I have to admit I felt bad when I saw my husband’s reaction to the Mazda CZ-5 Grand Touring AWD as it pulled up in front of our house.
Oh, it’s not that he didn’t like it. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
His face lit up and I had to run in front of him to prevent him from hugging the driver and thanking her for delivering what he believed was a surprise birthday present for his big 6-0.
Unfortunately, it was not.
The only way I was only able to get him over his disappointment — which was even greater when he saw the plush interior — was by assuring him we had the car to drive to our heart’s content for the next week, which would include his big birthday celebration.
Whew.
The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD does offer many gifts to drivers. Here are a few of my favorites:
Rear camera
This has become a necessity for me, especially since I like to back into parking spaces and I’m definitely challenged when it comes to parallel parking, as you can tell from the evidence above. I love the rear camera on the Mazda CX-5 because the lines make sense to me, and maneuvering the lines to match parking spot lines is almost like playing a video game. It makes it so much easier.
Navigation
An interesting feature of the Mazda CX-5 is that, even while we’re listening to our middle-aged 80s station, it lets us know what street we’re approaching. See where it says Del Mar Heights Road? This was a surprisingly helpful touch when we got carried away singing along to the music and weren’t paying attention to street names.
Touch screen
I happen to like touch screens and find them so much easier and safer to use when driving. The 7 inch color touch screen in the Mazda CX-5 is pretty self-explanatory and the graphics are simple to understand.
Multi-function Commander Control
In theory, I love the idea of Commander Control — I mean, who doesn’t want to take charge like that? — but, honestly, it was a little confusing to me to have to do some things on the touch screen and others this way. That being said, I can see how people will really like this. As the week went on, I was able to take my eyes off the road less and less as muscle memory kicked in and my hand knew where to reach to change the volume or switch from the radio to my iPod. It also took a little while to get used to the fact that the parking brake was controlled electronically.
The Mazda CX-5 is filled with safety features like my beloved blind spot detectors, and comfort features including heated seats — which we use more than you would expect in Southern California.
But best of all during this big birthday week? Although Michael was sad that the Mazda CX-5 wasn’t one of his gifts, he was very happy that it was roomy enough to hold all the goodies that were.
I love Mazdas. I’ve had mine since 2009 and it is an amazing car. We will be looking to upgrade it shortly and the Cx-5 looks like a perfect family car. We live in the mountains and the heated seats are a must so I love that they have kept that feature. And the blind spot cameras are SO cool, I definitely want one on my next car.
I drove the 2016 Mazda CX 5 and I loved it. It was the perfect size for my family. And I love all of the new features!
Lois, we are in the market for a new car and I am very glad to read your review. I am sharing it with Pete. Happy Birthday to Michael!
Love that rear camera. I hope our next SUV has that feature!
That’s actually a model we looked at while at the local auto show. Never owned a Mazda, but this might be the first one!
Wow this car looks super cool! I love those seats too! Might have to think about one of these when we are in the market for a new car.
I haven’t driven a Mazda but I’m intrigued by all these features. We need plenty of space when we travel for swim. Looks like this car has plenty
How fun to get a car to try out? Looks like a great car. I still have trouble figuring out how to turn on my BF’s Prius without a regular key, although the touch screen sounds great.
This CX-5 definitely had some impressive tech features. I think I’d be pretty happy with the rear camera and the touch controls too.
What a great car! Wonderful features that we all need. The rear camera is a must for me, too. Happy Birthday to Michael!
Mazda makes a darn good car. That’s all I have to say. I’ve had one and it was one of my best.
This seems like a great car! I am loving that pretty interior! We are actually looking to get a new car in the next few months so I am doing a ton of research.
I’ve always liked the mazda SUVs. They’re sharp looking.
I wouldn’t mind having one of these. I also suck at parallel parking. I try to avoid going any place that doesn’t have a regular parking lot, but I’m sure if my car had a nifty rear view camera like this one I wouldn’t mind as much.
Looks like a sweet ride! I just bought a a new SUV less than 2 years ago… but maybe one day I’ll be in the market again, and I’ll have to keep Mazda in mind. Definitely love rear view cameras!
That’s a gorgeous car. I really like driving Mazdas, especially this one!
This is such a gorgeous car! Mazda’s are great. I have been looking for a new suv so I will have to check these out!
I recently bought a Mazda, the fifth one that our family has purchased. Ours is a Mazda3 and we love it. Mazda is a company that really makes reliable and stylish cars.
I’m kinda drooling over those white leather seats. How gorgeous. Makes my grey look a little more tame. Haha!