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2017 SUVs

Stylish Mazda CX-5 All New for 2017

September 1, 2017 by admin 5 Comments

Mazda packs in a little zoom-zoom for some fun-fun.

2017 Mazda CX-5
Smile! The compact CX-5 is big on style and offered in four grades.

Compact SUVs dominate the market with some models jockeying for best-seller status this year. Consumers love these vehicles, which explains why the 2017 CX-5 remains Mazda’s top model. If you’re looking for something that isn’t a Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet or Honda, the Mazda CX-5 should be on your list.

Just four years removed from its 2013 introduction, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is all new. Besides a fresh design, this second-generation model has updated cabin materials, new convenience features, and an expanded list of available safety features.

The 2017 CX-5 is available in four grades: Sport ($24,045), Touring ($25,915), Grand Select ($28,895), and Grand Touring ($29,395). The Grand Select grade rolled out later in the model year, so it won’t receive more than a mention here.

Front-wheel drive is standard; add $1,300 for all-wheel drive. The destination charge is $940. All models have a four-cylinder engine paired solely to a six-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

It is common for manufacturers to deliver well-equipped, top-trim level models for media inspection. Although there are occasional exceptions, Mazda supplied a CX-5 Grand Touring AWD for Auto Trends testing.

The Grand Touring edition starts at $29,395 or $30,695 with all-wheel drive. My test model came in at $34,060, reflecting a $595 charge for the Soul Red reflective paint and an $1,830 premium package offering a two-position driver memory seat, an 8-way power-operated front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, windshield wiper de-icer, and an active driving (head up) display.

Exterior Highlights

Not everyone is smitten with Mazda’s KODO (soul of motion) design language, found on every vehicle it sells. The look is at once sporty as it is upscale, taking an otherwise plain canvas and transforming it into something entirely vibrant.

Now in its second generation, the expression continues, with the front fascia marked by a gaping maw grille, narrow wraparound headlamps, and much sculpting.

2017 Mazda CX-5

High wheel arches, a raised beltline and a sweeping roof line mark the profile. From the rear, you’ll find a spoiler, wraparound tail lamps, and on some models there are dual exhaust tips.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, daytime running lights, dual power side mirrors, a rear roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also available are automatic leveling headlights, automatic on/off lights, LED front fog lights, LED taillights, a power sliding-glass moonroof, and a power rear liftgate. The Grand Touring model comes with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Interior Highlights

The 2017 CX-5 seats five with bucket seats up front and a 40:20:40 bench seat in the rear. Base sport models have cloth seats; imitation leather dresses Touring models, while the Grand Touring features leather-trimmed seats. A power driver’s seat and heated front seats appear on the Touring; driver lumbar support comes with the Grand Touring.

You’ll find a sporty instrument panel marked by three cowls — one each for the speedometer, odometer, and fuel information.

2017 Mazda CX-5My Grand Touring model had a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted auxiliary controls. A tilt and telescopic steering column is standard.

On top of the dash and aligned with the center stack is a 7-inch full-color touchscreen display. The center console is neatly organized with knobs and switches, managing the climate control system. At the base of the stack is a deep open storage compartment, large enough to hold a pair of smartphones. Dividing the seats is the transmission shifter and a multi-function control knob for managing the infotainment system.

Storage compartments are many and go beyond the glove box to include a deep storage area with a removable tray underneath the center armrest. That’s where you’ll also find a pair of USB ports and an auxiliary input. All four doors have storage compartments and drink holders. Four cup holders — two up front and two in the rear round out the drink compartments.

All models have keyless entry and push-button start, full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, and an overhead console with sunglass holder. Available equipment includes dual-zone climate control, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, a leather-wrapped shift knob, rear air conditioning vents, and a rear seat center armrest.

The Touring grade offers a Preferred Equipment Package ($780), bundling such features as automatic headlights, HomeLink, the Bose audio system, navigation, power moonroof, and a power liftgate. You’ll also find an available Premium Package ($1,830) on the Grand Touring trim, with those features mentioned above.

On the Road With the Mazda CX-5

It isn’t uncommon for models in this segment to offer one engine choice, namely a four cylinder. That’s how Honda, Jeep, Nissan, and Toyota do it.

The 2017 CX-5 comes with a 2.5-liter engine making 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It is exclusively paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Paddle shifters are not offered.

I found the CX-5 sufficient for the task, although it isn’t an outstanding performer. Flick to sport mode and the engine kicks it up a notch and the transmission shift points offer longer intervals. Along with surprisingly engaging handling, this is where the CX-5 offers a bit of zoom-zoom making for a measure of fun-fun.

If you’re looking for more power, you’ll have to cast your eyes elsewhere. For example, the Ford Escape offers three engine choices, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, you have the Hyundai Tucson offering a 2.0-liter engine, but it is skewed toward fuel economy, delivering just 164 horsepower. If you have diesel on your mind, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is the sole model with this engine choice.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Safety & Technology

Mazda nailed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2017 CX-5. This is the highest rating offered by the institute, representing a consortium of insurance companies and associations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Mazda a four-star rating out of a possible five stars. The only demerit was a four-star rating for rollover.

The 2017 CX-5 comes with a rearview monitor, brake assist support, and expected support such as stability and traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Not available on the base model, but offered as an option on the Touring model is an i-Activsense Package ($625) composed of high beam control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, radar cruise control, automatic headlights, and other features.

A four-speaker audio system is in the Sport model. Touring models have a six-speaker system, while the Grand Touring has a Bose 10-speaker audio system. Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and a rearview camera come standard. The Mazda Connect infotainment system comes with each model and includes Aha internet radio integration, voice command, Pandora, SMS text messaging, and Stitcher.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5: Parting Thoughts

So, there you have it. My impressions of the 2017 Mazda CX-5. All in all, the CX-5 brings flair to the segment, although a number of competing models can claim the same. That’s great for consumers as there isn’t a dull looker among them.

If you shop the CX-5, the Touring edition is a great place to start. Most customers won’t need all-wheel drive, therefor stick with the front-wheel drive. With the Preferred Equipment Package, your price reaches $28,000, and that’s before discounting and your deft negotiating skills kick in.

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

  • Sticker price from $30,695 (plus $940 destination charge)
  • Price as tested: $34,060
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • Engine: 2.5-liter I4 gas
  • 187 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 185 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,250 (FWD); 4,000 (AWD) RPM
  • Wheelbase: 106.2 inches
  • Length: 179.1 inches
  • Width: 72.5 inches
  • Height: 65.3 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 30.9 (behind 2nd row)/59.6 (behind 1st row) cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
  • EPA: 24/31 mpg (gas); 23/29 mpg (diesel)
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 14.8 gals. (fwd); 15.3 gals. (AWD)
  • Curb weight: From 3,527 to 3,655 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Hiroshima, Japan

See Also — Zoom-Zoom and a Mazda CX-5

Photos copyrights Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5


Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, BOSE, four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, IIHS, MAZDA CX-5, NHTSA, utility vehicle

One Week With the 2017 Jeep New Compass

August 25, 2017 by admin 4 Comments

Jeep strengthens the model line with an all-new compact SUV.

Updated October 17, 2017, to include IIHS rating.

2017 Jeep New Compass
An all-new Jeep with a very familiar face.

The fast-growing Jeep product line has had the burden in recent years of carrying a pair of aging and underperforming models, namely the compact Patriot and Compass SUVs. Although sales for both have contributed significantly to the brand, neither model supplied the good ‘ole wholesome “Jeepness” found in other vehicles.

That changed earlier this year when Jeep released the second-generation Compass, a now larger and more robust model with the looks and off-road credibility fans expect. Oddly, the first model year of the new Compass overlaps the final year of the old Compass and Patriot, with both Compass models still found side-by-side on some dealer lots.

If you’re shopping for a new Compass, you’ll want the one offered in Sport ($20,995), Latitude ($24,295), Trailhawk ($28,595), and Limited ($28,995) editions. Add $1,500 for AWD on the Sport and Latitude and another $1,095 for your destination charge.

Besides styling, one of the most important tell alls that you are looking at the new Compass is with the available transmissions. Specifically, a 6-speed manual replaced the previous 5-speed gearbox, while a 9-speed automatic replaced the continuously variable automatic transmission.

Confused? That’s understandable. Why Jeep simply didn’t assign a 2018 model year designation to the new Compass is beyond me.

2017 Jeep New Compass

2017 Jeep New Compass

At least Jeep, the EPA, and others are using the “New Compass” designation to identify the latest model. On personal inspection, that isn’t hard to do as the second-generation Compass has a slightly larger footprint and a modern design.

The seven-slat grille and updated LED lighting treatments bring a modern touch to the Compass. The silhouette is more fluid while a new interpretation of the wheel well arch theme is evident.

Front to back, the new Compass aligns closer to the models on either side where it sits in the product line, namely, the even smaller Renegade and the slightly larger Cherokee.

2017 Jeep New Compass

Roomy, Comfortable Interior

If you like the Jeep Renegade, you’ll enjoy the Compass’ interior. The Compass comes from the Renegade, riding on a longer and wider version of the platform underpinning Jeep’s smallest SUV.

You’ll find plenty of soft touch materials, plastics, and brightwork trim in the new Compass. Cloth seats are standard, vinyl and leather are optional and, yes, you can fit five inside. All controls are neatly ordered and the infotainment screen sits high in the center stack.

You’ll find a generous list of standard features with a longer list of upgrades, including various UConnect infotainment and navigation options, audio packages, and appearance items. One thing about Jeep is that you start off with a number of grades or trims and then choose your upgrades accordingly.

2017 Jeep New Compass

Four-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive: Does it Matter?

Jeep advertises the 2017 New Compass with standard front-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. But there is a problem with the language used in the latter as the Compass has available all-wheel drive, not 4WD.

Sure, the Jeep system mimics four-wheel drive, but that’s not enough. A true four-wheel drive system offers either part- or full-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case present, for high and low gearing. Further, nearly all four-wheel drive vehicles offer standard rear-wheel drive with the system always biased to the rear wheels. Not so with the front-wheel drive-based Compass.

Jeep does provide a “4WD lock” button that engages all four wheels under certain conditions, such as when operating in snow, sand, and mud. Further, my test Limited 4×4 model lacked true under-body protection, such as skid plates. That said, you shouldn’t be afraid to take your Compass off road provided you’re navigating well-worn trails and avoiding deep mud. Bouldering? Leave that work to the Wrangler.

2017 Jeep New Compass
With 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, the Compass’ lone engine is sufficient at best.

Under the Hood: More Power…Please!

The most recent Jeep Compass offered two four-cylinder engine choices, with the duo displacing at 2.0 and 2.4 liters, respectively. For the new Compass, Jeep ditched the smaller engine, but kept the larger one. Unfortunately, you have only one engine choice and for some shoppers, that’s not enough.

The Compass’ engine is fair and that’s being kind. It takes you from point to point, but there isn’t any excitement along the way. A 10-percent boost in performance might help, but even then it might not be enough when this SUV shoulders a full contingent of people and their gear. Indeed, with a curb weight topping 3,600 pounds with the Trailhawk, that’s a lot for this naturally aspirated engine to handle.

Snagging the 3.2-liter V6 powering the Cherokee would do the trick. Here, you’d have 271 horsepower to work with — solid power for a small SUV. Another option would be to utilize the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel in the Grand Cherokee, making 240 horsepower with an output of 420 pound-feet of torque. Either choice would be great…the new Compass simply needs another option.

As for the transmission choices, a 6-speed manual gearbox is the base choice with both the front- and all-wheel drive models. Choose an automatic and you’ll find a 6-speed on FWD Compasses and a 9-speed on AWD models.

My test model had the 9-speed and it has improved greatly since it rolled out a few years ago. This ZF-supplied transmission shifted seamlessly in the background, unlike the gear-hunting experienced when it was introduced in the current-generation Cherokee. Engage “4WD Lock” and the transmission starts off in second gear when activated. Again, this isn’t true four-wheel drive…it just mimics it. If you’re planning any sort of off-road adventure, the Trailhawk edition with its 0.5-inch raised ground clearance, real skid plates, and tow hooks is the model you’ll want.

2017 Jeep New Compass

Jeep New Compass Parting Thoughts

So, now you have a new Compass to consider. Along with the Renegade, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee, that’s four modern Jeep crossover utility vehicles to weigh. If you insist on rugged off-road durability, there’s also the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

Many choices and that means there is something for nearly everyone. Wait a few years and the upper end of the segment will gain the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. A Jeep pickup truck is also on the way. It just doesn’t get better than this.

The Compass’ competitive set is as wide as it is deep, comprised of the following models: Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tuscon, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and the Subaru Crosstrek.

If you decide the Compass is for you, start your search with the Latitude, what brings in automatic headlamps, cornering fog lights, power adjustable and heated side mirrors, roof rails, 17-inch wheels, and tinted glass. You’ll also have ambient lighting, illuminated mirrors, leather touches on the steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry. Add navigation and the popular equipment group package, and you’ll have a well-equipped FWD Compass for about $25,000.

2017 Jeep New Compass

2017 Jeep New Compass

  • Priced from $28,995 (Limited 4×4)
  • Price as tested: $35,355
  • Seats 5
  • Engine: 2.4-liter I4 gas
  • 180 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 175 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,900 RPM
  • 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 103.8 inches
  • Length: 173 inches
  • Width: 73.8 inches
  • Height: 64.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 99.5 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 27.2/59.8 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
  • EPA: 22/30 mpg city/highway (automatic)
  • Regular gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 13.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,184 to 3,633 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 3/5 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Toluca, Mexico

2017 Jeep New Compass
2017 Jeep New Compass
2017 Jeep New Compass
2017 Jeep New Compass


See Also — At a Glance: 2015 Jeep Renegade

New Compass photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 Compass, 2017 SUVs, all-wheel drive, four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, Jeep, JEEP COMPASS, new compass, SUV

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