Crossover SUVs and CUVs are favorite vehicle classes for me to drive. I love the utility. You get the versatility of an SUV with the cargo space and AWD ruggedness. Mazda redesigned their 2017 Mazda CX-5 with a refined suspension, more CUV technology, and a more practical interior—making it a classier overall ride for any suburban mom.
As a mom of four kids with various activities, including being active skiers (so a need for AWD) we need a crossover SUV or CUV option in our lives.
I first drove the Mazda CX-5 on a drive event in June 2017. I fell in love with its versatility. Driving through the mountains of Temecula Valley showed me the ability of the vehicle’s handling capability. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 L turbo engine has got the oomph to get you up the hills where needed while still getting good gas mileage. The estimated mileage is up to 24 city/31 highway. The mountain terrain handling gave me confidence with its ability to take a turn; I’d really like to test this in the snow, too.
2017 Mazda CX-5 Luxury Interior
The Touring and Grand Touring trim level offers French-stitched padded armrests and dashboard accents. I was a bit bummed at the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. I did love that ample USB ports (4 I counted in the Grand Touring trim level).
The Infotainment center features a 7.0-inch dashboard display controlled by a knob, which takes a few minutes to get used to but is super easy to use once you get the hang of it.
2017 Mazda CX-5 Cargo Space
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 rear seats weren’t adjustable and don’t lay completely flat. However, when folded forward, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 rear seats create a flat, uninterrupted load floor all the way back to the lift gate.
Who is the 2017 Mazda CX-5 for?
Let’s start with who the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is not for. It’s not ideal for anyone with more than 2 kids. You can get away with it with 3 kids that don’t require car seats or if they only have booster seats, but as a mom of 4, the no third-row option is probably a hard pass for us. However, in the next year or 2, we need to get our son a car and we’ll then have kids moving on to college. This could work for us for an around town car and still keep a vehicle with a third-row for our full-time road-tripping vehicle.
2017 Mazda CX-5 is perfect for suburban moms with one or two kids, especially if you need a vehicle with an affordable AWD option and want the feel of luxury without the price tag. Overall, I found this to be an even better ride and value than the 2016 Mazda CX-5, which I loved.
Fully loaded 2017 CX-5 Grand Touring has an MSRP of $33,465 without premium paint.
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