Certified 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive in three trim levels, the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Loaded with a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, it has the power to get the job done.

The CX-5 otherwise manages to feel balanced, responsive and sprightly, even with its somewhat taller seating position. A responsive electric-boost rack-and-pinion power steering and sporty yet absorbent suspension, it's one of the best-handling compact utility vehicles.

The CX-5 is also very versatile. In all versions of the CX-5, the back seats are split 20/40/40 and fold nearly flat. Liftover height is low, and the resulting cargo floor is continuous, which should make it easy to pack in larger pieces of weekend cargo.

Sport models include a long list of standard features such as LED headlights, a 7.0-inch color dashboard display with Mazda's fancy Commander knob, a second USB port, G-Vectoring Control, and Smart City Brake Support, Mazda's low-speed automated-emergency-braking system. Also standard on Sport models are items such as Bluetooth, cruise control, keyless entry, push-button ignition, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and power windows and door locks, factors to keep in mind when comparing the CX-5 against less expensive competitors that lack some of that equipment.

The Touring model adds much more popular equipment, such as 19-inch wheels, a rear-seat armrest, a rearview camera, steering-wheel audio controls, upgraded upholstery and a 6-speaker sound system with 5.8-inch touch-screen interface, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio, HD Radio, SMS text-messaging capability and Pandora compatibility. The system also gives rear-seat passengers a pair of USB ports, a fold-down center armrest, and A/C vents between the front seats. Safety-wise, the trim adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Grand Touring models add a lot of equipment that is optional on the Touring, including automatic and adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate and a sunroof. Inside, the Grand Touring has an 8-way power driver's seat, auto-dimming mirrors, a Bose 10-speaker audio system, navigation, leather seat surfaces, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, higher-speed automatic braking and automatic high-beam control.

Major factory options are grouped into just a few packages, for the Touring model these include a preferred equipment package that features: an auto-dimming mirror, automatic on\off headlights, rain sensing front wipers, a Bose 10 Speaker audio system, navigation, power moonroof and power rear liftgate. The i-Activsense package, which includes: automatic high-beam control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, radar-based adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with a higher speed range, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

A premium package can be added to the Grand Touring and has: a windshield de-icer, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a 6-way power passenger seat, 2-position driver's memory and a full-color head-up display. There are just a few other port- or dealer-installed options, such as remote engine start, fog lamps, rear parking sensors and roof-rack accessories for kayaks, snowboards and other cargo.

Powerful Powertrain Options In Touring And Grand Touring

Stylish Exterior

Strong Set Of Safety Features

Full-featured Audio And Infotainment

Excellent Fuel Economy Ratings

After a redesign last year, the Mazda CX-5 returns for 2018 with more standard features. Chief among these is a new cylinder deactivation system, which works by shutting down two of the four cylinders in the Mazda's engine when to save fuel when cruising on the highway. The system promises to be seamless and should improve fuel economy. Other new standard features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as a some new safety features such as a blind spot monitoring system and a rear cross-traffic alert system. Touring models also get a bump in features, now with standard 19-inch wheels and an active lane assist system, adaptive cruise control, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. Even in this crowd, it's one of the sportiest-driving models, with surprisingly good fuel economy ratings considering that. The CX-5 also stands out for offering a great ride quality and a flexible, spacious interior. The CX-5's infotainment system, with Bose sound, is one of the most feature-packed in its competitive set, too, with features such as well-integrated Pandora internet radio.