2014 Mazda CX 5 Review – The CX-5 has been a huge success for Mazda, which has struggled to pique the curiosity of consumers more interested in shopping for other brands.
The CX-5’s combination of appealing aesthetics, rich feature breadth, adequate size, and carlike driving characteristics seems to have resonated with consumers looking for a small crossover SUV. Improvement might be made in the hood, which was one of the few places.
That problem is addressed in the 2014 Mazda CX-5. Just the base Sport version of last year’s 2.0-liter “Skyactiv” four-cylinder is left, as it was strong on fuel economy but weak on power.
A larger version of the engine, which displaces 2.5 liters and generates 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, is now available in the Touring and Grand Touring trims.
That engine, which is rated at 29 horsepower and 35 pound-feet of torque, is one of the segment’s most powerful non-turbo four-cylinders. The best part is that fuel economy barely decreases.
The CX-5’s characteristics remain unaltered for 2014. Mazda once again demonstrates that sense doesn’t have to equal boring, and it remains one of the most enjoyable small SUVs to drive.
The CX-5’s cabin isn’t particularly visually striking, but it may have most of the features we’ve grown accustomed to in small crossovers.
The CX-5’s controls are simple and intuitive, according to some of them, but not a class-leading interface.
Of course, there are a lot of worthy competitors to consider. The Honda CR-V is a more utilitarian pick, while the Ford Escape provides turbo power and a more attractive interior than the Subaru Forester.
The Mazda CX-5, however, is a vehicle that should be seriously considered. It has a conventional concept, but its execution is definitely unique.
What’s New for Mazda CX 5 2014?
The Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring models get a larger engine for 2014, which is much appreciated.
Thankfully, fuel economy is not greatly impacted. Other amenities include HD and Pandora radio stations, as well as a collision warning and assist system (Smart City Brake Assist).
The CX-5’s performance is one of its most noteworthy features. The nimble handling and well-controlled suspension of this compact SUV will give your daily driving experience a boost.
The 2.0-liter engine in the base CX-5 Sport is adequate, however, a Mazda CX-5 Touring or CX-5 Grand Touring variant will provide you with more enjoyment if you want it.
A hotter 2.5-liter engine is standard with these. It gets nearly the same fuel economy as the smaller engine, and it’s paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
With either engine, you’ll save money on gas and get around 24-26 mpg in the city and 30-32 mpg on the freeway, comparable to most used compact SUVs. Front- or all-wheel drive is available on the 2014 CX-5.
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Pricing
The Mazda CX-5, which now starts at $23,990 for a basic front-wheel-drive Sport model with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, sees a modest price increase for 2014.
The Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring models, with their larger engines and more features, carry a higher price tag. The top-of-the-line Touring starts at $31,490, and the Grand Touring at $33,590.
However, considering what you get in return-a sporty ride with excellent fuel economy-these figures are very reasonable.
Engine Performance
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque is standard on the 2014 Mazda CX-5 Sport.
Front- or all-wheel drive is available as an option for buyers. A six-speed manual is supplied, with a six-speed automatic as an option.
The Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring variants come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor rated at 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
During the testing, a CX-5 equipped with the 2.5-liter engine and all-wheel drive accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is respectable for the segment.
The vehicle gets 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city/32 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined (24 mPG city/30 mpg highway) with AWD.
RELATED: Mazda CX Models Comparison
Fuel Economy
The most efficient models of the 2014 Mazda CX-5 have combined fuel economy ratings of 29 MPG, with the 2.0-liter versions just about 1 MPG less than the 2.5-liter versions.
The CX-5 Sport manual gets a slightly better highway rating (35 mpg vs 32 mpg) than the CX-5 automatic, but both versions have the same 26-mpg city rating. If you choose the six-speed manual, you’ll get a little higher number.
With the automatic, adding all-wheel drive (which is only offered with the manual) brings a minimal reduction in fuel economy: city gas mileage is 25 mpg, highway gas mileage is 31 mpg, and combined gas mileage is 28 mpg.
Interior, and Comfort
The 2014 Mazda CX 5, like most compact crossover automobiles, is substantially smaller than the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4.
The CX-5 has wonderful seats, a versatile interior, and acceptable ride quality and cabin refinement, despite the fact that it doesn’t appear to make the most of its outside footprint (that award goes to the cavernous Mazda 5 wagon/van).
The seating and seating location are generally ideal for the most part. It’s high enough for excellent visibility and security.
But low enough for passengers to simply swing themselves in through the entrance, halfway between that of a car and a sport-utility.
Both front and rear seats are roomy, with adequate bolstering in place to keep people in place. Four six-foot adults can sit comfortably without contortions in the front seat backs that have been hollowed out.
We didn’t feel like the front seats in Mazda’s vehicle went back as far as they did in other vehicles, which may have something to do with it, according to Mazda.
The interiors feature a stunning soft-touch dashboard top surface, and the upholsteries and trims are standard for the price.
The foot fatigue-reducing bottom-hinged accelerator pedal is a welcome feature on extended trips. For the majority of arms, the shift lever fits perfectly.
At the front of the console, there’s a console bin, a sunglasses holder, and another flat tray with a rubber mat at the bottom. There’s also a cell phone that fits into the armrest recess.
Read also: Best Seat Covers for Mazda CX 5
Infotainment and Connectivity
Among the new touchscreen technology that you get across the majority of the lineup are Bluetooth, HD Radio, voice control, text-message audio transmission, and Pandora compatibility.
It’s a decent system, but it’s far from the ultimate, just like the one in the 2014 Mazda 6. As we saw in that model, the menu structure is unusual and may be sluggish at times.
Siri-style Siri voice commands are also available, although it’s not likely that you’ll conduct a conversation with it.
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 :
Verdict
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 comes in three trim levels, the first variation being Sport, mid-level Touring, and luxury Grand Touring. To Mazda CX-5, all three variants come standard with all-wheel drive.
The Mazda CX-5 Sport models come with the 2.0-liter engine while Touring and Grand Touring variants come with the 2.5-liter engine.
The automatic version comes equipped with a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, audio controls, remote keyless entry, a Start button, power windows, and doors.
Optional add-ons for the Sport include Bluetooth pairing, an in-dash color display, an HD radio, and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel.
You get a six-way power driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring, a 5.8-inch in-dash touch screen with a reversing camera, HD radio, Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as standard equipment on the Touring model.
The Grand Touring variant has larger 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, the nine-speaker Bose audio system, and a power moonroof as standard.
