Truck Trend Pre-Owned: 2013 to 2016 Mazda CX-5
Truck Trend Pre-Owned
The Mazda CX-5 is far and away the company's best-selling vehicle. It seems as though making a compact crossover is one of the easiest paths to great riches, since there's an almost insatiable demand. But the CX-5 deserves its success, because it's one of the finer examples of the class.
Between the model years of 2013 and 2016, the CX-5 was in its first generation. It took over from the Mazda Tribute, a joint operation with Ford that also brought the first- and second-generation Escape. Throughout this time and up to now, the compact crossover class has been dominated by the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. They both have an uncanny ability to score quite well in most major areas but never really impress at one aspect in particular. The CX-5 does better.
People who actually like driving will connect with the CX-5 in a way they never could in the tepid-by-comparison CR-V and RAV4. There's a poise and precision that doesn't come at the expense of comfort. Yet it still has the build quality and reliability all Japanese marques enjoy, while bringing plenty of practicality to the mix.
Occupant space is generous for both seating rows, including 39.3 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 34.1 cubic feet, which expands to 65.4 when they're folded down (virtually flat). The entry-level Sport trim has rear seats that split and fold in a 60/40 manner, but the higher trims enjoy a 40/20/40 arrangement, which is more versatile.
Bearable fuel economy without having to add turbochargers or hybrid hardware is another plus. At its launch, the CX-5 came with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine making 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Average consumption is estimated at 29 mpg for the front-wheel-drive model; all-wheel-drive versions still manage 28 mpg. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual in the base trim. We'll assume most people who bought a CX-5 new ordered the six-speed automatic option or received it as standard in the two higher trims. All-wheel drive was only available with the automatic transmission.
It has to be said that 155 hp is not a ton of muscle in something of the CX-5's heft, and this is where we hit a possible downside. When asked to work harder, such as during uphill stretches of freeway, engine noise becomes noticeable and there isn't much more the unit can give. That said, for running around the suburbs between work, school, home, and mall, there shouldn't be much of an issue.
However, in the second year of existence, the top two trims gained a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, along with the automatic transmission as standard. Average fuel consumption remained respectable at 27 mpg (front-wheel drive) or 26 mpg (all-wheel drive). The Sport trim with all-wheel drive also had this engine/transmission combination.
