Autoblog

2014 Mazda CX-5 with 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, Quick Spins

Back in October, we compared the relative merits of two new and very good small crossovers: the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 we tested then had Mazda's 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine under its hood, and it managed to just edge out the EcoBoosted Ford despite being down by some 23 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque. Had it been available, the 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine that we recently had the opportunity to try out in the 2014 Mazda CX-5, it may have made that comparison even easier to call in the Japanese CUV's favor.

Clearly, if you're in the market for a reasonably sized crossover, the CX-5 should, at the very least, be on your test-drive list. The new engine offering will let buyers opt for a stronger powerplant, with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft on tap. On our second day in Austin's Hill Country - the first was spent quick-spinning the 2014 Mazda6 i Sport, you'll recall - we covered a couple of hundred miles and put the new CX-5 through its paces; here's what we turned up.

Driving Notes

The extra half-liter of Skyactiv displacement, resulting in 29 more horsepower and 35 more pound-feet of torque than in the 2.0-liter model, is satisfying in this new CX-5. With the larger engine, the CX-5's 0-60 time falls to about 7.2 seconds (Mazda's estimate) from just under 9 seconds in the 2.0-liter version. Those numbers are borne out in real-world feel, too, where the new CX-5 absolutely feels quicker away from a stoplight and less strained when passing slower folks at highway speeds. The 2.5 engine sounds a bit better, too - offering a mildly enthusiastic growl up around 5,000 rpm and onward.
Every other piece of the dynamic driving experience is more or less exactly the same with the 2.5-liter engine as it was with the smaller powerplant. Mazda only had CX-5s with the new engine on hand at our drive event in Austin, and it's possible that driving both versions, back-to-back, could reveal some mild handling differences. But with only a few months separating our last seat time in the 2.0-liter car from this drive, we feel safe saying that the more-potent CX-5 is every bit the nimble handler as its slightly lighter sibling.
With the added thrust and equal handling taken as read then, what exactly is the give/get situation relative to the smaller-engine CX-5? The larger-engined vehicle gains about 100 pounds, trim-for-trim. The 2.0-liter is the only 2014 CX-5 that can be had with Mazda's very good six-speed manual transmission, meanwhile, though product planners hinted that we may be seeing a 2.5L/6MT combo later in the model year. (We know from the Mazda6 that the engine and manual transmission work nicely together.) Impressively, the 2.5L CX-5 only loses one mile per gallon in the city versus the smaller displacement engine (25 versus 26 mpg), and the highway ratings stay exactly the same (32 mpg). Towing capacity stays steady at a modest 2,000-pound maximum for all CX-5 models.
With such stellar comparative specifications versus its 2.0-liter brother, the determining factor for opting-in to a 2.5-liter CX-5 is essentially only cost. For 2014, Mazda is only offering the 2.0-liter engine in Sport (read: base) models - both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive flavors - while the 2.5-liter engine starts at the plusher Touring trim in both driveline configurations. That means while a true apples-to-apples comparison isn't possible, you will have to pony up about $2,000 to get into the larger mill. A front-wheel-drive CX-5 Sport 2.0 6AT starts at $22,595, while the FWD CX-5 Touring 2.5 6AT asks $24,615 (all models have identical $795 destination charges). For AWD models, the difference between the Sport and Touring is an identical $2,020 gap - MSRPs of $23,845 and $25,865, respectively.
Here's a little model-year 2014 trivia for future members of the CX-5 enthusiast clubs: This year sees three new colors (Soul Red, Jet Black, Meteor Gray) replacing three old colors (Zeal Red, Black Mica, Metropolitan Gray). The new red is a $300 option. Last year's blue plastic engine cover has been replaced with a black plastic engine cover. Mazda's Smart City Brake Support, which automatically brakes the vehicle in low-speed, crash-imminent maneuvers, is now standard with the Touring and Grand Touring tech pack, while the burglar alarm has been deleted from those packages. Got all of that? We'll have a quiz next week.

2014 Mazda CX-5 with 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Escape vs. 2013 Mazda CX-5

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Mazda, Comparisons

Brothers From Another Mother Face Off

Not a single part is shared between these two crossovers.

We couldn't do this comparison test a year ago. No, not because the CX-5 is a new nameplate and all-new vehicle for the Mazda brand (okay, that's technically a valid reason), but because until now, Mazda's only small crossover offering was the Tribute - a rebadged version of the trusty last-gen Ford Escape. In fact, it's always been sort of tricky to put Ford and Mazda vehicles in the same comparison test, only because nearly every product in Mazda's stable could be traced back to some sort of Ford platform.

But with the two automakers having officially parted ways, Mazda was forced to create an all-new platform for a small crossover that would play in the same segment as the Escape. And under the lights of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show last November, both the 2013 CX-5 and 2013 Escape debuted, with representatives from Ford and Mazda alike reassuring us that not a single part is shared between the two crossovers, noting that the two companies were in no way involved in the development of each other's vehicle.

That in mind, we thought it best to pit the Escape and CX-5 against one another to see how the family lines have matured after the divorce.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Escape vs. 2013 Mazda CX-5

2013 Ford Escape vs. 2013 Mazda CX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda seen raising production of CX-5 as Skyactiv engine capacity doubled

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mazda

We've grown quite fond of Mazda's new Skyactiv engine range, and apparently, we aren't the only ones. High demand for these engines has caused Mazda to double its production of both the gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines, and starting in October, the automaker will produce 800,000 of these efficient engines globally, up from 400,000.

In the United States, the 2.0-liter gasoline engine is the only Skyactiv unit currently available, found under the hood of the Mazda CX-5 (pictured) and select Mazda3 models. Elsewhere in the world, CX-5s can be had with a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D turbodiesel engine, which we had a chance to test (and fall in love with) in Iceland. The automaker has confirmed that its next-generation Mazda6 sedan will be available with both of these four-cylinder engines, though it's unclear if the diesel will be available Stateside. (Mazda has confirmed it will market an oilburner in the U.S. in the near-term, but it hasn't revealed which vehicle will get it).

Part of the reason for this Skyactiv engine increase is the strong early demand globally for the new CX-5 crossover. Mazda will be upping production from 200,000 units annually to 240,000, all of which are built at the automaker's Ujina, Japan facility. Because of strong demand since the crossover hit dealerships in February, Mazda has increased its global sales target from 160,000 units to 190,000.

Scroll down for the full press blast.

Continue reading Mazda seen raising production of CX-5 as Skyactiv engine capacity doubled

Mazda seen raising production of CX-5 as Skyactiv engine capacity doubled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mazda CX-5 configurator zips online

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:46:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Mazda

If you've got that compact crossover itch that only something as sporting as the Mazda CX-5 can scratch, you're in luck. The smallest Mazda crossover is on sale now, and its online configurator tool is live.

Starting price is $20,695 plus a $795 destination charge, for a total of $21,490. That kind of cash will get you a front-drive CX-5 Sport with a six-speed manual. Opting for all-wheel-drive will force you to also take the six-speed automatic and bump the price to $24,140. (The manual transmission is not available with any of the higher trim levels, either.) Like most Mazda models, the Touring model is the next rung up the ladder, with prices starting at $24,690 for FWD and $25,940 for AWD. Grand Touring models are the most loaded CX-5 models, at $27,840 and $29,090, respectively.

We liked the CX-5 quite a bit when we drove a preproduction model last November and look forward to getting some quality time behind the wheel of the actual production model soon. Click past the jump for the full pricing press release, then bounce on over to the configurator.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 configurator zips online

2013 Mazda CX-5 configurator zips online originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mazda

Mazda has released the official EPA fuel economy figures for its 2013 CX-5, and as anticipated, the new compact crossover has achieved an all-important best-in-class designation. The front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual-equipped CX-5 is rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway, thanks to Mazda's efficient Skyactiv direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-four. In fact, Mazda claims the CX-5 actually gets the best fuel economy rating of any SUV (read: crossover) sold in America, full stop.

CX-5 models equipped with front-wheel drive and Mazda's new Skyactiv six-speed automatic transmission are good for 26/32 miles per gallon city/highway. And while those highway numbers match up with the four-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox, the Mazda's 26 mpg city rating bests the Chevy by a whopping four mpg. All-wheel-drive CX-5s are rated at 25/31 mpg city/highway. Follow the jump for Mazda's official release.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating

2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mazda CX-5

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, First Drives

The Most Functional Miata Money Can Buy

Now, before you furiously fire off angry comments about the absolute blasphemy of soiling the Miata's good name in reference to a crossover, hear us out. Mazda has told us over and over again that everything it has learned from the Miata project has directly influenced its new products. Case in point: the Mazda2. It's the least-powerful offering in its class, but we'll go on record as saying that it's the most entertaining B-segment car offered in the United States. The Mazda2's success is built upon its superb steering, great manual gearbox and well-balanced suspension geometry - you know, just like the Miata.

So how does this philosophy play out on a much larger vehicle like the 2013 Mazda CX-5 - a new entry in an extremely competitive class filled with big names like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape? Does Mazda's theory of Zoom-Zoom Above All work in a segment that largely values function over fun?

Just days after the its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda let us loose in some pre-production CX-5s along the sun-drenched roads of southern California. Here, on the twisty roads through the canyons, it's easy to see what the CX-5 is all about.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5

2013 Mazda CX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda reveals 2013 CX-5 for U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Mazda

We already drove a pre-production 2013 Mazda CX-5 through scenic Iceland, and the Japanese automaker showed us the finished (European) product at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September. Here at the Los Angeles Auto Show, however, Mazda has officially announced exactly what's in store for the U.S.-spec CX-5, set to go on sale early next year.

The Skyactiv powertrain should return best-in-class fuel economy figures of 26/33 mpg with the manual.

Powering the CX-5 is Mazda's new 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline four-cylinder with direct-injection technology. This powerplant is already available in the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, and in the CX-5, it's good for 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a new Skyactiv six-speed manual or automatic transmission (the manual is only available in the bottom-rung Sport trim, sadly). The CX-5 is not as powerful as other offerings in the class - the Kia Sportage and much larger Toyota RAV4, among others, offer more grunt - but Mazda says that the Skyactiv powertrain should return best-in-class fuel economy figures: 26/32 miles per gallon (city/highway) with the automatic transmission or an even better 33 mpg highway with the manual. Based on our Nordic test drive, the lighter CX-5 is also likely to be more fun to drive than its contemporaries. No word yet on the possibility of seeing the Skyactiv-D diesel model in North American showrooms, however. In any case, we'll see if the gas engine's official EPA numbers match up when the vehicle is properly tested.

We'll be driving the CX-5 later this week while in Los Angeles, so stay tuned for our full driving impressions in the near future, and hopefully we'll have pricing soon. In the meantime, click through our new gallery of live images direct from SoCal and gaze at the official PR after the jump.

Continue reading Mazda reveals 2013 CX-5 for U.S.

Mazda reveals 2013 CX-5 for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mazda CX-5 looks better without the camouflage

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Mazda

As you might recall, we recently spent some time behind the wheel of a camouflaged 2012 Mazda CX-5 prototype in Iceland. And while we walked away impressed after our short stint behind the wheel, the fact that the car was covered in cheetah paper meant we couldn't quite see the final design - until now.

It's a good-looking crossover, this CX-5, keeping true to Mazda's original Minagi concept that first bowed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. What's more, the CX-5 will be a much-welcomed replacement for the Ford-supplied Tribute crossover - a vehicle that never really set the sales charts on fire.

When we drove the CX-5, we were very impressed with the SkyActiv 2.0-liter gasoline engine, though we're still crossing our fingers that Mazda will offer the 2.2-liter diesel powerplant here in the United States. Nevertheless, we give the CX-5 two thumbs up, and you can see the final road-ready version in our attached high-res image gallery.

2013 Mazda CX-5 looks better without the camouflage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mazda CX-5 [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Crossover, Mazda, Diesel, Quick Spins

Camouflage Can't Disguise A Winning Heart

While the recent struggles of its larger countrymen have been well publicized, Mazda finds itself at something of a quiet turning point. It would be hard to blame the Japanese automaker for kicking back and enjoying the warm fuzzies it's earned over the years with cars like the MX-5 Miata and Mazda3, but as a small company going it alone in a pond full of bigger, better-funded fish, it still has much to prove.

Among the competencies Mazda has to demonstrate, it must show it can build the powertrain technology necessary to reach fuel economy goals mandated by the U.S. government, rival automakers and the buying public. The only hybrid models it ever sold here were built under contract, and to this point, no other alternative fuel vehicles have found their way into its North American showrooms. What's more, Mazda's last attempt at a styling language, the flowing folds of Nagare, came in for critical praise on the showcar circuit thanks to stunners like the Furai and Ryuga, but the philosophy never really gelled in production form (its awkward, Jokerian pulled-smile and ribbed sheetmetal choices triggered more confused looks than praise). Compounding matters, the company recently announced it was pulling the plug on its iconoclastic RX-8, whose rotary engine and lightweight construction were brand cornerstones.

So... has Mazda lost the plot? As it turns out, not a bit. In fact, after spending a few days grilling company executives and driving prototypes of its forthcoming 2013 CX-5, we think the company seems as clear about its identity and mission as it's ever been, and the proof is in the CX-5's pudding. The new small crossover singlehandedly attempts to answer most of our nagging questions by packing Mazda's new Skyactiv blueprint for eco-friendly enthusiast driving ("sustainable Zoom-Zoom") and the seeds of Mazda's new Kodo design language, so we couldn't wait to get behind the wheel.

Shucking off Hurricane Irene's wrath, we flew to Iceland to get our first taste of the CX-5.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 [w/video]

2013 Mazda CX-5 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda reveals 2012 CX-5 softroader ahead of Frankfurt

Zach Bowman — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Etc., Europe, Crossover, Mazda, Diesel

Mazda has finally given us all a peek at the company's all-new 2012 CX-5 small crossover ahead of its debut at September's Frankfurt Auto Show. The high-riding five door is draped in the automaker's new "Kodo" design language and relies on a host of SkyActiv engine and transmission options. European buyers will be able to choose between a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter diesel powerplant, both with lofty 14:1 compression ratios. Each engine will be available in Standard Power and High Power iterations, and the high compression ratio helps return improved efficiency.

So far, details are scarce on exactly what kind of transmission options will be available at launch, though whispers kicking around the web have indicated that a six-speed manual gearbox is likely, as well as an available six-speed automatic. Expect to see serious engineering advances in both transmissions designed to serve up increased fuel economy.

Mazda says that the company's Kodo design language stands for "Soul of motion." Whatever it means, we think it's a huge improvement over the Joker-smile faces of the outgoing Nagare era. The Mazda CX-5 is set to debut in Frankfurt on September 13, and the CUV is confirmed for sale in the North American market. Check out the gallery above and Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Mazda reveals 2012 CX-5 softroader ahead of Frankfurt

Mazda reveals 2012 CX-5 softroader ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda CX-5 to get 2.2-liter turbodiesel, six-speed manual

Chris Shunk — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, Diesel

Mazda CX-5 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda hasn't had an all-new product since the spiffy little Mazda2, but that will change in 2012 with the introduction of the Minagi concept-inspired CX-5 crossover. The smallish CUV will reportedly be the first crossover to incorporate Mazda's Skyactiv technology, and, according to Autocar, it will also be available with a diesel and a six-speed manual.

Of course, the diesel engine Autocar speaks of will most likely be a European affair, displacing 2.2-liters and pushing 173 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The oil-burner will reportedly be 20 percent more efficient than the automaker's current 2.2-liter diesel. It will also be able to pass Euro 6 emissions standards, which are more than two years from enforcement.

We're not all that hopeful that we'll be able to experience the 2.2-liter diesel in the U.S. (we're almost always left out of the diesel equation), but Skyactiv measures will likely help improve efficiency either way. The promised tech will reportedly include a lightweight modular platform, smaller, more efficient engines and transmissions, and so on.

Mazda CX-5 to get 2.2-liter turbodiesel, six-speed manual originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Mazda

Mazda Minagi Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a move that should surprise exactly nobody, Mazda has announced that its forthcoming smaller crossover will be called CX-5. The little 'ute is said to borrow heavily from the Minagi Concept that Mazda unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show, and it will be the first Mazda vehicle to incorporate the automaker's new 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design theme.

The design theme was first introduced back in the fall when the Japanese automaker unveiled the Shinari Concept; a very attractive, luxurious-looking sedan that could park next to an Aston Martin Rapide and still get noticed. The CX-5 will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go in sale in calendar year 2012.

Mazda says the new crossover will feature the automaker's SkyActiv technologies, which will include engines, transmissions, body and chassis. SkyActiv is Mazda's "sustainable ZoomZoom" approach that includes more efficient powertrains and lower overall body mass for improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Hit the jump to read over the Mazda press release.

Gallery: Mazda Minagi Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5

No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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