Tag Archives: 2014 Mazda CX-5
2014 Mazda CX-5: The Beefier and Better Crossover
The driver pleasing Mazda CX 5 is back in 2014 and that too with the bang on Touring and Grand Touring Models offering front wheel and all wheel drive options to choose from. Now the compact SUV lovers can also find 184 hp, 2.5 liter inline four in 2014 Mazda CX-5 which is also a high selling point of Mazda6 Sedan. However, going a step ahead from its previous versions, the SUV also sports useful and additional 29hp along with 35 lb-ft of output and all is made available even in the basic sport trim level. Option of automatic and manual gearbox, Mazda built six speed automatic transmission to mate with 2.5 liter CX-5 and an additional piece of Mazda’s Skyactive technology are some things to look out for in the futuristic SUV.
Undoubtedly the all new 2014 Mazda CX-5 has set the soaring high standards for compact SUVs with its smooth handling and driver enjoyment, however the 2.5 liter dispense manages to offer only modest acceleration. Its takes approx 9s for 0 to 60 mph acceleration, but Mazda claims to offer 8s assurance with 2.5 liter version. Competitors offering turbocharged and V-6 engine options are still way ahead from the 2014 Mazda CX-5, but when it comes to driving in twisting tough roads, the car comes as a winner.
The automatic version is surprisingly quick, adept and downshifts crisply with the less sharp upshifts. The base architecture of CX-5 might be copied from Mazda 6, but it lacks paddle shifter or manual gearbox which is a apart of sedan. Like earlier versions, this time as well 2014 Mazda CX-5 offers handling balance, steering wheel, braking feel, ride control and a lot more beyond the ordinary levels of SUVs offered in this class.
The weight of the compact SUV gets modified with the trim level you wish to buy, as the weight gain with new engine has gone only about 100pounds up approximately. The fully loaded diesel version we test drove is packed with standard Mazda features that prominently include electronic gewgaws, 5.8 inch touchscreen, big console dial/mouse device, easier panel to adjust radio volume and station, dedicated knobs and buttons for tweaking climate control system. The design and finishing of the new 2014 Mazda CX-5 is done keeping in mind real people driving in real world, so hats off to the designers.
Although the compact SUV by Mazda is packed with adequate power but it also lags behind with its one negative point, which is occasional intrusion of road noise over coarse road surfaces. Although Mazda is considered quieter than its competitors but this time it disappointed in that department. Clean and functional interior design might look bland to those who have good experience with top end SUV models going beyond $30,000. At this price, Buick Encore has better and luxurious trimmings to admire.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 has no competition in driving enjoyment that comes with all round balance and excellent ride charm, until you start looking for accelerative thrills to have fun drive above everything else.
The 2014 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is one impressive crossover in its niche. This compact crossover debuted back in 2006. The 2014 Nissan Rogue is a completely redone version of the model. In its very initial stages, the Nissan Rogue was already an impressive small SUV with an array of features like its fine styling, impressive driving dynamics, and a rich looking cabin that was better that a lot of crossovers in the segment. Keeping up the good work, the automaker rolled out the next generation of the Nissan Rogue and has redone it for the better. The 2014 Nissan Rogue now comes with enhanced fuel economy, a third row of passenger seats and better technology, which were initially few of the down points of the original model.
The 2014 Nissan Rogue has got itself three trim levels. The S being the base, followed by SV and SL. The standard 2014 Rogue offers two row seats while an available third row come with the S and SV trim levels. The 2014 Nissan Rogue S rolls on 17 inch wheels. With features like LED running lights, cruise control, power mirrors, a rearview camera and an infotainment display that spans about 5 inches, the S in itself is one finely equipped version. The SL trim level sports 18 inch alloy wheels. Foglights, roof rails, heated mirrors, leather upholstery and an amazing infotainment and navigation system is what the model offers. And then there is the SL trim, which is the top-of-the-class. Along with everything that the Rogue can possibly feature, the 2014 Rogue SL has a nine speaker Bose surround sound.
Under its hood, the 2014 Nissan Rogue boasts a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine that is good for generating about 170 horses and 175 pound feet of twist. Standard features include a front wheel drive as well as a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has been enhanced, as the brand claims, and it is now quicker than the earlier Nissan Rogue. The standard Nissan Rogue begins cruising at a speed of 60 mph, starting from rest, in a sprint time of 8.6 seconds.
The engine in the compact crossover and its mated transmission do not work very well for the driving impressions of the 2014 Nissan Rogue. The fuel economy was put in the centre of the plan while the redesigning of the 2014 Nissan Rogue and to justify that cause, the automakers had to compromise with the agility of the vehicle. There is absolute absence of quick acceleration in the 2014 Nissan Rogue. Also, the CVT, as it is infamous, produces unpleasant drone noises when you try and accelerate faster.
This is a simple drive and is appealing to a lot of people that seek for an easy compact crossover in budget. While the driving dynamics are not breathtaking, they are fine enough for everyday drives. While the 2014 Kia Sorento, 2014 Mazda Cx-5 and the 2014 Santa Fe Sport remain amazingly tough competitors for the vehicle, the 2014 Nissan Rogue is a fine vehicle to check out.
The 2014 Honda CR-V
Having remained one of the best selling SUV’s for several years the Honda CR-V is a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, usability, driver involvement, fuel economy, reliability and low ownership cost and these qualities still remain unmatched by any other compact crossover SUV till date. Folks who look for a small family vehicle this little SUV should top your test drive list. The 2014 Honda CR-V carries over unchanged into the new year and no issues with that since the compact crossover one of the best in its niche.
What best describes the Honda CR-V is the word “easy” because that is certainly what it makes your life. The 5 passenger crossover SUV comes in LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. While the LX comes standard with 16 inch steel wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a blind spot mirror, a rear view camera, cruise control a height adjustable driver seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a 60.40 split folding seat with reclining trunk mounted fold handle, Pandora internet radio control and all the fancy stuff that there should be in a modern compact crossover, the EX adds to it 17 inch alloy wheels and other luxuries like a sunroof, fog lights, body colored mirrors and door handles, rear privacy glass, a cargo cover and six speaker sound system. The EX-L boast everything along with roof rails, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual zone climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery, eight way power driver seat with two way power lumbar, satellite radio and even a seven-spear surround sound system including a sub woofer.
Powered by a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, the 2014 Honda CR-V runs on 185 horsepower and twists with 163 pound feet of torque and is mated to a five speed automatic transmission that comes standard with all the models. There is a choice for the buyers between front or all-wheel drive on all models. The fuel economy rates at 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combines while they drop by 1 mpg each in AWD models. The real world driving also testifies the numbers. The Honda CR-V greets the driver with a very precise steering wheel and commendably steady handling. Also, ride quality is smoother and unlike the previous generations, 2014 Honda CR-V sports a relatively quiet cabin.
The 2014 Honda CR-V faces tough completion with competitors like the Chevy Equinox, the 2014 Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and of course the 2014 Mazda CX-5. In fact, the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester also stand as strong alternative. And since the exterior of the 2014 Honda CR-V is quite bland and materials used in the cabin aren’t as high-quality as in some of the rivals, it seems hard to get excited about the vehicle. But for those who believe in making decisions based in practicality and sensibility rather than an emotional choice based on a highly stylish grille or amazingly plush interiors, nothing comes remotely close to the 2014 Honda CR-V.
The New Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has been a huge success for Mazda, a company that more than often struggles to get the attention of buyers more inclined to shop other brands. The CX-5 is a perfect blend of good looks, general feature content, ample space and car like driving dynamics that resonated perfectly with folks looking for a compact crossover SUV. The only little possibility to improve was under the hood. And this issue was addressed in the 2014 Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 gets a welcome infusion of power for 2014 as the Touring and Grand Touring models get a bigger engine. Fortunately, the fuel economy is barely affected. Other additions to the new Mazda CX-5 include the availability of a collision warning and assist system as well as HD and Pandora radio services.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5, a 5 passenger compact crossover comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The base Sport is a standard with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, key-less entry, cruise control, a highly adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a 60-40 split folding rear seat. The Touring gets the Sport’s additional equipment plus a more powerful engine, a rear camera, a blind spot warning system, a six way power driver seat, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat and a six speaker sound system. The Grand Touring includes everything that there is along with 19 inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, dual zone automatic climate control and an eight way power driver seat.
While the Sport carries the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the last year that produces 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual transmission that takes the little crossover from rest to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds the Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring sport a 2.5 Liter four-cylinder good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The way the 2014 Mazda CX-5 drives is a dynamic departure from the compact SUV’s segment’s otherwise typical low standards. The brakes, suspension and steering are uncommonly capable! The new Mazda CX-5 is downright fun and confidence-inspiring on a curving road. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and makes the drive a completely indulging experience.
Mazda CX-5 will be one of the most enjoyable little SUV to drive. Mazda, once again, proved that sensible is not equal to boring. Of course, there are an awful lot of worthy competitors to consider. The Ford Escape offers available turbo power and a more appealing interior, the Honda CR-V is a more utilitarian choice and the 2014 Subaru Forester boasts stronger credentials for off-road use. But, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 should be strongly considered. Though the concept is quite conventional the execution is truly unique. The best-handling compact crossover shines in its driving experience and that makes the people who drive it won over by the Mazda CX-5 in a heartbeat. The pricing is not yet known for the Mazda CX-5 compact crossover but more would be know when the new CX-5s roll into the dealer showrooms in the early 2014!