While Mazda has been selling more cars than ever in recent years, their crossover SUVs have become particularly popular as of late. If you’re in the market for a CUV, Mazda has some of the most enticing models currently available. Here’s a quick rundown of what they have to offer:
2018 CX-3
Regardless of the trim level in question, every 2018 CX-3 comes with a peppy four-cylinder, 2.0L engine, producing 146hp and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants boast a six-speed automatic transmission and advanced SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS electronic stability control.
When equipped with all-wheel drive, the CX-3 can hit 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. While its 70-0 mph braking distance is a less-than-stellar 181 feet, its 0.81 g cornering performance instills confidence on winding roads. The modest 6.1-inch ground clearance is more than good enough for maneuvering bumpy byways.
The CX-3 boasts a five-star NHTSA safety rating thanks to stellar crash test results and side-impact air bags. Every CX-3 comes with low-speed automatic emergency braking and a rear-view camera. Optional upgrades include Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Each CX-3 is equipped with the top-notch MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment System. Drivers can manage every facet of the entertainment experience via a multi-function Commander Control knob and a 7-inch display. A seven-speaker Bose surround sound system comes standard. A four-month SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial is also available.
Around town, the CX-3 gets up to 29 mph thanks to the 2.0L engine’s intelligent variable-valve timing. On the highway, the front-wheel-drive version manages 34 mpg. The all-wheel drive model delivers a respectable 32 mpg while cruising if you obey the speed limit.
2017 CX-5
The only engine available on the CX-5 is Mazda’s 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-four, which produces 187hp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission options are limited to the SKYACTIV six-speed automatic gearbox. Buyers can choose between standard front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the CX-5 can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.8 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. Thanks to Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology, the CX-5 can pull 0.82 g in tight corners. Paired with its 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the CX-5 proves a capable off-roader as well.
Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the CX-5 boasts side-impact air curtains and LATCH child safety seat anchors. Features like Smart City Brake Support and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring help drivers to avoid fender benders.
Like every new Mazda model on the road, the 2017 CX-5 comes with the MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment System featuring a 7-inch display. Bluetooth hands-free capabilities and voice command recognition also come standard. Rounding out the entertainment package is a 10-speaker Bose audio system with Centerpoint2 and AudioPilot2.
The front-wheel-drive CX-5 can officially get up to 24 mph in the city and 31 mph on the highway. Unofficially, road tests indicate that the CX-5 can achieve 32 mpg while cruising. The potential range on a full tank is 480 miles.
2018 CX-5 Diesel
Mazda’s diesel version of the popular CX-5 will feature a turbo-charged 2.2L SKYACTIV inline-four good for 173hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. As you might expect, the diesel CX-5 will come with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission.
With a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, a 62.8-inch track width and a curb weight hovering around 3,600 pounds, the diesel CX-5 is a cornering beast. What’s more, the diesel-powered 2018 CX-5 will greatly exceed the gasoline-fed CX-5’s relatively modest 2,000-pound towing capacity with ease.
As far as safety goes, the 2018 CX-5 diesel will feature the same amenities as the 2017 gas model. That means you’ll get Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and side-impact air bags by default. Tire-pressure monitoring and remote illuminated key-less entry also come standard.
Likewise, don’t expect to see any major infotainment upgrades on the 2018 CX-5 diesel. As with the standard CX-5 model, the MAZDA CONNECT system will still manage capabilities like SMS text message audio delivery, video playback, and more via voice commands. The Mazda Navigation System is also available on higher trim levels.
Despite its great power and snappy acceleration, the diesel CX-5 manages to achieve an impressive 45 mph at highway speeds. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version featuring a 15.3-gallon tank, you’re looking at a range of at least 650 miles.
2018 CX-9
Powered by the turbo-charged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T inline-four, the CX-9 produces 250hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Like every other Mazda CUV, the CX-9 is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Both options boast SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control.
Thanks to the robust turbo engine under the hood, the CX-9 can reach 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds. The CX-9’s 0.83 g cornering performance easily bests that of rivals like the Honda Pilot Elite and the Dodge Durango.
Unlike the cheaper CX-5, the CX-9 features Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts on every trim level. Parents will be pleased to know that the second and third rows boast plenty of anchors and harnesses for securing child seats.
Aside from the usual MAZDA CONNECT infotainment capabilities, the CX-9 features Aha, Pandora and Stitcher internet radio support by default. Audio and phone controls are integrated into the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The CX-9 also includes four USB ports and two 12V sockets for charging mobile devices.
The front-wheel drive CX-9 consistently gets 22 mph around town and can manage up to 28 mph on the highway. The all-wheel drive version’s highway fuel economy clocks in at roughly 26 mph, which results in a range of roughly 510 miles on a full tank.
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