The Mazda CX-5 is a driver-focused vehicle meant to deliver a different experience than your average small SUV. We think it offers a more satisfying experience than its chief rivals, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. And if looks have anything to do with it, we think it wins in exterior styling too.
Over the weekend, we drove the top trim, 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive.
What?s New For 2018
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 largely carries over from the previous model year, when it received a complete redesign. New for 2018 are standard features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also new is cylinder-deactivation to improve fuel efficiency.
Features & Options The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD ($30,945) comes with acoustic front windows, power driver?s seat, heated front seats, an upgraded six-speaker sound system, rear USB ports, and blind-spot monitors. It also features keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way power-adjustable driver?s seat. The vehicle also receives additional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Grand Touring models add leather and 19-inch wheels to the above. The Premium Package on this tester ($1,306) added a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a heads-up displ...