10 Reasons the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Wins Autoweb Buyer's Choice Utility Vehicle of the Year Award

2016 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has become the most popular vehicle in the Zoom-zoom brand’s lineup, and it’s plenty popular with Autoweb shoppers, too. Consider: The CX-5 earned the 2017 Autoweb Buyer's Choice Awards as both the best Small SUV and as the Best Utility Vehicle overall, beating out bigger and more premium rivals alike.

#10: A manual transmission

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 appeals to enthusiasts—and those focused on fuel economy—with a standard six-speed manual transmission and 2.0-liter four-cyilnder engine. That DIY gearbox allows increased driver engagement with 155 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque, while also enabling EPA grades of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.

Photo by Mazda

#9: An engine alternative

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 also serves up a six-speed automatic transmission that’s matched with a bigger, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This available powertrain provides 184 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque, yet with barely a decrease in fuel economy versus the standard setup. The EPA line here is 26/33/29.

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#8: Pioneering design

The first vehicle to go all-in with the brand’s “KODO—Soul of Motion” design principles, Mazda’s small crossover has an updated front appearance for the new model year. Most noticeably, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 has a revised grille and redesigned front-foglight frames, with the Touring and Grand Touring editions featuring available LED headlights.

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#7: Premium lighting

Along with its previously mentioned LED headlights, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 also serves up LED foglights, taillights and daytime running lights. Moreover, with an available adaptive front-lighting system, the CX-5 was one of the few vehicles to pass the new IIHS headlight test on its way to earning 2016 Top Safety Pick+ status.

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#6: The 2016.5 CX-5

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 was upgraded part-way through the model year, in what the brand calls the “2016.5” model. It adds standard content at all grades, with a rearview camera for all automatic transmission editions, heated seats and navigation for the Touring, and nav for the Grand Touring as well.

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#5: Ingenious Mazda infotainment

New for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is its Mazda CONNECT infotainment system, which comes with a full-color 7-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and the automaker’s innovative command multi-function “Commander” control. Positioned in front of the center-console armrest, it’s an ergonomic alternative for operating infotainment functions—including optional Bose audio.

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#4: Room for cargo

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has nimble dimensions, but a notable amount of cargo space. There’s more than 34 cubic feet of rear storage—and more than 100 cubic feet of passenger volume—with all seats in use in the CX-5. Cargo capacity is 64.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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#3: A refreshed cabin

Complementing the restyled exterior of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are enhancements in the cabin. A highlight is the new electronic park brake, which is much less obtrusive than a conventional brake and creates a cleaner look with the vehicle’s also redesigned center stack. Heated front seats are a top comfort option.

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#2: The i-ACTIVSENSE safety package

Despite its compact size, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 manages to fit in most of the brand’s available i-ACTIVSENSE safety measures, including Radar Cruise Control (with a close proximity warning), Smart Brake Support (with collision warning), lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Also available: a rearview camera, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and rain-sensing wipers.

#1: Intelligent all-wheel drive

The available all-wheel-drive system for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 lends a high-tech helping hand with driver control. Per Mazda it not only monitors present road conditions—based on everything from ambient temperature to acceleration patterns—but also “forecasts” future ones to ensure optimum traction is ready whenever necessary.

Read about the 17 Most Wanted Vehicles of 2016 for the full list of the 2017 Autobytel Car Buyer's Choice Award recipients.

Photo by Mazda