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2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Front-Wheel Drive Review

I was provided the new 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring to test for a week free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

 

I recently had the opportunity to review the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring SUV. I was very excited to test it out for a week since I am in the market for a new small crossover type vehicle. The Mazda CX-5 is a crossover vehicle which means it is a crossover between a car and a SUV, but the way it drives is more like a car.

 

 

This vehicle has a very sporty look and feel to it, with very aggressive styling. The Soul Red paint (additional $300 charge) is really striking. The LED Headlights which are included in the Grand Touring Package really light up the road at night.

 

 

The 19 inch alloy wheels which come standard are really sharp. The vehicle comes with TOYO All season tires.

The CX-5 is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Engine, SKYACTIV-Drive 6SPD Sport Mode, 184 Horsepower; 185 LB-FT Torque, Front-Wheel Drive, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Electric Power Assisted Steering, Independent Front/Rear Suspension and Front & Rear Stabilizer Bars. Doing a lot of highway driving this week with the Mazda I must say that the pickup was excellent. I like that you don’t have to have your foot on the pedal to the floor to get the vehicle moving.

 

The CX-5 I received came with a black leather interior. The seats are very plush and comfy, and they are also heated which is a plus. My husband loves that they are bucket type seats that hug your body. The interior is roomy and sharp looking. The interior is big enough to seat 5 comfortably.

 

 

The navigation and audio system are controlled by using a joystick in the middle. You also have an electronic parking brake and volume control knob. You can access everything on your screen with these buttons. Once you are driving you cannot use the touch screen via fingers, you have to use the controls near your shifter.

 

The CX-5 comes standard with a 7 inch color screen display, which displays your rearview camera, radio and navigation system. The HD radio is a BOSE AM/FM/CD/MP3/SAT. The sound quality is amazing!! Also includes Bluetooth hands free phone/audio and a Sirius Satellite radio trial. Below the radio are your air conditioning/heating controls along with your defroster and heated seats controls.

 

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring has a lot of safety features included in the $1500 ACTIVESENSE Package which includes Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Control. These buttons are conveniently placed on the left side of the steering wheel, making them very easy to access.

 

The steering wheel is leather wrapped, which has a great feel to it. I do wish the steering was a bit smoother, but overall it is good. The steering column is tilt and telescopic which is great especially since my husband and I like to have the steering wheel in different positions. The controls on the steering wheel are for audio, Cruise control, and Bluetooth controls.

 

 

A power moonroof also comes standard. The moonroof opens nice and smooth and is very enjoyable.

 

 

I am very impressed with the cargo room. You will not have an issue with strollers or luggage in this vehicle! There is also a really nice carpeted cargo mat (optional) that says “CX-5” on it.

 

This vehicle also comes with a spare tire and jack which is very convenient!

 

 

Key Fob which locks/unlocks doors and a panic button.

 

 

Fuel Economy: 29 MPG (26 City and 33 Highway)  I did a lot of driving for the week I had this car, and I didn’t have to fill up the tank once. I love the gas mileage on this vehicle!

 

PROS (my opinion):

Sharp looking, Ample cargo space, Great gas mileage, Lots of safety and security features, Adequate pickup, Nice navigation system, very fairly priced.

CONS (my opinion):

Unconventional controls layout, Would like to see a V6 option for more pickup, would like to see sliding 2nd row seats to maximize leg room, Screen controls via finger touch are disabled when the car is in drive and transmission noise is a little louder than expected. No options for auto tailgate or memory seats.

 

Overall, I really liked driving this car. It is comfortable, sporty-looking and was great with the gas mileage. I love the navigation system and the lane departure warning with blind spot detection, and all of the many safety features which makes me feel comfortable knowing my family and I are safe while driving this vehicle.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a perfect vehicle for 1st time drivers, kids going off to college and families. It really is a great SUV.  Upgrading to the Grand Touring package gives you much more for a fair price. Check out the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring soon if you are planning on purchasing a new vehicle!

 

 

2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Front-Wheel Drive

Base Price: $28,200

Price As Tested: $33,240

Options:

Grand Touring Tech Package: $1,505
Navigation System
LED Headlights
Adaptive Front Lighting
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Foglights
LED Combination Tail Lights
Smart City Brake Support
Auto-Dim Mirror With Homelink

GT i-Activesense Package: $1,500
Mazda Radar Cruise Control
Smart Brake Support
Lane Departure Warning
High Beam Control

Soul Red Paint: $300 

Mazda Mobile Start: $550

Door Sill Trim Plates: $125

Rear Bumper Guard: $100

Cargo Mat: $60

Destination Charge: $880

 

A big thanks to Drive Shop for allowing my family to test out the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD!

I was provided the new 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring to test for a week free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What do YOU think of the 2016 CX-5? Would this car be a good vehicle for your family? Please comment below!