2014 Mazda CX-5 Video Review

The more things change, the more they stay the same. A mantra Mazda is taking to heart with the 2014 CX-5 crossover. When it was introduced last year, the CX-5 was met with many praises concerning the looks, handling, and fuel economy. One point of contention was the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine. It was a case of right engine, wrong car. However Mazda announced a fix for this problem at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show by introducing a larger 2.5L SKYACTIV-G for the CX-5.

The new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G retains all of the technology seen on the 2.0L such as direct-injection and a 13:1 compression ratio, but has more power. Compared to the 2.0L, the new 2.5L produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque (up 29 horsepower and 35 pound-feet). A six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic is your only transmission choice. The EPA rates the 2014 CX-5 equipped with the 2.5L is 25 City/32 Highway/27 Combined, slightly lower than the 2.0L’s 26 City/32 Highway/29 Combined (2.5L AWD models see their EPA mileage drop to 24 City/30 Highway/26 Combined, compared to the 2.0L AWD's 25 City/31 Highway/28 combined). The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G is only available on the Touring and Grand Touring models. The base Sport sticks with the 2.0L and can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or automatic.

Also new on the 2014 CX-5 is Mazda's Smart City Brake Support. Using a laser mounted on the front windshield, the system keeps an eye on vehicles in front of the CX-5. If the system detects a crash is imminent, Smart City Brake Support will slow and/or stop the vehicle.

A 2014 Mazda CX-5 will set you back $21,195 for the base Sport front-wheel drive model. That rises up to $28,870 for a CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive. Competitors to the CX-5 include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage.