Of all the updates and refinements added to the CX-5, none is more dramatic and impactful than Mazda’s segment-exclusive cylinder-deactivation technology in the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine.

The engine introduces the ability to imperceptible shut down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. Running on two cylinders reduces pumping loss and mechanical resistance. This is designed to assist in improving real-world efficiency and comes standard on CX-5 GS and GT models. Cylinder deactivation is more effective at low speeds, improving fuel economy by approximately 20% when driving at a constant 40km/h, and by approximately 5% at a constant 80km/h. Mazda is the only automaker to equip a four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation in North America.

Newly standard equipment for 2018 models include automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and illuminated power windows with driver’s one-touch up/down feature. On the safety front, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) now come standard across all models.

The entry-level CX-5 GX features cloth upholstery, standard LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, MAZDA CONNECT infotainment with a 7-inch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing as standard. The updated SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine is also standard, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The available 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with an updated version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

In its newly available GX i-ACTIVSENSE Package, CX-5 adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function, Smart Brake Support (SBS), pedestrian detection, Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), High Beam Control (HBC), and colour multi-information display (MID).

The mid-trim CX-5 GS adds the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation as standard equipment, paired exclusively with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Moving up to the CX-5 GS model sees upgrades to leatherette-upholstered seats which are heated, along with a heated steering wheel.

Further building on the GS with Comfort and i-ACTIVSENSE packages, the top-trim CX-5 GT upgrades the seating with 10-way power driver’s seat, new 2-position memory driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable passenger seat.

The available GT Technology Package includes the equipment from the GX/GS i-ACTIVSENSE Package along with a windshield-projected Active Driving Display head-up unit with Traffic Sign Recognition, and SiriusXM® satellite radio with a 3-month trial subscription.

All CX-5 models sold in Canada are available with Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, which feeds information from 27 sensors found in CX-5 to predict road conditions and send power wherever it’s needed.

CX-5 has earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” designation for the fifth-consecutive year in 2017, joining all Mazda models tested to earn the nonprofit’s highest award when equipped with proper headlights and specific technologies.

Click the Test Drive button and arrange to be one of the first to drive and fully explore all the features and benefits of Mazda’s 2018 CX-5.