Mazda’s best selling vehicle in the U.S. gains a number of standard equipment features. All three 2018 CX-5 models (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring) add blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert driver assist technology. During a week-long test drive of the CX-5, the CUV demonstrated super-responsive steering and handling on hilly and winding roads under varying weather conditions. Riders had rave reviews for the CX-5’s comfortable and supportive front and rear seats.
Powering the test driven CX-5 with all wheel drive: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 186 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. New to the 2018 CX-5 is cylinder deactivation, a technology that essentially reduces fuel consumption with the deactivation of the outside two cylinders at light load cruising speeds between 25-50 mph. The tested 106.2-inch wheelbase Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD has a MSRP of $30,945 and collects estimated mpg of 24 city and 30 highway.