Mazda CX-5 GT Review: Is It Worth It? (2018)
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT, and trust me, this isn't your average compact SUV review. We're going to dissect everything – from its sleek design and impressive performance to its luxurious interior and tech features. If you're considering buying a CX-5 GT or just curious about what it offers, you've come to the right place. Let's get started!
Overview of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT
The Mazda CX-5 has always been a standout in the crowded compact SUV segment, and the 2018 GT trim takes it up a notch. What makes it so special? Well, the GT is all about blending practicality with premium features. This means you get the versatility of an SUV without sacrificing the driving experience or the comfort you'd expect from a more luxurious vehicle.
Under the hood, the 2018 CX-5 GT typically features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. While it's not going to win any drag races, it provides more than enough oomph for daily driving and highway cruising. Plus, the CX-5's handling is surprisingly sporty, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Inside, the GT trim boasts leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium Bose sound system, creating a comfortable and upscale atmosphere. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menus. Safety features are also abundant, with advanced driver-assistance technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Exterior Design and Styling
First impressions matter, right? And the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT definitely makes a statement with its KODO design language. This design philosophy emphasizes a sense of motion and elegance, and it's evident in every curve and line of the CX-5. The GT trim adds a touch of sophistication with its bright finish alloy wheels, adaptive front-lighting system, and body-colored rear roof spoiler.
The front of the CX-5 GT is dominated by Mazda's signature wing-shaped grille, which is flanked by sleek LED headlights. The overall look is modern and aggressive, giving the SUV a confident stance on the road. The sculpted hood and flowing lines create a sense of dynamism, making the CX-5 look like it's moving even when it's standing still.
Around the sides, the CX-5 GT features a rising beltline and subtle fender flares, which enhance its sporty appearance. The chrome window trim adds a touch of luxury, while the body-colored door handles maintain a clean and cohesive look. The rear of the CX-5 is equally stylish, with its LED taillights, dual exhaust outlets, and a subtle spoiler that adds a hint of sportiness.
Overall, the exterior design of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is a home run. It's modern, elegant, and sporty, all at the same time. Whether you're cruising around town or parked at the grocery store, the CX-5 is sure to turn heads. And let's be honest, who doesn't want a car that looks good?
Interior Comfort and Features
Okay, let's step inside the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT and see what it has to offer. The interior is where the GT trim really shines, with its premium materials, comfortable seats, and abundance of features. From the moment you slide into the driver's seat, you'll notice the difference between the GT and lower trims.
The seats are upholstered in supple leather, which feels soft and luxurious to the touch. The front seats are heated, which is a welcome feature on cold mornings. The driver's seat is also power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are equally comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers.
The dashboard is well-designed and features a clean and uncluttered layout. The infotainment system is integrated into the dashboard, with a touchscreen display that's easy to see and use. The GT trim comes standard with a premium Bose sound system, which delivers crisp and clear audio quality. Other features include a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera.
One of the things I appreciate most about the CX-5 GT's interior is the attention to detail. The stitching on the seats is precise, the materials feel high-quality, and the overall fit and finish is excellent. It's clear that Mazda put a lot of thought into creating a comfortable and luxurious interior that rivals those of more expensive vehicles.
Performance and Handling
Now, let's talk about how the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT performs on the road. As I mentioned earlier, the GT trim typically features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers may not sound like much, the CX-5 feels surprisingly quick and responsive. Mazda truly understand how to squeeze the most out of an engine.
The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the configuration. The transmission is well-tuned to the engine, providing quick and seamless shifts. The CX-5 also features Mazda's G-Vectoring Control technology, which helps to improve handling and stability by subtly adjusting engine torque in response to steering inputs.
On the road, the CX-5 GT feels planted and composed. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road. The CX-5 is also surprisingly agile, making it fun to drive on winding roads. It's not a sports car by any means, but it's definitely one of the more engaging SUVs to drive in its class.
Fuel economy is also respectable, with the CX-5 GT achieving around 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. These numbers are on par with other compact SUVs in its class, making the CX-5 a practical choice for daily driving.
Technology and Safety Features
In today's world, technology and safety features are more important than ever. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT doesn't disappoint in this area, offering a wide range of advanced features that enhance both convenience and safety. Let's take a closer look.
The infotainment system is one of the highlights of the CX-5 GT. It features a seven-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to see and use. The system includes Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. The GT trim also comes standard with a premium Bose sound system, which delivers exceptional audio quality.
On the safety front, the CX-5 GT is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more enjoyable.
The CX-5 GT also features a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The camera provides a clear view of what's behind the car, helping you to avoid obstacles and pedestrians. Overall, the technology and safety features in the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT are top-notch, providing peace of mind and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.
Potential Drawbacks
No car is perfect, and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT has a few potential drawbacks that are worth mentioning. While the engine provides adequate power for most situations, it can feel a bit strained when accelerating quickly or climbing steep hills. If you're looking for a more powerful SUV, you might want to consider the CX-5's available turbocharged engine (later model years) or another vehicle altogether.
Another potential drawback is the infotainment system. While the touchscreen display is easy to use, the system can be slow to respond at times. The lack of a physical volume knob is also a minor annoyance for some drivers. Also, the cargo area, while adequate for most, isn't the largest in its class.
Finally, the CX-5 GT can be a bit pricey compared to other compact SUVs. While the GT trim offers a lot of premium features, it also comes with a higher price tag. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider a lower trim level or a different vehicle altogether.
Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT Worth It?
So, after taking a close look at the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT, the big question remains: is it worth it? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. The CX-5 GT offers a compelling combination of style, comfort, performance, and features that make it one of the best compact SUVs on the market.
The exterior design is eye-catching and modern, while the interior is luxurious and comfortable. The engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, and the handling is surprisingly sporty. The technology and safety features are top-notch, providing peace of mind and convenience.
Yes, the CX-5 GT has a few potential drawbacks, such as the engine's lack of power and the infotainment system's occasional sluggishness. However, these drawbacks are minor compared to the overall package. If you're looking for a compact SUV that's fun to drive, comfortable, and packed with features, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the CX-5 GT comes down to your individual needs and preferences. But if you value style, comfort, performance, and features, the CX-5 GT is definitely worth a look. Thanks for joining me on this review, and I'll catch you in the next one!
