Mazda Earns Two Of 10 Spots On Car And Driver’s 10 best Trucks And SUVS List
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV and 2018 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover SUV have been awarded as two of Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2018. This represents a repeat performance for Mazda CX-9 as the Best Mid-Size SUV and Mazda CX-5’s first time winning the Best Compact SUV category.
Car and Driver selected its 10Best list by segment, with CX-5 and CX-9 vying for their spots against their tough direct competition. Both crossover SUVs stood out through exemplary chassis dynamics, fuel efficiency, craftsmanship, design and refinement.
For Mazda CX-5, editors noted that, “From the first turn of the wheel, it’s evident that the Mazda is something different. The CX-5 follows steering commands with an eagerness that belies its category. Its chassis provides a master class in body control—firm enough to make for engaging handling yet supple enough to shrug off pavement imperfections.”
Similarly, Mazda CX-9 was lauded for its balance between utility and driving enjoyment.
“Practicality may be king for vehicles tasked with the demands of suburban responsibility, yet our chores need not be devoid of enjoyment. Mazda gets that, and the CX-9 crossover is its flagship example of bringing driving satisfaction to the daily grind, a sophisticated standout that sets the benchmark for how a three-row SUV should satisfy its driver.”
Going on sale last spring as an all-new model, Mazda CX-5 has drawn praise for its class-above quality and refinement while carrying a base MSRP of just $24,150. For the 2018 model year, Mazda CX-5 carries significant upgrades, including standard cylinder-deactivation technology that can shut down the two outside cylinders when they’re not needed to increase fuel-efficiency. Also new are increased levels of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies on all trim levels, including Smart City Brake Support automatic emergency braking.
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 also features numerous updates and improvements, including a second row that slides farther forward, allowing greater access to the third row, easier-to-use second-row seat levers, greater noise reduction, standard G-Vectoring Control vehicle dynamics enhancements and front parking sensors that come standard on Mazda CX-9 Touring models. Mazda CX-9 is also newly available with a heated steering wheel and heated second-row outboard seats, among a long list of additional features and under-the-sheet metal refinements. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 carries a starting MSRP of $32,130.
With the two wins, Mazda is among the top-three winningest brands in Car and Driver’s three and a half decades of 10Best awards.
For more information on Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs 2018 awards: caranddriver.com/10BestTrucks
