Even though it’s been on the market for only nine months, Mazda has added a few upgrades and announced pricing on its 2018 model which goes on sale in early December. Among the features added is a new fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system, the first of its kind on a 4-cylinder engine.
Equipped with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter powerplant mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 CX-5 can now shut down the two outside cylinders of its transversely mounted engine under light loads to improve efficiency. Mazda says the system delivers about a 1-mpg improvement across the board. The technology is standard on all models.
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Additional standard equipment added across the line includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob. All these items were previously standard features on mid-level CX-5 Touring models and above.
Three trim levels
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. On the entry-level Sport, a new $625 i-Activsense Package is available that includes high beam control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, radar cruise control, smart brake support, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps. Sport models start at $24,150 for front-drive and $25,450 for all-wheel drive.
Touring models include 19-inch alloy wheels, the i-Activsense safety features, leather upholstery, heated seats, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and dual zone climate control. These models are priced from $26,215 for front-drive and $27,515 for all-wheel drive. A $1,200 Preferred Package adds a Bose 10-speaker sound system, navigation, power glass moonroof and power liftgate.
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The range topping CX-5 Grand Touring boasts leather seating, LED fog and tail light and adaptive front lighting. Grand Touring prices range from $29,645 for front-drive to $30,945 to all-wheel drive. The optional $1,395 Grand Touring Premium Package includes a head-up unit with traffic sign recognition, heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats and windshield wiper deicer. All prices exclude $975 in destination charges.
