Mazda CX-5 Gets Power Boost: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Mazda is remedying the biggest complain regarding its wonderful CX-5 crossover; the lack of power. Starting next year, the 2014 CX-5 can be ordered with the new 2.5L Skyactiv engine offered in the new Mazda6.

While the base 2.0L is still available in Sport trim levels, the 2.5L will be available on Touring and Grand Touring trims, making 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 25/32 mpg for FWD models and 24/30 for AWD models. The 2.5L will not be available with a stick shift, but Mazda’s automatic in the Skyactiv is about as good as it gets anyways.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Klossfam Klossfam on Nov 29, 2012

    The bottom line - from having driven a few CX-5s in FWD and AWD - the 2.0L is very borderline on being enough engine for even the FWD CX-5...The 2.5L as the base engine would be a better idea. Still, short of a diesel, this is good news. You need at least 175 to 185 hp in this class of vehicle regardless of weight. Of course a turbo also solves some issues (we have a 2011 Tiguan) but at the cost of 3-4 mpg.

  • Deanst Deanst on Nov 29, 2012

    a bit off topic, but isn't that Paddy's Pub from Sunny in Philadelphia?

  • Beerboy12 Beerboy12 on Nov 29, 2012

    If Mazda does release a diesel version of the CX-5 I hope they A) have a manual version and B) give it a decent tow rating. All due respect to anti diesel arguments and arguments to suitable tow vehicles I think that a manual diesel CX-5 would be a run away lifestyle vehicle success! VW... Are you paying attention (Tiguan) ???

  • Burgersandbeer Burgersandbeer on Nov 30, 2012

    Does only pairing the 2.5L gas engine with the automatic in the CX-5 have any implications for the Mazda6? How does the process of getting government approval for powertrain combinations work? If the 2.5L and auto are approved in the CX-5, does that mean Mazda can sell that combination in any vehicle, or does each combination need testing in every vehicle a manufacturer plans to use it in? If Mazda is planning a 2.5L/manual combo for the Mazda6, any reason they couldn't use that combo in the CX-5? Is this a case where Mazda could offer it without any additional expense if they wanted to, but they think it's pointless based on projected sales?

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