2014 Mazda CX-5 Review

Thankfully, a new 2.5-liter engine offers exactly that with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 29 extra ponies and 35 more lb-ft should make a big difference when loaded up and was more than required during our first test.

While it’s not extremely athletic, power delivery is much improved. That’s all the sweeter when you realize the extra thrust doesn’t mean drinking much more gas. Front-wheel drive models come with an estimated 25 mpg around town and 32 on the highway, which is essentially identical to the 26/32 mpg rating for the front-drive automatic with the smaller engine.

The numbers dip a little with all-wheel drive, but not much. Efficiency slides to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, again compared to an only slightly better 25/32 rating with the 2.0-liter.

Hubris is a common condition among automakers, and braggarts often fall the hardest. Mazda boasts easily about its SkyActiv technology, but in this case the bold words bear meaning. With the fuel economy ratings of several automakers having recently been called into question, after our drive we have no reason to doubt Mazda’s claims.

If there is a down side it’s that the six-speed stick isn’t available with the larger engine. Instead you’ll be assigned to the six-speed automatic. Truth be told, it doesn’t make a difference. Most buyers would make that choice on their own, with a small fraction of sales devoted to the manually minded – especially when it comes to crossovers.

Spend some time getting to know the automatic transmission and you’ll likely agree that it delivers a smooth, pleasing driving experience.

Similarly, the cornering feel is tactile and precise. Steering on uneven ground remains consistent and just like the less powerful 2.0-liter model, the 2.5-liter version is nothing if not fun to drive.

Better still, the larger engine won’t end up costing that extra arm and leg you’ve been saving for a rainy day.

There is no entry-level Sport trim for models equipped with the new 2.5-liter engine, meaning that at $26,660 for the Touring trim, it’s only about $2,000 more than a comparable 2.0-liter model.

True, pricing can run all the way up to $29,665 for the Grand Touring trim, though it comes with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, Bose speakers, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and more.

Otherwise the cabin remains unchanged. Mazda’s interior quality remains on par with what brand stoics have come to expect: quality.

You won’t find the level of fancy in-car telematics that rivals offer and you also won’t find a center stack bristling with confusing options. Instead, it’s refreshingly simply with the same Tom Tom-based navigation system. If you so choose, downloadable voices like Homer Simpson can even direct you through the “dohs” of driving in unfamiliar territory.

An accent panel runs the width of the dashboard, and there are plenty of places to put your wallet, cell phone and snacks.