The Mazda CX-5 entered the competitive crossover market last year as a 2013 model car and it became a big hit immediately; the automaker had to continue the production in order to keep up with its rising demand. But it was not surprising when we heard that a new version, the Mazda CX-5 2014 model was already in production. The general consensus among the car enthusiasts and critics was that the 2013 Mazda CX-5 would have jumped straight to the top of its segment if it came with a different engine.
With a new engine, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is the complete package for crossover-minded driving enthusiasts. Three trim levels are offered: Base Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. On all, front and all-wheel-drive variations are available.
2014 Mazda CX-5 Engine
The automaker has finally fixed this weak spot; it replaced the unimpressive naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Skyactiv I-4 that delivers 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque with a new 2.5-litre Skyactiv, four-cylinder engine paired with 6-speed auto rated at 184 hp at 5700 rpm and 185 lb-ft at 3250 (borrowed from the automaker’s all-new 2014 Mazda6 sedan) on the up level Touring and Grand Touring trims.
Just like the smaller 2.0-liter, the 2.5 uses a direct injection, has a 13.0:1 compression ratio, and runs on 87 octane. But that is where the similarities stopped; according to Mazda, only some few components are shared between the two engines. The all-new 2.5-liter Skyactiv does not just give more vitality to the new CX-5 feel, it also increases its overall refinement. Thanks to this new engine, 2014 CX-5 can now compete favorably with the Escape, the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.
2014 CX-5 mileage
One would think the fuel economy would suffer because of the power boost, but the fuel economy only drop by 1 mpg in the city for the front-wheel-drive model and 1 mpg all around for the all-wheel-drive model. So, the 2.5-litre 2014 Mazda CX-5 maintains EPA ratings near the top of its segment: 25/32 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive model and 24/30mpg with all-wheel drive variant.
Mazda CX-5 styling and Redesign 2014
Although the major change to the 2014 CX-5 is in the choice of engine used, Mazda receives a number of styling details and equipment updates. The new car boasts of a more attractively styled exterior and a more luxurious interior. It is the first Mazda vehicle to feature the new Mazda design language; it is plucky and has a curvy interior. Its Length X Width X Height dimension is 187.7 x 72.4 x 65.7 in. It has a taut chassis and terrific steering that will make segment rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V look poorly engineered.
A blind spot monitor is a standard feature on all Touring and Grand Touring trims. Smart City Brake Support, comprehensive infotainment system, HID headlamps, proximity key and a navigation system are also available on a Technology Package which is offered on Touring and Grand Touring trims
2014 Mazda CX-5 pricing
While the 2.0-litre powered Base Sport trim comes exclusively at $21,990, the 2.5-litre powered Mazda CX-5 2014 front-drive Touring model is priced at $25,410, an All-wheel drive variant will go for $26,660, and the top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim has a starting price of $28,415.
1 comment
John
March 4, 2013 at 2:11 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
The 2013 CX-5 having a 2L Skyactiv-G engine had barely survived the competition against the Ford even though it had a difference of 23 hp and 34 lb-ft torque. This time the comparison is easily in the favor of 2014 Mazda CX-5 having a 2.5: Skyactiv engine. One should definitely give this CUV a test drive if he is looking for a reasonable crossover this year. With 185 lb-ft of torque of 184 hp, the buyers wont have to think again about the car’s performance.