2018 Mazda CX-5
By Randi Payton
Decisive Media Network
On the move in the past two years, Mazda vehicle sales were up 15 percent in April 2018. New products like the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD is a testament to a slew of new engines and technology features from Mazda.
Mazda SKYACTIV engine
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a sporty five-seat compact crossover (CUV). Available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, the CX-5 has a standard cylinder deactivation engine that generates 187 horsepower from a 2.5-liter inline-4 motor. When all four cylinders are not needed, the Mazda SKYACTIV engine ca drop from four to two cylinders to save fuel.
I tested a Soul Red Crystal Metallic Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive, independent front and real suspension, stabilizer bars, electric power steering and many other performance and safety features. I prefer the handling and agility of the AWD over the standard front-wheel drive. The electric power steering is very responsible on sharp turns and lane changing.
The CX-5 is positioned between the larger CX-9 with three-row seating and the subcompact CX-3 models, which arrives in dealerships later this month. All-wheel drive is optional on all models. Standard features on CX-5 models include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and leather wrapping around the shift knob and steering wheel.
The luxurious CX-5 Grand Touring comes standard with leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, power driver seats, adaptive LED tail and headlights, fog lights, navigation, lift gates, and a moonroof.
Significant Upgrades
Fuel economy is similar to the 2017 model, which has an EPA mpg rating of 25 city and 31 highway. The CX-5 competes with the Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V. The CX-5 starts at $24,150 and goes up to $29,645 for the Grand Touring.
A recently redesigned 2018 Mazda 6 was also introduced recently with significant upgrades and added sheet metal. The Mazda 6 is priced around $23,000, which is $500 less than last year’s model. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 comes to dealerships late May 2018 with an MSRP of $20,390.
Randi Payton is Founder at Decisive Media Network, Washington D.C. Metro Area.
