Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT, a compact SUV that has garnered a loyal following. We'll be looking at everything from its performance and features to its overall value proposition. The Mazda CX-5 GT has consistently been praised for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and premium interior. This review is tailored to give you a comprehensive look at what makes the 2018 model tick, so you can decide if it's the right fit for you. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses, covering aspects like its engine options, technology offerings, and overall practicality. Whether you're considering buying a used CX-5 GT or just curious about what makes it so popular, this review is for you. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Exterior and Design: A Statement of Style

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is a looker, no doubt about it. Mazda really nailed the design on this one. It's got a sleek, sporty, and sophisticated aesthetic that sets it apart from many of its competitors. The exterior is all about flowing lines and a confident stance. The front fascia features Mazda's signature Kodo design language, with a bold grille, sharp headlights, and a sculpted hood. These design elements give the CX-5 GT a premium feel, making it appear more upscale than some of its rivals.

One of the first things you'll notice is the CX-5 GT's athletic profile. It's not just a boxy SUV; it's got curves and contours that make it visually appealing. The overall design is cohesive and well-executed, with attention to detail that elevates its perceived value. The use of premium materials, like chrome accents and stylish alloy wheels, adds to the vehicle's upscale appearance. From any angle, the CX-5 GT presents a modern and stylish look that stands out in a crowded market. It’s a design that has aged well, even several years after its initial release. This vehicle’s design doesn't scream for attention but rather exudes a quiet confidence that is incredibly appealing. Guys, the design is a major selling point for this SUV, and for good reason.

Key Design Features

• LED Headlights and Taillights: These not only look great but also provide excellent visibility. The LED lighting enhances both the aesthetics and safety of the vehicle. It's a key feature that contributes to the CX-5 GT's premium feel.
• 19-inch Alloy Wheels: These wheels add to the sporty and upscale appearance, giving the CX-5 GT a more dynamic presence on the road. The design of the wheels complements the overall aesthetic, making the SUV even more attractive.
• Power Liftgate: This feature adds convenience, making it easier to load and unload cargo, especially when your hands are full. It's a practical addition that enhances the overall user experience.
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers: This feature automatically adjusts the wiper speed based on the amount of rainfall, enhancing safety and convenience. It's one of those small details that make a big difference in everyday driving.

Interior and Comfort: A Premium Experience

Stepping inside the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is like entering a more luxurious space than you might expect in its class. Mazda has done a fantastic job of creating an interior that feels premium, with high-quality materials and a thoughtfully designed layout. The cabin is spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels adds to the sense of quality. You'll find a well-organized center console, intuitive controls, and plenty of storage space. Mazda has clearly focused on creating an interior that enhances the overall driving experience, from the materials used to the placement of controls.

The CX-5 GT offers a quiet and refined ride, thanks to effective sound insulation. You can easily have a conversation at normal volume, even at highway speeds. This quietness adds to the feeling of luxury and makes the driving experience more enjoyable. The attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, with features like stitching on the seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel adding to the premium feel. The layout of the controls is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy to operate the various features of the vehicle. The interior design strikes a great balance between functionality and style. The CX-5 GT provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.

Key Interior Features

• Leather Upholstery: This adds a touch of luxury and enhances the overall comfort of the cabin. Leather seats feel great and elevate the interior ambiance.
• Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory: This allows you to easily find the perfect driving position and save your preferred settings. This is a great feature for multiple drivers.
• Heated Front Seats: These provide added comfort during colder weather, making your driving experience more enjoyable. It's a feature that's appreciated during the winter months.
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: This allows both the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperature, ensuring optimal comfort. It's a great feature for those who have different temperature preferences.

Performance and Driving Experience: Engaging and Fun

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is known for its engaging driving dynamics, making it one of the most fun-to-drive compact SUVs in its class. Mazda has always prioritized driving enjoyment, and the CX-5 GT is no exception. Its responsive handling, precise steering, and smooth ride make it a joy to drive, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The CX-5 GT offers a driving experience that's both sporty and comfortable, making it a great choice for those who value performance and agility.

The CX-5 GT comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a good balance of power and efficiency. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides ample power for everyday driving, with quick acceleration and confident passing capabilities. The CX-5 GT also features Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology, which improves handling and stability. GVC Plus subtly adjusts engine torque to optimize weight distribution, enhancing cornering performance and overall driving dynamics. This technology helps to make the CX-5 GT feel more planted and responsive on the road.

Engine and Transmission

• 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine: This engine produces a respectable amount of power, providing a lively and responsive driving experience. It offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
• Six-Speed Automatic Transmission: This transmission provides smooth and seamless gear changes, enhancing the overall driving experience. It is responsive and well-suited to the engine's power delivery.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option: This provides added traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. AWD enhances the CX-5 GT's capability and confidence on the road.

Technology and Features: Modern Conveniences

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is packed with technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience and provide modern conveniences. From its infotainment system to its advanced safety features, the CX-5 GT offers a well-rounded package that appeals to tech-savvy drivers. The infotainment system includes a user-friendly touchscreen display, with smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation systems. The CX-5 GT also comes equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features help to enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road.

Inside, the cabin offers a sense of modern sophistication with the intuitive controls layout. The infotainment system is easy to use and provides access to a variety of features and settings. The CX-5 GT also includes a premium sound system that delivers high-quality audio, making it enjoyable to listen to music or podcasts. The combination of technology and features elevates the overall driving experience. The CX-5 GT offers a balance of advanced technology and user-friendly operation, making it a great choice for those who value modern conveniences.

Key Technology Features

• 7-inch Touchscreen Display: The central infotainment hub makes navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings accessible. It is easy to use and provides a clear display of information.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These features allow seamless smartphone integration, providing access to apps, music, and navigation. It enhances the convenience of the infotainment system.
• Bose Audio System: Delivers a premium audio experience, providing high-quality sound throughout the cabin. It enhances the enjoyment of listening to music.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Includes features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and driver assistance. These features add an extra layer of protection on the road.

Safety: Prioritizing Protection

Safety is a top priority for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT, and it shows. This SUV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision and help prevent accidents altogether. The CX-5 GT earned high marks in crash tests from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating its commitment to safety. You can drive with confidence knowing that the CX-5 GT has been rigorously tested and designed to provide excellent protection. The combination of advanced safety features and high crash test ratings makes the CX-5 GT a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals alike.

Beyond crash protection, the CX-5 GT offers a range of active safety features that help to prevent accidents. These include features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the surrounding environment and provide alerts or assistance to the driver, enhancing overall safety. The inclusion of these features demonstrates Mazda's commitment to safety and provides peace of mind on the road. The CX-5 GT is a safe and reliable vehicle that is designed to protect its occupants and help prevent accidents. This is an important consideration when you’re comparing it to other vehicles.

Key Safety Features

• Advanced Airbag System: Includes multiple airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision. These airbags provide crucial protection in various impact scenarios.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. This feature enhances safety in everyday driving situations.
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist: Helps to prevent unintentional lane departures, enhancing safety and driver awareness. These features provide a safety net to help keep drivers in their lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety on the highway. This feature makes long drives more comfortable and safer.

Fuel Economy: Efficient Performance

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT offers decent fuel economy for its class, making it a practical choice for those who want to balance performance with efficiency. The four-cylinder engine is designed to deliver a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. You can expect to get reasonable miles per gallon (MPG) both in the city and on the highway. Fuel economy is an important consideration for many buyers, and the CX-5 GT delivers in this regard, offering a competitive MPG rating compared to its rivals. Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Guys, it's not going to break the bank at the pump!

Overall, the CX-5 GT is an efficient choice in the compact SUV segment. Its fuel economy figures are competitive with other vehicles in its class, providing drivers with a good balance of performance and efficiency. The combination of a responsive engine and a well-designed transmission contributes to the vehicle's efficient fuel consumption. The CX-5 GT's fuel economy makes it a great option for everyday driving, from commutes to road trips, without sacrificing performance. This is particularly appealing for those who want to save money on fuel costs.

Fuel Efficiency Ratings

• City MPG: Around 22-25 MPG (Varies depending on driving conditions and whether it's AWD or FWD).
• Highway MPG: Around 27-31 MPG (Varies depending on driving conditions and whether it's AWD or FWD).
• Combined MPG: Around 24-28 MPG (Varies depending on driving conditions and whether it's AWD or FWD).

Value and Verdict: A Great Choice

When you consider all that the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT offers, it's clear that it represents excellent value in the compact SUV segment. It combines stylish design, a premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, and a comprehensive suite of features. The CX-5 GT stands out from the competition with its premium feel and engaging driving experience. Its combination of performance, features, and value makes it a compelling choice. This car provides a lot of bang for your buck, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers. The CX-5 GT continues to be a popular choice in the used car market.

• Pros: Stylish design, premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, a good amount of features, and strong safety ratings.
• Cons: Some may find the infotainment system to be a little less intuitive than competitors and the engine doesn't feel as powerful as some rivals.

Overall, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT is an outstanding compact SUV that delivers a premium experience at a competitive price. It’s a well-rounded vehicle that excels in many areas. If you're looking for a stylish, fun-to-drive, and well-equipped SUV, the CX-5 GT is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a vehicle that offers a balance of comfort, performance, and value. This is a car that you'll enjoy driving every day.