled on highways 40, 20 and the neverending 401, this long distance confirmed a significant reduction in wind noise around the windshield and doors. Tire hum is also better filtered, to the point that the CX-5 now ranks among the most quiet of its segment.
A truly comfortable ride is also notable despite the large 19-inch wheels on our test model. It is too bad the tiresome driving position casts a shadow on this positive report card.