2016 Mazda CX-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Need a value-laden small crossover for work or play? Check out Mazda’s 2016 CX-5. This 5-passenger, 5-door mini-ute comes with a bunch of...

Need a value-laden small crossover for work or play? Check out Mazda’s 2016 CX-5. This 5-passenger, 5-door mini-ute comes with a bunch of upgrades for the upcoming model year, including a new grille and available LED taillights to complement the 2015’s debuting (and optional) LED headlights. Further changes include interior upgrades, such as a new push-button emergency brake that eliminates the old-fashioned e-brake handle. Also new for 2016 are upgrades to the available driver-assistance functions, including adaptive cruise control and collision-mitigating braking. Finally, the touted Mazda Connect telematics technology has been re-branded as the Human-Machine system, which sounds sort of apocalyptic, although a number of reviewers rate this upgraded infotainment interface as a hefty improvement over the old technology.

Trims for 2016 remain as the base CX-5 Sport, midlevel Touring and top-shelf Grand Touring, all standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) returning as an option.

Power-wise, look for the return of the underwhelming 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) as the standard engine in the Sport FWD trim. Managed by either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this plodder puts out 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Mileage figures, meantime, return at 26 mph city/35 highway in FWD stick-shift form, and 26/32 with FWD and the automatic transmission.

For some added grunt, try the 2.5-liter I4 powerplant that comes standard in the Sport AWD, and the Touring and Grand Touring editions toting either drivetrain. This peppier 4-cylinder is available only with the 6-speed shiftable automatic, and puts out 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 25/32 in FWD-equipped versions, and 24/30 in AWD iterations. Both engines are touted to tow up to 2,000 pounds with the proper equipment, but using the larger mill will ensure a more carefree towing experience.

Complementing the CX-5’s new look and feel are 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and — on the Grand Touring — a power sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels, all of which return as standard exterior adornments. Inside, the upgraded cabin continues to tote, depending on the trim selected, cloth or leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, full power accessories, cruise control, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. The Grand Touring also offers a couple of new leather upholstery color choices. Lower trims, meantime, pack in manual air conditioning as standard equipment, with higher trims adding dual-zone auto climate control and a rear-view camera.

Expect the Sport trim to offer a standard single-CD player with 4 speakers and a USB connection, while the 2016 CX-5 Touring adds an extra pair of speakers. The Grand Touring will carry a 9-speaker Bose premium stereo with satellite radio and an additional USB port. Upper-echelon editions of this pint-sized Mazda crossover boast the new-for-2016 Human-Machine infotainment system that features a center-console-mounted controller reminiscent of certain German luxury brands.

Noteworthy options for the CX-5 lineup, finally, include LED headlights, a roof rack with side rails, remote engine start, GPS navigation, and new-for-2016 wheel upgrades.

Standard safety equipment returning on all 2016 CX-5 trims includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights and a remote antitheft alarm. Higher trims, meanwhile, additionally sport standard front fog/driving lights, rear parking sensors, and a post-collision safety system, with the Grand Touring again featuring standard blind-spot monitoring. All of the above is bolstered by the previously mentioned upgrades to the available Driver Assistance package, optional high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated remote garage-door-opener.