2 – 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT (83.8%)
Since its launch, we’ve had nothing but pleasant things to say about the 2014 Mazda CX-5, and for good reason. There really is very little “wrong” with this compact crossover, which is why it’s sitting pretty at the No.2 spot on our list.
Unchanged on the outside from 2013, Mazda knew a good thing as they already had it. Mazda designers truly tapped into the feel and frame of mind of the young, urban family and designed a vehicle (inside and out) that would appeal to just that. Fluid lines, sporty stance and just the right amount of “fun” details, and the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is the ideal urbanite.
All drivers on the comparison test felt the interior of the Mazda CX-5 GT (priced at $35,145) could use some work, but nothing was glaringly, stand-out wrong. From comments about continuity (three different colours in the gauge cluster and middle console) to a dated-looking shift knob and cheap-ish materials, it had faults but nothing as in-your-face as the RAV4.
Where the 2014 Mazda CX-5 scored big on our comparison test was in the drive.
Equipped with a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G, the Mazda CX-5 was the second most-powerful of the bunch with 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission wasn’t as quick to respond as the Tiguan’s.
Again, we’ve said it before on Auto123.com; the new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine is an engineering feat Mazda should be proud of and it makes a world of difference in the 2014 Mazda CX-5. Despite not hitting the No.1 spot, all drivers on the comparison gave the highest marks for “fun to drive” to the Mazda CX-5. The proof is in the pudding, apparently.
Interior space and comfort in the 2014 Mazda CX-5 was also on par with what one would expect from the compact crossover segment. With 966 litres of trunk space it wasn’t the largest, but it was practical. It’s clear that the CX-5 could happily accommodate a small family in need of an AWD vehicle and some space.
The CX-5’s fuel consumption numbers also impressed. After a full day of driving the final score for the Mazda was an impressive 8.6L/100km. Even after all the “fun to drive” business, the Mazda managed to come in second best in terms of fuel efficiency.
What the 2014 Mazda CX-5 offered was a happy medium. All testers agreed that while the CX-5 wasn’t the best at everything, it also wasn’t the worst. It was the happy in-betweener, which scored well with us all.
Since its launch, we’ve had nothing but pleasant things to say about the 2014 Mazda CX-5, and for good reason. There really is very little “wrong” with this compact crossover, which is why it’s sitting pretty at the No.2 spot on our list.
Unchanged on the outside from 2013, Mazda knew a good thing as they already had it. Mazda designers truly tapped into the feel and frame of mind of the young, urban family and designed a vehicle (inside and out) that would appeal to just that. Fluid lines, sporty stance and just the right amount of “fun” details, and the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is the ideal urbanite.
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| Since its launch, we’ve had nothing but pleasant things to say about the 2014 Mazda CX-5, and for good reason. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
All drivers on the comparison test felt the interior of the Mazda CX-5 GT (priced at $35,145) could use some work, but nothing was glaringly, stand-out wrong. From comments about continuity (three different colours in the gauge cluster and middle console) to a dated-looking shift knob and cheap-ish materials, it had faults but nothing as in-your-face as the RAV4.
Where the 2014 Mazda CX-5 scored big on our comparison test was in the drive.
Equipped with a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G, the Mazda CX-5 was the second most-powerful of the bunch with 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission wasn’t as quick to respond as the Tiguan’s.
Again, we’ve said it before on Auto123.com; the new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine is an engineering feat Mazda should be proud of and it makes a world of difference in the 2014 Mazda CX-5. Despite not hitting the No.1 spot, all drivers on the comparison gave the highest marks for “fun to drive” to the Mazda CX-5. The proof is in the pudding, apparently.
Interior space and comfort in the 2014 Mazda CX-5 was also on par with what one would expect from the compact crossover segment. With 966 litres of trunk space it wasn’t the largest, but it was practical. It’s clear that the CX-5 could happily accommodate a small family in need of an AWD vehicle and some space.
 |
| Interior space and comfort in the 2014 Mazda CX-5 was also on par with what one would expect from the compact crossover segment. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
The CX-5’s fuel consumption numbers also impressed. After a full day of driving the final score for the Mazda was an impressive 8.6L/100km. Even after all the “fun to drive” business, the Mazda managed to come in second best in terms of fuel efficiency.
What the 2014 Mazda CX-5 offered was a happy medium. All testers agreed that while the CX-5 wasn’t the best at everything, it also wasn’t the worst. It was the happy in-betweener, which scored well with us all.