The day I heard I would be reviewing the 2016 Mazda CX-5 I was pretty stoked. The Mazda CX-5, and the 2016 model no less. I was anxious to get behind the wheel and on the road, turn up Sirius XM radio, windows down, and go for a ride. And oh, what a comfortable ride it is.
Exterior
As I have mentioned in the past, Mazda builds an impressive vehicle, and after driving this car for the past week I can honestly say that the CX-5 is one sophisticated compact crossover SUV. The exterior design is striking, sleek and classy.
A few of my favorite updated accents on the exterior of the 2016 CX-5 are the grille with its sleek Mazda design, also the new foglight surround design and the LED headlights offered on the Touring and Grand Touring models. Lastly, the 19-inch aluminum wheels – very stylish and offered on the Grand Touring model only.
Interior
The interior of the Mazda CX-5 is extremely spacious and upscale. I couldn’t get over how comfortable the seats were in the front and back row. Here are some of the updates for 2016 that are awesome – the MAZDA Connect Infotainment System with Larger Seven-Inch Full-Color Touchscreen Display (nice!), Electronic Parking Brake, Upgraded Center Console Design (brilliant!), Upgraded Dash Design, Upgraded Armrest Design, Multi-Function Commander Control, Available Heated Front Seats and Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone and Audio. As you can see, Mazda has been busy, and the outcome is fabulous.
Performance
The 2016 CX-5 is the first in the Mazda product lineup to adopt SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY for its engine, transmission, body and chassis. The CX-5 features improvements to the suspension system, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance and seat performance (extremely comfortable and relaxing), achieving a more sophisticated and higher-quality driving experience. I can certainly agree with that!
Mazda takes its safety performance very seriously. The fundamental performance of the Mazda CX-5, based on SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, has been further polished. This combines with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies to achieve world-class safety performance which allows customers to enjoy the drive with peace of mind, whatever the driving environment may be. Here are a few of the advanced safety features offered – Mazda’s Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).
Specifications, Pricing and Packaging
The Mazda CX-5 offers seating for 5 passengers. It’s available in Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive. The fuel economy – FWD 2.0L MT: 26/35/29 mpg, FWD 2.5L AT: 26/33/29 mpg, and the AWD 2.5L AT: 24/30/26 mpg.
The refreshed 2016 CX-5 is available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The starting price for the Sport model is MSRP $21,795. Touring model MSRP $25,215 FWD, and the Grand Touring MSRP $28, 220 FWD.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, I was highly impressed with the Mazda CX-5. It was roomy, attractive, and very comfortable. I was sad to see it go at the end of the week! If you are in the market for a classy, 5-passenger car without paying a huge price tag, check out the CX-5.
What features do you look for in a family car?
Disclosure: Thanks to Mazda for loaning me a 2015 Mazda CX-5 for review purposes. All opinions are strictly my own.
Linda Scruggs says
Great info and pics! Thanks for sharing. As a mom of 2 young ones, I am in the market for a new suv and will have to add the new CX-5 to my research list! Thanks.
Paula says
Linda, I think that’s a great choice! It’s a very nice car all around and getting alot of attention 🙂
Clair says
Wow, it’s super nice inside. I would have normally overlooked the Mazda but this is a really good review. I love the leather interior, back up camera, and trunk space.
Paula says
Clair, the interior seats were so comfortable and very attractive. Personally, I love having a back up camera and can’t imagine being without. And I was surprised with the amount of trunk space in the CX-5. Seats 5 passengers and there is still plenty of room for so much more in the trunk area!
Ursula says
Love your family car review of Mazda!! As a new blogger I hope to do a car review someday 🙂
Paula says
Thank you Ursula! The Mazda CX-5 is one super nice family car 🙂