There’s a lot to like about the 2015 Mazda CX-5. It’s sleek, it’s nimble and it’s practical. It is, by far, the most fun to drive crossover in its class. The Mazda CX-5 has excellent steering feel and a chassis that craves the curves.
My test model came to me with a 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine, good for 184 horsepower and 185 lb/ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via a quick shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is only available in the smaller 2.0L engine with front-wheel drive.
The interior is simple and well-designed, without the overabundance of buttons and dials that can be seen in many competitors.
Unfortunately, the GPS system is the Mazda CX-5’s weakest link.
Housed in a 5.8″ color touchscreen, the Tom Tom based navigation is severely outdated. Inputs are slow, maps take too long to load, and graphics are rudimentary. It’s Atari technology trying to function in an Xbox world.
Will it get you to your destination? Yes. But there are other systems out there, (Chrysler’s Uconnect comes to mind), that can get you there more gracefully, with easier inputs and more intuitive menus.
About the only thing the system has going for it is that it can warn you of any speed cameras on your route. You can even report any new speed cameras to Mazda’s “Speed Camera Team.”
Let’s hope you didn’t find those speed cameras the hard way.
Watch how fast the 2014 Mazda CX-5 gets to 60 mph at a mile above sea level in this TFL Car video.
Emme is a driver, reviewer, rabble rouser, and Gazelle who can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and either one of her blogs.
