Why Buy? | 2017 Mazda CX-5 Review

Motor1 Senior Editor Jake Holmes gives Mazda’s new CX-5 the Why Buy? treatment to see if the best-driving affordable SUV is now the best across the board.
As-tested price: $32,785

Look back through the archives of our Why Buy? reviews and you’ll notice us referencing one affordable crossover as a benchmark time and time again. Since its launch in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has enthralled us with the way it brings genuine driving fun to a type of vehicle typically judged only for its spaciousness and fuel efficiency.

Not that the CX-5 was without its flaws. Over the years, Mazda worked to soften its ride quality and hush its cabin. This year, the 2017 CX-5 arrives with sweeping changes from front to back, including a smart face lift both inside and out, and there’s more equipment on offer, too.

Mazda’s crossover was already widely praised for being the best-driving affordable SUV you could buy. With all these efforts, is it now the best in every respect?

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.5-Liter I4
Output: 187 Horsepower / 185 Pound-Feet
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 City / 31 Highway / 27 Combined

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Why Buy? Playlist:

CREDITS
Host: Jake Holmes
Video Producer: James Bradbury
Music: Add And - Broke For Free

[bookoou]

I have a 2017 AWD CX-5 touring and I love it. Awesome vehicle. I went from a 2013 Ford Focus to this, so obviously a hugh upgrade. I'm very happy with mine ...so far.

[annettemoneski]

THIS GIRL SERIOUS SERIOUSLY LUVS HER CX-5.ZOOMER! !! TRADED MY 2014 CX -5. GRAND TOURING WITH LOW MILEAGE AND MINT CONDITION TOO! . IT WAS LIKE MY PERSONAL LIL GO. CART. . I'LL MISS ER BUT THIS 2017 CX-5. IS MY NEWLY EQUIPPED PERSONAL LUXURIOUS GO. CART. ..GO BABY GO. .. EACH DAY IS A DIFFERENT DRIVE FROM BEFORE. ALWAYS FUN AND EXCITING! !!! MAZDA CORPORATION HAS STEPPED UP AND REALLY IMPRESSED AND IMPROVED. FOR DOING A GREAT GREAT GREAT PERFORMANCE JOB. ....SMILES!

[slnhn]

I don't understand why people keep buying Chrysler and GM cars when a car like the CX-5 is available.

[Dunwelll]

I love how you show where you can put your phone and other Nick knacks on the interior. Also synching your luggage to the music is fun to watch!

[christianr]

Just bought this car and blacked out all of the chrome accents. I love it and it's so smooth to drive.

[rachedain]

I LOVE driving my cx5. I was in line to buy a Jeep Compass when I decided to test drive one last car. And I’m so glad I didn’t get the Jeep. My CX5 feels like a class above it.

[hagaixx]

2.1A charger in the back, that's a really nice touch i wish more cars would have

[pwrshots]

I must be hard of hearing. My 2016.5 cx5 is pretty quiet. with the Bose system, there is no road noise. :)

[hamsterplayer]

To the presenter: You're the only reason I subbed to this channel. The other guys especially other presenter could die alone now.

[MrFordeva]

Thanks Jake, i have a 2016 CX5 and am over the moon with it, be trading up to this one for sure.

[ijaen]

You guys got also hosed with the Start Stop system, in Latinoamerica we do have the system enabled in our cars, all assembled in Hiroshima, Japan. While a bit jerky in its operation it does save some fuel and gives you a whisper quiet cabin in red lights.

[Tracks]

Keep it up! Looking forward for more videos from you, don't stop!

[Logan.Ninefingers]

Nice review.
I just bought the 2.2 twin turbo diesel version without animal skin seats.
That one is plenty fast enough (450Nm torques)

[linhunnicutt]

Just wish it had the turbo engine of the CX-9.

[geocape]

Really like your review. You talked about everything I wanted to know.

[beckp]

He is wrong about the older CX-5's. You do not have to turn the radio up to max in order to hear it while traveling at higher speeds. I would know this because I drive a 2014 CX-5.

[MrMazda-ihcw]

Plenty of reasons to buy. Expect a turbo next time around!

[swanblake]

I wondered what the reviewers take is on the Kia Sportage SX? I was thoroughly impressed with the handling and torque vectoring axles. In my opinion is much better drive than the new, slower CX5.

[ANTONIOjcCOSTA]

Um SUV perfeito! Adoro o meu! Estética, equipamento, qualidade... tudo de nível premium.

[ijaen]

I own a previous generation CX-5 and while I accept it might be noisier than a Honda CR-V it is very similar to the Toyota RAV4. When you said you had to turn up the volume to the max at highway speed because of the noise I hope you were exaggerating. It is noisy but not that noisy, you make it sound like it is unbearable. My previous cars (2014 Toyota Yaris) were worse. If you complain about that don't even bother driving a Kia Sportage or a Hyundai Tucson, both same segment and much, much louder.