This story was written by my husband after a week of driving Mazda CX5.
Thank you Drive Shop for giving us this fun opportunity
I didn’t grow up loving Mazdas. To be perfectly honest, I’ve never considered it as my next car because of any issues … it somehow never “clicked”. That was until we got to drive the all-new Mazda CX9 a year ago. I called it a shocker of 2017! The styling, behavior on the road, options – it made me feel like me on the road. The take-off, the turns, the low humming sound – it felt like a sports car, while the kids still got to enjoy the space and comfort.
A month ago Drive Shop suggested that we would try Mazda CX5 and it caught me off-guard from the moment I pushed the gas. 
Having lowered my expectations from the sleek and powerful CX9 I left the drive for a five-hour trip in a smaller and slightly tight fitting for a family of five CX5 and arrive at Port Clinton Ohio with a whole new appreciation for the mighty power of Mazda.
What’s in the Car?
Unmistakable character aside, this generation of cars has just the right amount of bells and whistles without going overboard yet to make it perfectly functional and practical on the road. Based on my previous experience I admired Intelligent Cruise Control, memory seats, and the heads-up display. All of these options combined fit together very naturally.
What’s Inside?
Sizewise it was a different story. With a family of 5, Mazda CX5 could be a great second vehicle to get around town yet it won’t be my first choice for a long road trip. It feels like a 4-seater and putting two kids and a car seat with a third one seemed like a bit of a stretch.
Mazda utilizes limited space with creativity by placing deep and reliable cup holders as well as a 2-port USB charger into an armrest of the second row. However, the minute you add a third passenger to the back seat, all these little luxuries disappear. When it comes to short daily commute these are not exactly the most important things to have. However, take this car on a 300+ miles road trip with kids and your priorities change to making it as comfortable and as scream-free as possible. What wouldn’t I give for iPad USB chargers and Coolatta cup holders between hours three and four of our drive!
Mazda’s Maneuvers
As much as I love our long road trips I still often get tired after hours of the highway miles with unmemorable Midwest road sight views. That’s where car handling becomes of utmost importance and here little Mazda CX5 astounded me. This small cross-over makes you feel like you’re driving a roadster in the city and feels as stable as a minivan on the highway. I was surprised with how easy I was able to maneuver it through the downtown traffic on the way home.
Fun Fact! I often think that a true measurement of a road trip is how thick is the layer of bugs my car on its front bumper once the trip is over. Here is mine!
Combined with great gas mileage, Mazda CX5 would make a great choice for a family of four for both city travel and long distance trips. With various options, this car delivers a great comfort and superior experience for travelers and city commuters alike.
