2013 Mazda CX 5 Review – Although it isn’t the first compact crossover SUV from Mazda, the Mazda CX 5 2013 is nonetheless a good one.
The Tribute (a replica of a Ford Escape) and the well-received but slow-selling Mazda CX-7 were two previous Mazda attempts at entering the fiercely competitive segment.
Mazda finally gets the recipe right with this all-new, athletically minded, and well-equipped compact SUV.
With an entirely new unibody, Mazda’s engineers set out to build a roomy cabin, a great driving feel, and a lightweight total package.
The Mazda CX 5 2013 will come standard with a sophisticated 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.
With front-wheel drive and a combined 29 mpg, the CX-5 has the greatest EPA-estimated fuel economy in its class.
When it comes to contemporary amenities, choosing a compact SUV can sometimes mean compromising quality. The CX-5, on the other hand, is a different story.
An impressive list of standard equipment will keep budget-minded consumers happy, even on the base trim.
With the top-of-the-line Grand Touring equipped essentially like a luxury model, moving up the range will naturally net you a more comprehensive roster of equipment. The CX-5 matches its rivals in terms of storage and freight capacity.
For those who want to four-up ski and snowboard, the Touring and Grand Touring variants offer a unique 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat to accommodate large objects in the cargo area.
Whereas the base CX-5 Sport offers 60/40 rear seats. Although the maximum cargo capacity isn’t class-leading, it’s not bad.
The Mazda CX-5 offers engaging looks and driving dynamics, as well as class-leading fuel economy and contemporary features, despite its conventional concept.
This year, there are a lot of excellent options, but the CX-5 stands out because it offers such a winning mix that no other vehicle can match.
The all-new Mazda CX-5 should be on the radar of anyone shopping for the next-generation Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, or Toyota RAV4.
Read also: Mazda SUV Models List
What’s New for Mazda CX 5 2013?
There haven’t been a ton of changes for the 2013 Mazda CX-5, but there have been a few. The biggest is that the RWD model now has an optional 5.0L V8 engine as opposed to the 4.6L V8 it had previously (this option is only available on Grand Touring models).
This new engine offers more power and better fuel consumption, which is great news if you were looking to upgrade your CX-5 from last year (or just want more performance than what was offered in previous years).
Other small updates include an updated infotainment system, updated exterior colors (such as Brilliant Blue), and a few new features added to the Sport model.
Overall, there haven’t been any huge changes that would make you choose one CX-5 over another, but if you’re looking for a well-rounded midsize car then the 2013 Mazda CX-5 should be at the top of your list.
- MPG: Up to 26 city / 35 highway
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs
- Dimensions: 179″ L x 72″ W x 66″ H
- Cargo volume: 34.1 ft³, 64.8 to 65.4 ft³ with seat area
- Curb weight: 3,208 to 3,426 lbs
Pricing, and Trim Levels
The base model of the 2013 Mazda CX-5 starts for price at $24,700 and goes up to $27,900 for the Grand Touring trim level.
The Sport model costs an extra $1,800 and comes with a few additional features (such as heated seats), but it doesn’t offer any different performance or fuel economy than the Grand Touring model.
As you would expect, the more expensive trim levels offer higher performance and better fuel economy than the lower-priced models.
For example, the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model offers a V8 engine with 367 horsepower and 290-pound feet of torque (versus 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. for the base model), as well as alloys that are 20 percent stiffer than those found on other Mazda CX 5 models.
Engine Performance
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 comes with a 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic are the available transmissions.
The CX-5 has acceptable fuel economy ratings. Front-wheel-drive automobiles get 26/35 mpg in the city/highway with a manual gearbox and 26/32 mpg with an automatic gearbox.
All-wheel drive cars are only available with an automatic transmission and get 25/31 miles per gallon, according to the EPA.
As compared to competitors like the VW Tiguan, the Mazda CX-5 has 155 horsepower.
The CX-5, according to certain test drivers, would benefit from more horsepower, while others believe it feels underpowered when you’re going uphill.
The six-speed manual gearbox in the Mazda CX-5 gets excellent reviews for its smooth shifting and engine, which matches it.
Most test drivers liked the six-speed automatic gearbox, but some complained that it slowed the CX-5 down.
Is the 2013 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is a reliable car. It has an above-average safety rating and it is also one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market.
However, there are some complaints about its reliability, but these are largely due to its high-performance engine, which uses more fuel than other models.
Fuel Economy
Mazda claims that the CX-5 will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 9.3 seconds, which is a good start for a four-cylinder small crossover with all-wheel drive.
According to official EPA numbers that have yet to be released, Mazda claims the CX-5 will offer best-in-class fuel economy of 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway.
When equipped with all-wheel drive and an automatic, these figures drop to 25/30 mpg city/highway.
Interior, and Comfort
Regardless of trim level, the CX-5’s cockpit is attractive, contemporary, and efficient. It’s a sophisticated (some might describe it as demure) design, but at least it isn’t shrouded in tacky unconvincing fake wood or highly glossy chrome trim.
The black gauges with white lettering stand out on soft-touch surfaces, which use satin-finish metallic decorations in short doses.
Several current smartphone navigation/map apps are quicker and more intuitive than the optional navigation system, which is adequate. Both the driving position and front-seat comfort are acceptable.
The back seats have a clever folding mechanism that lowers the seat bottom before folding the seat back on top to provide a nearly flat load floor, and they are large (particularly in terms of legroom) for the class.
There are 34 cubic feet of baggage capacity in the back seat when all seats are occupied, but this increases to 65 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
Read also: Best Seat Covers for Mazda CX 5
Infotainment and Connectivity
A four-speaker stereo system, USB, and other features are standard on the Mazda CX 5 2013. Some vehicles come equipped with Bluetooth, Bose stereo system, HD Radio, a mapping computer, and satellite radio.
The navigation system has been enhanced using your home computer, which is a unique feature of the CX-5’s infotainment system.
Safety
The Mazda CX-5 received a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is a Top Safety Pick+. The automobile comes standard with a full set of driver-assistance features.
Warranty
The Mazda CX-5 has the same warranty coverage as its competitors, with the exception of the Kia Sportage and Chevrolet Equinox.
- The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Mazda CX-5 Other Years:
Final Verdict
The Mazda CX 5 2013 is at the top of the small SUV lineup, with excellent fuel economy, agile handling, a spacious interior, and more features. The rowdy cabin and rough passage may be uncomfortable for some, though.
The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, may be what enthusiastic drivers are looking for if they’re seeking a small SUV with sports car handling.
If you are looking for a comfortable vehicle that can handle all your needs, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice.
It comes standard with many features and amenities that make it comparable to other vehicles in its class.
The only downside is probably the price tag, although this could depend on the model you choose.
