Mazda CX 5 2018 Review
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2018 Mazda CX-5 Review: A Compact SUV that Stands Out
Introduction
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is no newcomer to the compact SUV segment. Its competition includes Japanese favorites such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, and Toyota RAV-4. While it looks better and drives better, there is something that stands in its way from being better and outselling its less exciting rivals.
Exterior
The Mazda CX-5 follows the design doctrine of the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-9, but manages to look better than both. Unlike its rivals that fail to provoke any emotions, the CX-5 is elegant yet intimidating with its 19-inch alloys, sharp lines, and subtle details. Does the CX-5 qualify as a piece of automotive art, then? I’d have to agree.
Interior
Simplistic and favoring minimalism, the cabin of the Mazda CX-5 2018 is modern, uncluttered, and surprisingly refreshing. The combination of soft leather, grained wood, and metal trims speak of quality that one would not associate with this market segment.
In the back, legroom is less than what the segment leader (the Honda CR-V) has to offer, but is as much as one would expect in a compact SUV. Rear headroom is surprisingly impressive, with the tapering roof having no impact on rear seat comfort whatsoever.
Speaking of comfort and practicality, the fully-loaded CX-5 offers:
- Rear A/C vents
- Two fast charging USB outlets
- Two cupholders
- An easy to load boot offering up to 506-liters of storage
Features
Despite lacking a few modern amenities such as a remote engine starter, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, the CX-5 is equipped with a long list of interesting features. Mazda fans will notice that the brand’s flip-up screen for the Head-Up Display has been replaced by a proper unit projecting trip information, speed, and navigation data directly onto the windscreen.
In conjunction with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, there is a 7-inch multimedia screen that runs a familiar version of the brand’s infotainment software. Although the screen is a touchscreen when stopped, Mazda enforces safer driving by disabling the touch functionality when moving, forcing drivers to use the rotary knob located along the center console to reduce distractions.
Drive
Hidden under the bulging hood is a 2.5-liter engine that produces 188 horsepower, making it the most powerful among its rivals. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the CX-5 averages 11.2-liters / 100 km, which is on the higher side but could very well be related to the way it’s meant to be driven.
Unlike the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, and Toyota RAV-4, the Mazda CX-5 2018 offers its drivers an engaging experience behind the wheel, encouraging them to push the car more often. Those who have driven Mazdas in the past will relate to the pedals positioned close to one another, sport & normal drive modes, and steering that is nicely weighted, offering impressive feedback.
Verdict
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is truly amazing, and in all honesty, it’s more car than anyone would expect it to be. Despite looking better, driving better, and offering far more tech than its rivals, it is let down by one thing: at 135,000 Dirhams, the CX-5 is more expensive than all its rivals, which prevents it from being more popular on the streets of the UAE and the wider Middle East.
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