Mazda CX-5 SUV review, images

Our 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD test car.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

• The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs on the market.
• The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 187 horsepower, naturally aspirated, SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine.
• The CX-5’s main rivals include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue.
• The 2018 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,150 while our top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model starts at $30,945. With fees and options, the as-tested-price came to $34,685.

It’s been an eventful ten years for Mazda. The decade opened with not only the trauma of a global recession but also Ford’s decision to end a fruitful 30-year partnership.

As a result, Mazda had had to contend with survival without access to Ford’s resources.

This meant the development of a new family of engines, a new home-grown platform, and a modern infotainment system.

Done. Done. And Done.

Not only has Mazda recovered from the loss of Ford and the recession, the Hiroshima-based carmaker has acquitted itself rather well to the single life. 

In the fiscal year that ended in March, Mazda’s global sales increased 5%, selling more than 1.6 million units. 

In addition, Mazda has positioned itself as the go-to brand for those looking for some driving pleasure. Fortunately, they’ve delivered that dynamic feel in everything from its iconic MX-5 sports car to the seven-passenger CX-9 family SUV.

But the company’s biggest success over the past few years is the CX-5 compact crossover. It’s Mazda’s entrant in what is arguably the hottest segment of the market. The first generation CX-5 debuted in 2012 while an updated second generation arrived for the 2017 model year. Over the first half of 2018, the CX-5 accounted for 49% of the more than 122,000 cars and SUV Mazda sold in the US. 

Business Insider had the chance to spend a few days with a 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD wearing an eye-catching Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint job.

The base CX-5 Sport starts at $24,150 while the top spec all-wheel-drive Ground starts at $30,945. With options and fees, our CX-5 carried an as-tested-price of $34,685.

Here’s a closer look at the 2018 Mazda CX-5: 

So, what’s it like to drive?

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Mazda CX-5 is a joy to drive. The SKYACTIV four-cylinder meshes perfectly with the six-speed automatic. Around town, it’s perky off the line and delivers more than adequate power around town. 

Since it has a naturally aspirated engine, it lacked the broad power band of turbocharged and supercharged engines. As a result, it struggles a bit under hard acceleration. The transmission is quick to respond and will gladly drop down a couple of gears and the engine is more than willing to rev. In fact, this car with the CX-9’s 250 hp turbo engine would be an absolute rocket. I also want to commend Mazda for sticking with a traditional six-speed automatic and not using soul-sucking continuously variable transmission. 

Handling wise, the CX-5 is simply wonderful. It’s crisp steering really allows you to push the car in the twisty bits. However, Mazda’s stability control will kick in before you can really have fun. Overall, the CX-5’s suspension, chassis, and steering are beautifully tuned. As a result, you get a crossover SUV that’s both confident in the corners and comfortable cruising down the highway. 

The verdict.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 definitely brings the Zoom Zoom to the compact crossover SUV market. I know that’s cheesier than a brick of brie, but it’s true. While most of its contemporaries are happy to be capable yet inoffensive and unremarkable daily drivers, the CX-5 dares to be more.

The Mazda offers its drivers a brighter view of the world where a winding piece of tarmac is more than a barrier to your destination, but rather an experience to be enjoyed. 

And for that reason, the CX-5 is easily my compact crossover of choice.