It wasn’t until recently I was able to say that I had ever driven a Mazda. I didn’t know what to expect since I had no previous knowledge of what Mazda is known for. That changed when I had the opportunity to have the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring All Wheel Drive on loan for seven days. It was Soul Red Crystal Metallic and the interior was parchment (black/white leather-trimmed seats). It was an adjustment to use the center console to control the MAZDA Connect Advanced Infotainment System.
I fell in love with the BOSE 10-speaker audio sound system with Centerpoint 2 and Audio Pilot 2 because I’m always playing music in the car whether we are local or headed out of town on a road trip. It was so clear and I took the volume all the way up to the max, it didn’t lose quality or sound muffled in any way. Things I noticed immediately were the hands-free phone and audio capability. My daughters iPhone would immediately sync when she got in the car. I live the Android lifestyle!
Hands down, I’d love to be a passenger in the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The rear passenger seats are quite comfy and they come with an armrest with 2 USB inputs, integrated cup holders and the rear seats can be heated. My mind was blown! I really liked that there were additional USB ports in the rear because we’re always fighting to plug up. I usually carry a portable travel charger in the car for additional charging ports so we can all charge our phones with no issues.
Things that made my life easier was the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System. I also thoroughly enjoyed the active driving display allowing me to keep my eyes on the road always. I was totally surprised by the adaptive front-lighting system. When I was driving on a road that wasn’t well lit at O’ Dark Thirty in the morning and the high beams automatically kicked in, I was like… whoa! I had a few of those moments because I kept getting surprised with features while driving.
The Smart City Brake Support is AWESOME! I was driving and a car stopped short in front of me and the car automatically started to slow down and the words “You need to Break†popped up on the driving display. Again… Mind Blown! I also got to see the Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System in action while I was driving. I appreciate cruise control with steering wheel-mounting controls because I have a heavy foot when traveling long distances. I’ve learned to set my speed to avoid traffic violations.
You get notifications of where you parked and it will be marked in Maps so that you can easily locate your car in the event you lose track of it. This is priceless at theme parks and beaches. Those are two places I’m notorious for losing my car in a huge parking area. There are so many features and I can’t list them all. Just know that I felt very safe in the 2018 Mazda CX-5 and I was blown away by all the conveniences and features in this vehicle. Visit the Mazda website for additional information.
Let me give you the Grand Touring engine features and pricing, but you really need to go and test drive a 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD and check out all the bells and whistles. Okay, SKYACTIV®1-G 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Cylinder Deactivation. SKYACTIV® 6-speed automatic transmission. SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control. i-ACTIV AWD® all-wheel drive system. EPA-estimated mileage city/highway (mpg): 24/30.
