2016 Mazda CX-5

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 brags all of the defining characteristics of a family-ready SUV, including cost-effectiveness. The midyear update for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 introduced new 2016.5 models (produced after January 2016), which include a few small features changes. Aside from a slight price adjustment for the Grand Touring, the starting MSRPs for the 2016.5 CX-5 SUVs are the same as the pre-update models’:

• 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Sport: Base MSRP from $21,795
• 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Touring: Base MSRP from $25,215
• 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring: Base MSRP from $28,570 ($28,220 base MSRP for pre-update 2016 CX-5 Grand Touring)

To suit your power and efficiency preferences, the Mazda CX-5 SUV offers two powertrains, as well as a choice between front- and all-wheel drive. The CX-5 Sport includes a standard 6-speed manual transmission and a 2.0L SKYACTIV®-G 4-cylinder engine, which outputs 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. A 184 hp 2.5L SKYACTIV®-G 4-cylinder engine rated at 185 lb-ft of torque is optional for the Sport, as well as a 6-speed automatic. The higher trims – Touring and Grand Touring – come standard with the 2.5L engine and automatic transmission. With its base powertrain, the Sport FWD achieves the highest fuel economy ratings of the bunch: EPA-estimated 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

Simple yet sophisticated, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV’s interior streamlines every journey with cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, and split-folding rear seats. A born space-saver, the CX-5 offers 34.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 64.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Stepping up to the Touring gets you keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2016.5 Touring tacks on heated seats, which are only available on the Grand Touring in the pre-update lineup. Brimming with comfort features, the apex Grand Touring includes heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Inside the cockpit of the CX-5, you’ll find no shortage of up-to the-minute infotainment technologies. The Mazda CONNECT™ Infotainment System is standard on the Sport with the 2.5L engine and above, and serves as a control center for the vehicle’s many technologies. Using the 7-inch touchscreen display and center console-mounted knob, you can find your favorite HD Radio station, place a call via Bluetooth, or map out a route with the optional Mazda Navigation System (standard on the 2016.5 Touring and Grand Touring). The following infotainment features are also included as standard on most CX-5 models:

• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• USB port and auxiliary input jack
• Voice command
• SMS text message audio delivery and reply
• AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with Automatic Level Control
• Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher internet radio integration

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 earned the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ award, thanks to a top “Good” rating in overall Crashworthiness and a “Superior” rating (with optional equipment) in Crash Avoidance & Mitigation. When it comes to driver and passenger safety, the CX-5 SUV leaves nothing to chance with 3-point seatbelts for all seats, multi-airbag protection, and Dynamic Stability Control. For hassle-free parallel parking, the Sport includes a standard rearview camera (2016.5 Sport only), while the higher trims get Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. For truly exceptional protection, the Grand Touring trim can be outfitted with the i-ACTIVSENSE® Package, which includes features like:

• Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning
• Highbeam Control
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Close Proximity Warning
• Distance Recognition Support System
• Lane Departure Warning