2018 Mazda CX 5 Diesel, Release Date, Price

The second generation of the CX 5 has been released in late 2016, and it is a brand new car. While it still looks similar to its predecessor (just like New Mazda 6), the platform has been tweaked, and the running gear has been replaced as well. The result should be a better to drive a car than before which is still as comfortable as ever. Even though it has been around for only a short amount of time, the car is set to receive an update with the 2018 Mazda CX 5. At this point, Mazda didn’t say much about this future model. However, they did confirm the rumors saying a new engine will be released on the US market.

Because of that, it is safe to assume the upcoming CX 5 is going to get this engine. Thanks to it most of the problems with the car will be solved which will make the CX 5 the best car in its class by a good margin.

In Detail

The 2018 model will still be based on the same SkyActiv chassis as its predecessor. This is a high-strength steel unibody design instead of the usual aluminum package. Thanks to that it offers a good amount of strength with a minimal weight penalty. In fact, the car weighs between 3,300 and 3,700 pounds which are as good as any other crossover on the market. The 2018 Mazda CX 5 will benefit greatly from this low weight because it is set to receive a heavier engine. On top of that its low center of gravity should help it with the usual understeer that comes with a heavier front engine. Unfortunately, the release date is still unknown, but we are quite sure the car isn’t that far away.

2018 Mazda CX 5 Diesel Engine and Specs

The base model of the 2018 CX 5 is going to rock the same 2.0 liter naturally aspirated engine as before. This gas powertrain is currently good for 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque which is barely average. For those looking for more Mazda will also offer the larger 2.5 liters naturally aspirated mill good for up to 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines will be available with either a six-speed manual or with a six-speed automatic. As standard, the car will come with front wheel drive while an all-wheel-drive system will be offered as an option. Both engines have been rated for nearly 30 MPG on average which is better than the average of its class. However, both of them suffer from not having enough power so when driven at regular speeds these engines are not as efficient as they should.

The 2018 Mazda CX 5 is going to receive a third engine option. This will be Mazda’s well known 2.2 liters turbocharged inline 4 SkyActiv diesel. This engine has been available in Europe for a while, and it is the most efficient diesel on the market. The engine currently makes 173 horsepower and a massive 310 lb-ft of torque at less than 2,000 rpm. Thanks to that massive amount of torque it should perfectly suit the laid back character of the CX 5. One of the main advantages of having diesel is the great highway fuel efficiency which is expected to get well past 40 MPG making the CX 5 the most efficient car in its class.

Design – Inside and Out

It is not that surprising that the 2018 Mazda CX 5 is going to look mostly identical to the 2017 version. In fact, it seems there won’t be any actual difference on the regular gas powered cars. The diesel, on the other hand, is likely going to receive a new set of badges and new wheels. On top of that, the car may become available with a new paint option unique to the diesel. Inside the cabin, the only visible difference between the diesel and the gas powered car will be the instrument cluster. Some also suggested the diesel could receive extra insulation. This would lower the sound signature of the engine, but it could also make the car quieter during highway use. If this is the case, then the CX 5 diesel could become one of the quietest cars on the market at this price point which is quite unusual, especially for diesel.

2018 Mazda CX 5 Release Date, Price and Competitors

ENGINE	2.2 liters turbocharged inline 4 SkyActiv diesel
DRIVETRAIN	FWD/AWD
SEATING	5 Passengers
PRICE	$25,000 – $35,000
RELEASE DATE	Late 2017 or early 2018

Competition:

• Nissan Rogue
• Ford Escape
• Honda CR-V
• Jeep Cherokee
• Kia Sportage
• Subaru Forester
• Hyundai Tucson
• Toyota RAV4
• Chevrolet Equinox 
• GMC Terrain