2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review- Journeys with Jenn

The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is in a close second position for my favorite SUV, right behind the larger CX-9. I like big cars, no clue why as we are only a family of four but it’s a third row that gets my top pick each and every time. With that said, If I were in the market today for a new car the CX-5 would be a contender.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

Mazda redesigned its worldwide best-seller for the 2017 model year, and by the numbers, it’s both heavier and smaller than the model it replaces, yet it’s by far a much better family crossover than before. If you are in the market for a crossover without the hefty price tag, this may be your next vehicle. With a MSRP starting at just $30,695 this is an extremely affordable crossover/CUV option.

Looking for a Sedan? Take a look at my review of the 2017 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring.

Interior Upgrades

The 2017 Grand Touring Premium model boasts more comfortable seats, a cabin with nicer leather and real stitching and even a steering wheel that has been reconfigured for comfort. The cockpit features the same great Mazda ergonomics that I love, but now the dashboard boasts an improved design that looks a class above the older versions with new metallic accents and a strong horizontal theme.

The 2017 edition features better available equipment, including a power lift gate, auto-leveling LED headlamps and a full head-up display that puts the speedometer, speed limit data pulled from the new traffic sign recognition system, navigation and more information right in the driver’s sight-line.

The heads up display was probably my favorite added feature. It keeps you from looking anywhere but in front of you, adding that extra bit of safety behind the wheel. It would even go as far as showing me when a stop sign was coming up on my commute.

i-ActivSense safety

That blind-spot monitor includes rear cross-traffic alert when reversing at low speeds and is part of Mazda’s i-ActivSense suite. The suite also includes adaptive cruise control that works in low-speed traffic, a forward pre-collision alert with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist.

SkyActiv G engine

The engine hasn’t changed much for this second generation, but the available options has been pared down. Gone is the old 2.0-liter with manual transmission base model combo; Mazda’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine with standard six-speed automatic transmission is now the only combination available.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring gains G-Vectoring Control, which helps minimize the need to make steering corrections on the road. This system connects the steering and power-train control for more direct and natural steering response. I found it easy to control and in the rain could feel the shift forward so the vehicle gripped in slick conditions.

Predictive I-Activ AWD

No matter the weather the CX-5 will get you there with the I-active AWD. This new feature predicts when all-wheel drive might be needed, monitoring everything from outside temperature to throttle input and braking patterns. It then preemptively optimizes torque distribution to help curb traction loss. You may never even notice the change, I know I didn’t in a nasty summer storm.

Mazda Connect

You lost me on this one Mazda. Where is the apple car play? Available features include bluetooth connectivity, navigation with a seven-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system, steering wheel audio controls, two front UBS ports and HD radio.

The navigation was very basic, and not correct even at times. For such a modern car this part was a real miss for me.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is extremely functional as a family car. Offering 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway; 26 mpg combined it is easy on the purse when it comes to filling up. Trips to and from school, practice and dinners wont empty the tank.

My family of four fit comfortably and nobody was yelling for leg room. Trunk space was rather large offering 30 cu ft with the 2nd row up and with it folded down it gave a whopping 29.6 cu ft. You can certainly fit home improvement projects in their easily.

If you are in the market for a crossover this is a great car. It is loaded with top safety features and the Predictive I-Activ AWD will give you peace of mind in any driving condition.