The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is the best SUV for you if you have a taste for the craft beer of
compact crossovers.
That's in fact a metaphor Mazda uses to describe this restyled and re-engineered CX-5.
It may go too far when it also calls the competition "passionless".
But a little pride in your work is a good thing.
Let's find out if Mazda's brewed up a crossover you ought to consider.
[start up sounds]
I'm Chuck Giametta, join me for a CarPreview video review of the 2017 Mazda CX-5
[music intro]
Mazda calls this CX-5 all-new.
Actually, it's a thorough update of the crossover that launched for 2013.
The real all-new CX-5 is still a few years away.
But the 2017 changes keep it relevant amid a swarm of rivals.
The five-seater again slots into Mazda's lineup between the subcompact CX-3 and the recently
redesigned, and critically acclaimed, seven-seat CX-9.
The CX-5 returns in a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and comes initially with just
one engine, a warmed-over version of last year's two-point-five-liter four-cylinder.
A long-awaited diesel option is due late in 2017.
The craft-beer allusion is appropriate.
Mazda's a small, independent automaker that likes to think it creates products for the
discriminating pallet.
Its strengths are efficient packaging and resourceful engineering.
Styling is a virtue, too.
The CX-5's basic body shape is little changed for 2017, and Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models return
All get a handsome new nose that includes standard LED headlamps; on Grand Touring models,
they swivel with the steering.
Alloy wheels are again standard but get a new look.
The tail is simplified and has reshaped lamps.
And all models have dual exhaust outlets.
Mazda's proud of this new paint color, which has some of the reflective qualities of a
show-car finish.
It's called Soul Red Crystal, and it's a six-hundred-dollar option.
Beneath the skin, the CX-5's structure has been strengthened and the suspension retuned
for a softer ride.
There's more sound insulation, too.
Both are nice compliments to the revamped interior.
The dashboard looks more contemporary and the seven-inch screen that's
standard on all models is now a trendy, tablet-like display.
It's again governed by these well-designed controls.
The eighteen-hundred-thirty-dollar Grand Touring Premium Package includes this crossover's
first heated steering wheel and its first head-up instrument display.
Only the Grand Touring model gets satellite radio.
And no '17 CX-5 has a CD player; Mazda figures you'll rely on your smartphone for streamed
or downloaded tunes.
Your navigation app won't display on the dash screen, though.
For that, you need the imbedded navigation system that's standard on Grand Touring and
part of the seven-hundred-eighty-dollar Touring Preferred Equipment Package.
The Sport trim has cloth upholstery.
The Touring gets a combination of vinyl and imitation suede, plus heated front seats.
The Grand Touring gives you real leather and this upscale two-tone theme.
Passenger space is good, although heftier folks might find the front buckets a little confining.
In back, taller adults won't feel cramped and all models now have a reclining seatback.
Heated rear seats are a new Grand Touring option.
Unfortunately, the low-set cushion leaves kids and shorter people feeling a bit submerged.
Interior storage is OK, but the 2017 restyling costs the CX-5 a little cargo room.
Volume was class-average before; now it's slightly below.
A power liftgate is standard on Grand Touring and part of the Touring Preferred Package,
but it lacks hands-free operation.
Of course, Mazda believes its buyers are more interested in how a car drives than how much
they can cram into it.
On that score, the CX-5 delivers.
It moves with a satisfying directness, helped by addition of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control,
which subtly brakes the engine for sharper turn-in.
The steering is slop-free and almost delicate.
The CX-5 is unintimidated by demanding roads, though the Grand Touring's 19-inch tires do
trigger some deflection through fast, bumpy corners.
Overall, the ride is firm but never punishing.
It's best with the 17-inch tires on the Sport and Touring models.
And they don't roar as much as the 19s on coarse pavement, so there's less intrusion
into the otherwise quiet cabin.
Bottom line: For overall road manners, the only match in this class is the redesigned
2017 Honda CR-V.
As for the engine, a turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder linked to a continuously variable
transmission is fast becoming the default powertrain in this class.
So Mazda's loyalty to a relatively large four and a conventional automatic seems a little
out of step.
You can't argue with the results, though.
The CX-5 isn't as outright fast as some of its turbocharged rivals or as quick as a V-6
Jeep Cherokee.
But it beats most of them for fuel economy, and has plenty of pickup for most any situation.
Better yet, it doesn't suffer the lag or weird transmission behavior afflicting some of the
turbo- and CVT-equipped competition.
This Sport button sharpens throttle response, but we're disappointed Mazda doesn't offer
steering-wheel paddle shifters to further engage the enthusiast driver.
We're tickled pink Mazda has priced the CX-5 very affordably, especially since it's added
vital safety features as standard on every 2017 model.
Chief among these is the company's Smart City Brake Support.
It can automatically stop the CX-5 to avoid a low-speed frontal collision.
The automaker's i-Activesense system expands on that with high-speed autonomous braking,
radar cruise control, and lane-maintaining automatic steering.
i-Activesense is standard on the Grand Touring and a six-hundred-twenty-five-dollar option
for the Touring model.
Oddly, Mazda forces Touring-model buyers to choose between i-Activesense and pleasantries
like the power moonroof and power liftgate.
To maximize safety and amenities, you have to move up to the Grand Touring, which - interestingly
enough -- accounts for nearly half of CX-5 sales.
For most vehicles the top-seller is the mid-level trim.
It's obvious the CX-5 appeals to people with, well, Champaign tastes and beer budgets.
We don't think other automakers necessarily have less passion than Mazda.
But most have more money to develop or acquire from suppliers conveniences like a hands-free
liftgate.
So Mazda is forced to take the artisan approach.
Fortunately, the refreshed CX-5 is the tasty result.
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