Mazda has made some subtle yet useful tweaks to its CX-5 sport utility crossover. This is both in line with the way Mazda has operated for a long while, and a good idea. Mazda seems to sell a lot of their CX-5s (or at least I see a lot of them around) so it’s best not to mess too much with a good thing. In the case of the 2018 Mazda CX-5, all of these upgrades are focused around better fuel efficiency or better usability.
Power & Performance
All of this new found fuel efficiency comes from the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine. The plant’s friction was reduced by small updates on the internals, thank you Mazda. The biggest fuel-saving measure is the segment-exclusive cylinder-deactivation technology. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine has the capability to shut down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds so efficiency is maximized. Mazda says the deactivation and activation of these outside cylinders is imperceptible, and I have no reason to doubt them. Mazda goes on to say the system is designed to improve real-world efficiency and comes standard on all trim levels. They are also the only automaker to currently run this system on a four-cylinder mill in North America. The engine puts out 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift and Sport mode. Front-wheel drive is standard but if you’re in slippery conditions a lot, Mazda?s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on every trim level.
CX-5 Sport
The ’1...