Vehicle Tested
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD SUV (2.5L 4-cyl. 6-speed Automatic)
Driven On
2/19/2013
Ratings Summary
The new 2.5-liter engine moves the 2014 CX-5 very close to the A rating threshhold. We always like the chassis and the interior accomodations, now it has the slight bump in horsepower it always begged for. Rated fuel economy still eclipses that of the CR-V, RAV4, Escape and others. However, the short sidewall tires of the Grand Touring might be too sporty for some. For those who like driving more than cush it's an A all the way.
A
Performance
Among compact crossovers, the Mazda CX-5 is the clear driver's choice. It responds well when pushed and feels well-sorted and secure at other times. And the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes a world of difference.
| Acceleration |
B
|
The new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes good power right off the line and pulls steadily after that. Should be more than enough for most folks shopping this class. |
| Braking |
B
|
Firm, reassuring pedal and consistent performance. Stopping distances are right on the money for vehicles equipped with all-season tires. |
| Steering |
A
|
Quite nimble and direct. Effort is neither too high nor too low. Responds willingly, intuitively. |
| Handling |
A
|
Cornering is flat and secure. Good grip and composure on uneven surfaces. Chassis responds to driver's throttle inputs, too. Begs to be taken the long way home. |
| Driveability |
A
|
The 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly and crisply, and the throttle isn't overly jumpy. It all just works the way it should and you don't have to think about it. |
| Off-Road |
B
|
It's a crossover with all-wheel drive. Good for dirt roads, good for snow and ski-car duty. But it's no moiuntain goat. |
B
Comfort
Comfortable, but not cushy, this CX-5 is more suited to the backroad than the boulevard. Go for the Sport or Touring to get 17-inch tires with a bit more sidewall if you prefer to filter out more road texture.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
Support and adjustability are more than adequate up front. The rear seats are nicely shaped, too. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
Sits on the sporty end of the spectrum. Not overly harsh, but fans of float won't find it here. Our Grand Touring has 19-inch tires with short sidewalls. Expect the 17-inch tires on the Sport and Touring to be a bit more supple. |
| Quietness |
C
|
Generally good, but the CX-5 does have a lightness to it that you can hear, if that makes sense. Exhibits a bit of wind noise at Texas speeds. |
B
Interior
Strong. Good space and access, generally sound ergonomics and control logic. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V offer a bit more cargo space and a lower loading height.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Nice telescopic steering wheel, seating position and view of gauges. Controls generally very logical, but the smallish navigation screen with attached buttons isn't the best we've seen. |
| Ingress/Egress |
A
|
Seat height and roofline are just right. And the CX-5 has inset "hidden" sills that make it easy to stand quite close to the seat as you step in. Rear doors open wide. |
| Space/Room |
A
|
Cabin feels open. Fractionally more rear hip room than a CR-V. More rear leg- and toe room, too. No complaints here. |
| Visibility |
B
|
Generally good, but the rear three-quarter view is a bit wonky due to the rear body styling. A backup camera helps the straight-back view, and one comes standard on Touring and above. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Cargo space is slightly smaller than that of the RAV4 and CR-V because of the rounded roofline and a higher liftover height. But there's still a good amount here. |
B
Value
The CX-5 is competitively priced in this segment, and for your money you get a good-looking crossover that performs well and has better rated fuel economy than its rivals.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Our Grand Touring test sample came with no visible blemishes and seems screwed together well. It compares favorably to its competition. One rear seatback latch needed adjustment, though. |
| Features(vs. $) |
A
|
Mazda offers things the top-selling Honda CR-V doesn't: a 6-speed automatic transmission and available adaptive headlights, to name just two. We wish the nav system was better integrated, though. |
| Cost |
B
|
Competitive in the segment. Our top-dog Grand Touring AWD model is priced comparably to loaded examples of the competiton. Starting price of base and mid-level models also fair. |
| MPG |
A
|
The new 2.5 is still best of the bunch if you look at EPA combined mpg, which is closest to how most of us actually drive. |
| Warranty |
B
|
Nothing particularly remarkable here. There's a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Roadside assistance to the tune of 3 years/36,000 miles is included. |
A
Fun To Drive
About as coordinated and playful a driving experience you can expect in this class at this price point.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
Well-balance chassis repsonds well to spirited driving. And the new 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic play well together. |
| Personality |
B
|
There's only so much personality a crossover can exude, but the CX-5 does look perkier and sleeker than its competiton, and it has playfulness to match. |
