Upgraded Mazda CX-5 takes flight

By Mark Phelan

Like a butterfly breaking out of its chrysalis, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring crossover emerges transformed this spring. The 2013 CX-5 that debuted a year ago was the first vehicle to use Mazda’s highly touted, awkwardly named SkyActiv suite of systems to improve fuel economy.

The 2014 CX-5 soars above that caterpillar, thanks to a new engine that boosts horsepower 19% and torque 23% without reducing fuel economy. The CX-5 competes with five-passenger crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sportage; Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The new 2.5-litre engine produces 184hp and 185 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. That’s an unusually low torque peak for an engine without a turbocharger. For instance, the Honda CR-V’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine peaks at 163 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm.

Behind the wheel, the CX-5’s higher torque at lower engine speed translates to smooth, confident acceleration and good throttle response. The CX-5 has more torque at lower rpm than the non-turbo four-cylinder engines in the Equinox, Journey, Escape, CR-V, Sportage, Rogue and RAV4.

The 2.5-litre engine comes with the CX-5’s two upper trim levels: Touring and Grand Touring. The weak-kneed — 155hp at 6,000rpm, 150 pound-feet at 4,000rpm — 2.0-litre carries over on the Sport model.

Prices for the 2014 Mazda CX-5 start at $21,195 (in the US) for a front-wheel drive Sport with the 2.0-litre and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic raises the tab to $22,595. Adding all-wheel drive — available only with the automatic — kicks it up to $23,845.

The 2.5-litre cures what ails the Sport. Starting at $24,615 in a front-drive Touring — $25,865 for AWD — it restores Mazda to the forefront of fun, affordable driving. Prices for the CX-5 Grand Touring start at $27,620 for front-drive and $28,870 for AWD.

The 2.5-litre engine only comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. I tested a very well-equipped front-drive CX-5 priced at $29,845. It featured excellent interior materials and Bose audio, a power sun roof, blind spot alert, Bluetooth phone and audio compatibility and voice recognition. I’ve evaluated several crossovers that cost more but offered less.

In addition to the new engine, the quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission locks its torque converter at low speeds to reduce internal slip and increase efficiency. The CX-5 is also one of the lightest vehicles in its class.

The CX-5 leapt forward when I depressed the accelerator. Acceleration was smooth and assured, though the engine gets noisy when you floor it. Road and wind noise are also noticeable above 60mph.

The crossover’s handling is the sportiest and most enjoyable among its competitors. Quick and responsive steering provides plenty of feedback and firm on-centre feel. The suspension keeps the CX-5 stable and confident in quick manoeuvres. Body roll, squat and dive are minimal.

The interior provides plenty of passenger and cargo space, and is trimmed in high-quality materials. In an age of over-complicated, less than helpful controls, the CX-5 Grand Touring’s combination of a few simple buttons and dials with a small touch screen is a breath of fresh air.

The voice recognition system understands words and commands well, but requires more steps than the best competitors. The attractive exterior styling features flared fenders, scalloped sides and a sloping roofline. Less gimmicky than the overdone Mazda 3 compact, it’s the brand’s most appealing-looking model in years.

After a false start with 2013’s 2.0-litre, Mazda takes flight with the sporty, efficient and well-equipped 2014 CX-5 Grand Touring. — Detroit Free Press/MCT

l Price and technical specifications may vary in locally available models

In a nutshell

In a nutshell

Type of vehicle: Front-wheel drive five-passenger crossover SUV

Rating: Four out of four stars

Reasons to buy: Fuel economy; performance; looks; interior materials; features; value

Shortcomings: Interior noise; voice-recognition commands.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Engine: 2.5-litre direct-injected DOHC variable timing 16-valve four-cylinder.

Power: 184hp at 5,700 rpm; 185 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic