In the fiercely competitive Canadian compact SUV market, the Mazda CX-5 has long been a standout option, blending style, performance, and practicality.
The GS AWD trim, in particular, offers a compelling mix of features and value that resonates with Canadian drivers. Let’s delve into what makes the Mazda CX-5 GS AWD a top choice for those navigating both urban streets and rugged terrains across the Great White North.
Design and Exterior
The Mazda CX-5 GS AWD showcases Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, which emphasizes a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary. Its sleek lines and bold grille create a premium appearance that punches above its weight class.
Key exterior features include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with a silver metallic finish
- LED headlights for improved visibility in Canada’s long winter nights
- Body-colored power heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Rear privacy glass, perfect for maintaining privacy in urban environments
The CX-5’s design is not just about looks; it’s also functional. The aerodynamic shape helps with fuel efficiency, while the generous ground clearance (7.5 inches) proves useful when navigating snow-covered roads or venturing off the beaten path.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the CX-5 GS AWD, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels more upscale than its price point suggests. Mazda has paid attention to the details, creating a space that’s both comfortable and driver-focused.
Notable interior features include:
- Leatherette-trimmed upholstery, offering a premium feel and easy maintenance
- Heated front seats with three temperature settings, a must-have for Canadian winters
- 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support
- Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury and comfort
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring comfort for all occupants
The CX-5 offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. With 966 mm of rear legroom and 1,041 mm of front legroom, even taller passengers can find comfort on longer journeys.
The cargo area provides 875 liters of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,687 liters with the seats folded down – perfect for those weekend getaways to the cottage or ski trips to the Rockies.
Performance and Drivetrain
Under the hood, the CX-5 GS AWD is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
This powerplant strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, providing enough grunt for confident highway passing while maintaining reasonable fuel economy.
The drivetrain features:
- 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and sport mode
- i-Activ AWD system, which continuously monitors road conditions and adjusts power distribution accordingly
- G-Vectoring Control Plus, enhancing steering response and stability
The i-Activ AWD system is particularly well-suited to Canadian driving conditions. It can predict when wheel slip might occur and proactively adjust power distribution, providing sure-footed traction on snow-covered roads or during sudden rain showers.
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many Canadian buyers, and the CX-5 GS AWD doesn’t disappoint. It achieves a respectable 9.8 L/100km in the city and 7.9 L/100km on the highway, making it competitive within its class.
Technology and Infotainment
Mazda has equipped the CX-5 GS AWD with a comprehensive suite of technology features designed to enhance both convenience and safety.
The infotainment system includes:
- 10.25-inch full-color center display
- Mazda Connect infotainment system with HMI Commander switch
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- 6-speaker audio system
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability
The interface is intuitive, with a combination of touchscreen functionality and physical controls that are easy to use even when wearing gloves – a thoughtful touch for Canadian winters.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in the CX-5 GS AWD, with a host of active and passive safety features that provide peace of mind for Canadian drivers navigating diverse and sometimes challenging road conditions.
Key safety features include:
- i-Activsense suite of safety technologies
- Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Smart City Brake Support Front (SCBS-F)
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC)
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
- Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
These systems work in concert to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions when they do occur. The all-wheel-drive system also contributes to safety, providing enhanced traction in adverse weather conditions.
Pricing and Value Proposition
In the Canadian market, the Mazda CX-5 GS AWD is positioned as a value-packed option in the compact SUV segment. With a starting MSRP of around $36,100 CAD (as of 2024), it offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and quality at a competitive price point.
When compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V EX-L AWD or the Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, the CX-5 GS AWD often comes in at a similar or slightly lower price point while offering comparable or superior features. This value proposition is further enhanced by Mazda’s reputation for reliability and strong resale values in the Canadian market.
Canadian-Specific Considerations
Several factors make the Mazda CX-5 GS AWD particularly well-suited to Canadian drivers:
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard AWD is a significant advantage in a country where winter driving can be challenging.
- Cold Weather Package: Features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer are invaluable during harsh Canadian winters.
- Fuel Efficiency: With fuel prices often higher in Canada compared to the U.S., the CX-5’s competitive fuel economy is appealing to cost-conscious buyers.
- Size: The CX-5’s compact dimensions make it well-suited to urban environments in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, while still offering enough space for weekend adventures.
- Ground Clearance: With 7.5 inches of ground clearance, the CX-5 can handle snow-covered roads and light off-road duties with ease.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Mazda CX-5 GS AWD shines with its blend of comfort, responsiveness, and refinement. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride over Canada’s sometimes rough roads while still offering engaging handling through corners.
The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. This, combined with the G-Vectoring Control Plus system, makes the CX-5 feel more nimble than many of its competitors, inspiring confidence whether navigating tight city streets or winding country roads.
Highway driving is a strong suit for the CX-5, with well-controlled road and wind noise making for a serene cabin environment on long trips. The adaptive cruise control system works smoothly, reducing driver fatigue on extended journeys.
In winter conditions, where many Canadian drivers spend a significant portion of their time, the CX-5 GS AWD truly comes into its own. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, while the various safety systems help to keep the vehicle stable and controlled on slippery surfaces.
Customization and Options
While the GS AWD trim comes well-equipped as standard, Mazda offers several options for Canadian buyers to further customize their CX-5:
- Comfort Package: Adds a power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rear parking sensors
- Metallic/Mica Paint Colors: For those wanting to stand out from the crowd
- Accessory options: Including roof racks, all-weather floor mats, and cargo organizers, perfect for adapting the CX-5 to various Canadian lifestyles
These options allow buyers to tailor their CX-5 to their specific needs and preferences without significantly inflating the price.
Ownership Experience
Mazda has been working to elevate its brand image in recent years, and this is reflected in the ownership experience of the CX-5. Canadian owners generally report high satisfaction with their vehicles, citing the premium feel, reliable performance, and strong resale values as key positives.
Mazda’s warranty coverage in Canada is competitive, offering:
- 3-year/unlimited kilometer new vehicle warranty
- 5-year/unlimited kilometer powertrain warranty
- 7-year/unlimited kilometer anti-perforation warranty
This coverage, combined with Mazda’s reputation for reliability, provides peace of mind for Canadian buyers who often keep their vehicles for extended periods due to the country’s higher vehicle prices.
Environmental Considerations
While not a hybrid or electric vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 GS AWD does incorporate several technologies to minimize its environmental impact:
- Skyactiv technology, which optimizes engine and transmission efficiency
- i-stop system, which shuts off the engine at stops to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
- Careful aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve efficiency
For Canadian buyers increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, these features help to make the CX-5 a more responsible choice in the compact SUV segment.
Mazda CX-5 GS AWD
The Mazda CX-5 GS AWD stands out as a compelling option in the Canadian compact SUV market. It successfully balances the practical needs of Canadian drivers – all-wheel drive, winter-ready features, and fuel efficiency – with the emotional appeal of stylish design and an engaging driving experience.
While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, the CX-5 GS AWD offers a premium feel and a comprehensive feature set that justifies its price point. Its blend of quality, performance, and value makes it a strong contender for Canadian buyers looking for a vehicle that can handle the diverse demands of life in the Great White North.
Whether navigating city streets in Toronto, cruising the highways of the Prairies, or tackling snow-covered roads in the Rockies, the Mazda CX-5 GS AWD proves itself as a versatile and capable companion. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just meet the needs of Canadian drivers – it exceeds them, offering a touch of luxury and excitement in a practical, well-rounded package.