When many car brands find that consumers are gawking over a specific nameplate, they’re content to let the success role. Often times, this means that the particular model won’t see many changes each year, as the engineers aren’t particularly focused on improving a perceived end-product. This is relatively shortsighted, as many consumers tend to jump off the bandwagon when a brand fails to make any improvements to a specific vehicle.
This mindset is why Mazda continues to impress by innovating their various offerings, even if they’ve already established themselves as the class of a particular segment. Specifically, this sentiment applies to the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Crossover SUV. The nameplate was already considered one of the best offerings in the class, but the brand has done an incredible job of assuring that the 2018 variation of the nameplate is fresh and new.
Below, we’ve explored some of the major changes that drivers can expect in time for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, with many of these revisions improving performance and overall safety. That way, if you’ve been considering a future trip to a Mazda dealership near you, you won’t just assume that the 2017 model is as good as the 2018 offering…
Engine
Mazda’s beloved SUV hasn’t ever really been known for its power, but the accompanying engine is still plenty mighty in the 2018 version of the nameplate. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine is back again with slightly improved power specs, including 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Accompanied by a smooth and intuitive six-speed automatic transmission, drivers can ultimately anticipate one of the best driving experiences in the segment.
However, the most notable inclusion to this variation of the nameplate (and the accompanying engine) is the fuel-saving technologies. Specifically, engineers included new functions that will help maximize efficiency, as the brand helped explain in their press release.
“The engine has the ability to imperceptible shut down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency,” the brand described. “It is designed to assist in improving real-world efficiency rather than simply in cataloged evaluations and comes standard on all trim levels.”
While we’re still awaiting specific specs, drivers can ultimately anticipate a 31-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency when they opt for the front-wheel-drive version of the SUV (this number is reduced to 29-miles-per-gallon on the all-wheel-drive version). These numbers are incredibly impressive, especially for the SUV segment. However, it’s important to remember that they wouldn’t even be possible if it wasn’t for the brand’s ability to continue to innovate their various offerings.
Safety
The renowned i-ACTIV technology is now included on every trim level of the CX-5, meaning any type of owner can appreciate all of the safety capabilities that accompany this notable function. These various offerings will play a significant role in reducing accidents from occurring altogether, thus allowing you to travel with ease, especially when you’re bussing around younger passengers.
“Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on every trim level, feeding information from 27 sensors found in CX-5 to predict road conditions and send power wherever it’s needed without the unnerving drivetrain reactions or slipping that can be felt in some competitors during inclement conditions,” the brand explained.
Specifically, functions like the Traffic Sign Recognition will provide the driver with an extra set of eyes, assuring that they don’t accidentally roll through a stop sign. Meanwhile, inclusions like the Smart City Brake Support are intended to prevent collisions in busy areas, as they’ll detect impending collisions and adjust accordingly. Even the Mazda Radar Cruise Control is a notable addition, as the technology allows drivers to take a brief break from driving without completely compromising safety. The unit works similar to a normal cruise control, but it can adjust the speed of your vehicle when needed.
The SKYACTIV Technology also helps protect occupants in the event of an accident. The SUV is composed of an ultra-high-strength steel, and the material can absorb the majority of an accident’s energy, thus keeping it away from passengers. The accompanying “vehicle dynamics” will assure that drivers are consistently remaining in control of their SUV, while the Predictive I-ACTIV All-Wheel-Drive System can adapt the vehicle for the impending road conditions, thus assuring that drivers can better focus on the road ahead of them.
This various safety functions played a significant role in the vehicle ultimately earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Since many of these technologies are about to become standard, we can only guarantee that the CX-5 will earn similar accolades in 2018.
As the brand noted, there will be a number of additional amenities added to the 2018 variation of the nameplate. Many of these functions and features will influence the entire driving experience, assuring that customers won’t be able to find a better SUV out there.
“The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV continues to win the hearts of critics and customers, with its sales off to a record pace since the second generation went on sale this past spring,” the brand said. “For the 2018 model year, Mazda CX-5 is getting even better, employing cylinder-deactivation technology, safety and refinement updates at all trim levels and carries features rarely seen in vehicles competing in the next class up such as an available head-up display and standard LED headlights and tail lights.”
Either way, we can all be impressed but how the brand continues to innovate. Instead of being passive and continually producing the same SUV every year, Mazda keeps finding ways to make their vehicles fresh. If you’re the type of consumer who appreciates all of the newest features and amenities, we can all but guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
