The 2014 Mazda CX-5 is a true example of a conventional, decent and efficient compact crossover. The good points that set it apart from the rest of the class is its sharp and appealing styling and design language and its high end quality ride and driving dynamics. For the 2014 model year, the Mazda CX-5 gets some significant changes and improvements in which the biggest change is the infusion of bigger and more powerful powertrains to the Touring and Grand Touring models with a notable increase in fuel efficiency and on-road performance. Certain improvements are also made to the cabin of the Mazda CX-5 that includes HD and Pandora radio and some high tech safety features.
Exterior, Interior, Trims and Specs
The 2014 Mazda CX-5, a five passenger compact crossover that is offered in three trims, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
The look, styling and design language of this crossover is very appealing and sharp that features three new exterior colors, Crystal White Mica, Soul Red Mica and Sky Blue Mica, athletic look from sides, dual rear exhaust outlets, rear roof spoiler, smiley face front grille, eagle eye wrap around headlamps, complementing rear end and taillights and the car rolls out on a choice of wheel sizes from 17 inches to 19 inches with high performance all season tires.
The cabin of the Mazda CX-5 is something that builds on the formula to kick off compromise. It is spacious and comfortable that carry five people with their loving pets and plenty of luggage. The interior is high tech and well built that encourages a driver oriented cabin and features a 3 spoke steering wheel, three large instrument binnacles, high quality and soft touch materials, 34.1 cubic ft cargo area that is expandable with the help of 40/20/40 split folding rear seats, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, air conditioning, height adjustable driver seat, 4-speaker audio system with a CD player and cruise control. The Bluetooth audio package adds HD radio, phone and audio connectivity, Pandora internet radio, touchscreen interface and audio system voice controls. Moving up to the Touring and Grand Touring trims, the buyers will get certain more enhanced and improved safety, convenience and entertainment features.
Safety Features
Standard on Mazda CX-5 2014 are front side airbags, full length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and stability control with traction control. Standard on Touring and Grand Touring is also the automatic crash notification system and a blind spot warning system, the former one is optional on Sport trim.
Under The Hood
The base Sport trim comes with the same Powertrain for the 2014 model year that is a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that generates 155 horsepower and150 lb ft of torque, and is mated with a six speed manual transmission whereas a six speed automatic is optional. The consumers can choose from front wheel drive or AWD. The acceleration from 0-60 mph is 9.7 seconds with EPA rated fuel economy of 24-26 mpg city/31-35 mpg highway.
The Touring and Grand Touring are powered by a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb ft of torque. A six speed automatic is standard with fuel economy of 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
Pricing and Availability
The 2014 CX-5 comes in a range of price from $25,410 to $29.665 and is available for sale.
Competitors
Toyota RAV, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, Chevrolet Equinox
Pros
- Perfect size
- Fuel efficient
- Powerful engines
- Engaging and composed ride
Cons
- Confusing controls
- Stereo sound quality
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 2014 model year is no doubt a perfect car in the compact SUV segment that gives you everything that a crossover should and especially is more spacious than its rivals.