2016 Mazda CX 5 Review: Price, Specs, and More

Pros
  • Sporty driving feel that makes you feel secure while cornering
  • engines earn great fuel economy
  • spacious seating in both rows
  • many desirable safety features.
Cons
  • Subpar stereo sound quality, even with the Bose upgrade
  • weak acceleration with the base engine.

2016 Mazda CX 5 Review – In a few areas, Mazda has upgraded the CX-5. An upgraded infotainment system, as well as suspension tuning changes for a more comfortable ride, are among the improvements.

Larger door pockets and a larger console bin provide additional cabin storage. The rear seat received a larger seat-bottom cushion, while Mazda also enhanced the seats.

The biggest weak point in this otherwise great package is the base 2.0-liter engine with the manual gearbox, which comes with a Sport trim level.

It has no advantage over the significantly better 2.5-liter engine in terms of power, despite its relatively fuel-efficient design.

If complete passenger loads and/or tough driving are planned, we strongly recommend the 2.5-liter engine.

Audio systems in the Mazda CX-5 are also substandard. Audio isn’t the strongest suit of even the upgraded Bose system.

In the compact crossover class, there is a wide range of excellent options, so it’s important to investigate your alternatives before choosing.

The Honda CR-V offers a large cabin, a high-quality interior, and a pleasant, laidback driving character. While it isn’t as sporty as the CX-5, it’s a fantastic alternative.

In addition, the Ford Escape offers a comfortable interior with the ability of a powerful, turbocharged engine. The Toyota RAV4 has a spacious cabin that is particularly nice on long trips.

We suggest investigating the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester if you’re interested in a tiny crossover SUV that can handle some off-road treks.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best all-around vehicles in this class, and it deserves serious consideration, despite the fact that each of its rivals has certain benefits.

What’s New for the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

2016 Mazda CX 5 Review
2016 Mazda CX 5 Review

For 2016, the Mazda CX-5’s update includes minor styling changes, enhanced materials, better suspension tuning, more sound insulation, and a new infotainment interface.

Bluetooth is available, as are LED headlights, dynamic cruise control, a rear cross-traffic warning system, and lane departure warning.

A standard rearview camera (excluding manual-transmission Sport) is also included in the Touring and Grand Touring variants (produced after January 2016), as well as heated seats and navigation.

Pricing

The Manufacturer’s Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is $22,615. Most competitors are undercut by that attractive price, however, it is for the manual-transmission version.

An automatic, which costs around $24,000 – still a good deal for most people – is preferred by most customers.

Engine Performance

The 2016 Mazda CX 5 offers two powered variants, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.

You can choose between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, both paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

On Sport variants with the 2.5-liter engine, an all-wheel drive is an option. Touring and Grand Touring vehicles come with the larger engine standard.

Read also: Mazda CX Models Comparison

Fuel Economy

According to the EPA, the Sport FWD 2.0-liter engine with a 29 mpg combined (26 city/35 highway) predicted gas mileage.

All 2.5-liter FWD CX-5s have a combined 29 mpg (26/33), with all-wheel drive (AWD) cars having a combined 26 mpg (24 city/30 highway).

Interior and Comfort

2016 Mazda CX 5 Interior
2016 Mazda CX 5 Interior

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 interior is attractive, contemporary, and practical, whether it’s in Sport or Touring trim.

It’s not dressed in shabby imitations of real wood or highly reflective chrome trim, and it isn’t over-engineered.

Instead, the materials are basic and of excellent quality, with elegant metallic or pianolike black embellishments setting off the soft-touch surfaces. The black gauges with white lettering on the CX-5 are also easy to read.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mazda CX-5 infotainment system has been considerably enhanced for 2016. The new system is one of the best out there, with a 7-inch (versus the previous 5.8-inch) screen and an intuitive multifunction control knob.

While front-seat comfort is superb on extended road trips, most drivers should be able to locate a suitable driving position.

Safety Rating

Every Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-side airbags, and side curtain airbags.

The Touring and Grand Touring models come standard with an automatic crash notification function, whereas the Sport model comes equipped with blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems.

The Smart City Brake Assist system works with a laser sensor to detect stationary objects (such as stopped cars or pedestrians) in front of the car at speeds up to 19 mph on the Touring and Grand Touring models.

The CX-5 may automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not react to a warning.

The Grand Touring also comes with the i-ActiveSense bundle, which contains adaptive cruise control, Smart Brake Assist (which enables on-demand braking from higher speeds than the City system), lane departure warning, and automatic high beam assist.

You can lock the doors on an automatic-equipped CX-5 with the optional Mazda Mobile Start smartphone app service.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Mazda CX-5 a reliable car?

Mazda’s CX-5 has a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it first among 26 midsize SUVs. It has fantastic ownership costs because the typical annual repair cost is $447.

Is a 2016 Mazda cx5 all-wheel drive?

The 2016 Mazda CX 5 is offered in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring variants and is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV. Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all trim levels.

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have a touchscreen?

The Mazda Connect interface includes a 7-inch touch display and the Mazda Command Control in the center console. The combo is quite simple to use and provides fast access to the majority of features, and the bigger larger touchscreen is a notable enhancement.

Is Mazda CX-5 fuel efficient?

In the city, the CX-5 gets 24 miles per gallon, while on the highway, it gets 30 miles per gallon. It has a total mileage of 27 miles per gallon. In the city, the RAV4 gets 27 MPG; on the highway, it gets 35 MPG. That’s a total of 31 mpg.

Mazda CX-5 Other Years :

Verdict

2016 Mazda CX 5 AWD
2016 Mazda CX 5 AWD

The Mazda CX-5 has a competitive power on paper, but it doesn’t feel that powerful during merging and passing operations in the real world, despite having the bottom 2.0-liter engine.

Given its greater power and almost similar fuel economy, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is a significantly better option for the bulk of tiny crossover shoppers.

In addition, the six-speed automatic transmission is one of the most responsive in this class, and it shifts quickly and smoothly.

While Mazda’s manual gearbox is still excellent, its appeal is severely hampered by the fact that it’s only supplied with the 2.0-liter engine.

The athletic nature of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is without a doubt the most noticeable feature. The steering, brakes, and suspension of the car are unusually competent for its class, even if you’re merely looking for a little crossover to drive to work every day.

The Mazda CX-5 is a fun car to drive around in, and it’s even more fun when you hit a road with turns and twists.

The Mazda performs similarly well on the roadway as most other crossovers, making it a suitable travel companion.