- 2013 Mazda CX-5s are in demand and prices are high
- Mazda owners should be sure to ask about loyalty cash incentives
The Mazda CX-5 is a crossover SUV that's also rewarding to drive.
Introduction
The Mazda CX-5 is a relatively new entrant in the ever-expanding crossover segment. Launched in 2013, it features a shapely SUV body atop a car-like platform. This combination provides more cargo capacity than the average compact wagon, but much more agility than your typical body-on-frame SUV.
The CX-5 comes in a trio of trim levels – Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring – all of which use a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine with 155 horsepower and 150 foot-pounds of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but a six-speed automatic is optional. Front-wheel-drive is the standard setup for the CX-5, but you can opt for an all-wheel-drive system. With the manual transmission and front-wheel-drive, the CX-5 is rated 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. With the six-speed transmission, highway ratings drop to 32 mpg; all-wheel-drive models have fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Which Style To Buy?
2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport
Recommended for: Buyers who want a well-equipped crossover at a fair price
The base Sport comes standard with daytime running lights, auto-off headlights, power side-view mirrors, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for added style. Inside, the Sport has air conditioning, power windows and door locks, push-button start, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system with four speakers, auxiliary input, USB port and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring
Recommended for: Buyers who need a little more interior comfort and higher-end audio
The Touring builds on the base Sport with Bluetooth connectivity and streaming audio, a six-way power driver’s seat, premium cloth-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, a 5.8-inch color monitor for the standard rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system with HD radio capability for increased audio enjoyment.
2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring
Recommended for: Buyers who want luxury features like leather and Bose audio, and are willing to pay a premium for it
The Grand tops the CX-5 lineup with automatic headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated side-view mirrors, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. It also includes automatic dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery with three-stage heated front seats; and a Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system with nine speakers and SiriusXM capabilities.
Is It a Good Time to Buy?
Deals are Very Scarce
Best Alternatives
2013 Honda CR-V
Peppy four-cylinder engine, Honda's build quality and stylish exterior, but expensive
2013 Kia Sportage
Sporty body, optional turbocharged model and low base price, but poor ride quality
2013 Ford Escape
Excellent design, optional performance model and good fuel efficiency, but expensive
2013 Toyota RAV4
Stunning new body and powerful base engine, but low fuel efficiency and no V-6 option
