Life is Poppin'

I believe in sharing my life so I can save you time, money and a few headaches! Always learning from my screw-ups.

  • Drives With Girls
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Kid Stuff
  • Reviews
    • Giveaways

2017 Mazda CX-5 – Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t

Jun 18 by 2 Comments




CX-5

Sleek, fun, and affordable — three ways to describe the new 2017 Mazda CX-5.

There comes a time in a person’s life when they must choose between driving a household appliance, or a vehicle with soul. While the latter isn’t for everyone, Mazda is the Michelangelo of fun-to-drive vehicles, and the 2017 CX-5 its latest masterpiece.

We at Life is Poppin’ are suckers for convenience, efficiency, and simplicity. That being said, we love having a good time behind the wheel. Unfortunately, finding a family-centric vehicle that delivers all of the above isn’t easy. Not at all.

CX-5

In what seemed to be a “When World’s Collide” kind of week for our family, the CX-5 was immediately put to good use. Our girls’ last week of school crammed several after-school events into our busy calendar, while Missi and I’s roles as volunteer U6 soccer coaches took us to seven away-games in just four days. All of this would happen during our seven-day test, on top of our busy work schedules and even a 7-hour road trip at the end of it.

Needless to say, our family threw everything it could at the new CX-5 in order to see what it’s made of. And, the results were…

Family-Proof

Mazda’s hot crossover may be a blast to drive, but lacking practicality would hinder its appeal and push consumers away. Thankfully for you, we can attest to its willingness to please.

CX-5

cx-5

The CX-5’s new interior is designed to offer more convenience to busy families. For starters, kiddos and grownups alike will find up to four USB charging ports in the Grand Touring model. The redesigned backseat offers two reclining settings, and when folded flat it creates a completely flat cargo floor, unlike the previous model.

Nearly 31 cubic feet of cargo space is available when in normal use, and nearly 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In our experience, that’s more than enough to haul soccer gear, a toddler bike, a large cooler, lawn chairs, etc.

Comfort

We know it’s a blast to drive and it can carry the entire family, but will your body pay the ultimate price at the end of the day? No.

CX-5




At the end of our weeklong test of the Mazda CX-5, I had to drive 350 miles north to the great state of Wisconsin. This allowed me to appreciate the refinements made to the 2017 model, beginning with the driver-centric cockpit. Every control is within the reach of the driver and passenger, and the iconic Mazda single center knob makes controlling the infotainment system a breeze while driving.

All seats are extremely well padded and offer enough support for short and long trips alike. Furthermore, the rear center console features climate vents and additional power outlets.

CX-5

Unfortunately, we noticed the lack of a cell-phone-specific cubby up front. The cupholders are pushed pretty far back, and the small cubby above the shifter won’t hold a phone upright. 

Tech Savvy

Our Soul Crystal Red Metallic tester featured a 2.5-liter, 187-horsepower Skyactiv engine with G-Vectoring technology under the hood, and the impressive I-Active all-wheel drive system we previously tested in the CX-3.

CX-5

That being said, Mazda didn’t contain the high-tech goodies to the engine bay. The Grand Touring trim includes a 7″ full-color touch screen display, a rearview camera, navigation system, keyless entry, push-button start, and Bluetooth connectivity.

For those looking for a swanky experience, this trim also includes a 10-speaker Bose audio system, a heads-up display, radar cruise control with full stop and go, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather-wrapped power seats.

Overall

Overall, our test vehicle featured everything we could need and want. Had we not driven other Mazda models recently we would’ve probably been blown away by the CX-5’s value. But we have, which we means we’ve come to expect great things from them — and they never seem to disappoint.

CX-5

The redesigned 2017 Mazda CX-5 is as close as it gets to crossover perfection.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

  • Starts at: $24,045
  • Price as-tested: $34,380

Check out our other adventures!

CX-5




Related Posts

  • Mazda CX-5 – The Fun SUVMazda CX-5 – The Fun SUV
  • 2016 Hyundai Tucson – Quick Spin2016 Hyundai Tucson – Quick Spin
  • All Hail The 2015 Nissan MuranoAll Hail The 2015 Nissan Murano
  • 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Kia Sorento Limited ReviewToyota Highlander Hybrid – Kia Sorento Limited Review
  • 2015 Mazda 3: It should have its own infomercial2015 Mazda 3: It should have its own infomercial
  • 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited – Living Large2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited – Living Large
  • 2015 Lexus NX200t: Mother’s Day in style2015 Lexus NX200t: Mother’s Day in style

Don’t Miss the Latest

2020 Toyota 4Runner: More of the Same, and That’s Ok.

If something isn’t really broken, then you don’t really have to fix it. Year, make, model: 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD ProEngine: 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepowerSeating capacity: FiveSets of LATCH car seat anchors: TwoEPA-estimated MPG (as tested): 16 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (16.7 mpg combined)Price (as tested): $51,968 ($51,968)Related vehicles we’ve tested: Jeep Wrangler, Honda PassportIn a nutshell: Minor updates serve as […]

2020 Jeep Gladiator: Nearly Checks All the Boxes

Stylish and rugged, it may be the only truck you need—but you’ll have to pay the price. Year, make, model: 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport 4×4Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepowerSeating capacity: FiveSets of LATCH car seat anchors: TwoEPA-estimated MPG (as tested): 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (19.9 mpg combined)Price (as tested): $33,545 ($50,540)Related vehicles we’ve tested: Jeep Wrangler, Toyota TacomaIn a […]

2020 Hyundai Palisade Family Review: Nailed It!

Tech galore, dazzling looks, and room to spare make this three-row SUV one of the best family-friendly SUVs we’ve driven. But there’s more… Year, make, model: 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited AWDEngine: 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepowerSeating capacity: SevenSets of car seat anchors: ThreeEPA-estimated MPG (as tested): 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20.3 mpg combined)Price (as tested): $31,775 ($47,605)Related vehicles we’ve […]

Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction – Meeting with a Plastic Surgeon

Meeting with my plastic surgeon to discuss options There are many different routes to choose from when having a double mastectomy. I chose to meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss my options. The goal of breast reconstruction is to reform or reshape one or both breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. After speaking with my breast […]

Filed Under: Pit Stop Tagged With: cars, crossover, cx-5, family, Mazda, review, SUV

Trackbacks

  1. 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: Downsizing With a Smile - Life is Poppin' says:
    October 1, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    […] does it make a difference! “RF” stands for “retractable fastback,” and that’s the name Mazda designers gave to the sleek retractable hardtop that hides in the trunk. Unlike its MX-5 counterpart, this […]

  2. 2017 Ford Raptor: A Family Who Raptors Together, Stays Together - Life is Poppin' says:
    October 24, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    […] In order to stay in the middle of the action, we rented a travel trailer which we towed with our recently acquired Ford F-150 XLT. The camper’s accommodations allowed us to cook, sleep and recover from several days of dusty, hot action. To make things even more thrilling, we got our hands on a Polaris RZR, which served as the Raptor’s off-roading mate during our expedition.  […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

follow-me-on-pinterest

Get to know Drives with Girls!

Drives with girls, lifeispoppin.com

Gifts for Dads

Fox 59 Segment

drives-with-girls

Popular posts you will love:

Fairy in a Jar Night Lights

Fairy in a Jar Night-Lights

4C Spider

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

gala

Womens Daily contributor transTODAY.com Parenting Team FC Contributor

TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

Everywhere

This post may contain affiliate links

Copyright ©2021, Life is Poppin'. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs