During our 0-60 run, the CX-5 clocked 7.8 seconds. Although that might not sound fast, it actually performed better than most of the front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder competition we've tested, and in many cases, the time disparity is enough to warrant consideration. Most recently, the 138-hp Chevrolet Trax took a full 9.0 seconds to hit 60 mph, and when we tested the current-gen Ford Escape with a 178-hp, 1.6-liter four-banger, we recorded 8.9 seconds. The current-gen 176-hp RAV4 XLE scooted to 60 in 8.4 seconds; the 182-hp 2014 Tucson made it in 8.2 seconds; and a pre-refresh 2012 CR-V did the deed in 8.7 seconds.

The slowest compact SUV we tested was the 2013 Kia Sportage at 9.3 seconds, thanks to a 176-hp, 2.4-liter four-banger that has since been updated with just a couple more horses. But which comparable SUV was able to match the CX-5's time? The Tiguan, which has 16 more hp than the CX-5.

So the CX-5 is fast, but how refined is it? I frequently take it for impromptu excursions on the unforgiving streets in the heart of Los Angeles. When I really pay attention, I can definitely feel the engine rock when going on and off the gas, and it's a little thrashier than other SUVs on the market. In the city, I can feel every shift of the transmission a little too vividly. On the other hand, it doesn't roll much for its height, and it is exceptionally stable during quick turns. And while driving at night, the CX-5's adaptive headlights move with every turn of the steering wheel to improve visibility on curvy roads. I don't find these lights distracting or overbearing on the eyes, unlike other systems. The feature isn't available even as an option on most competing models and is typically found on luxury vehicles. On our model, it is part of the $1,485 Technology package.

2015 Mazda CX-5 Touring
BASE PRICE	$25,795
PRICE AS TESTED	$30,425
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	2.5L/184-hp/185-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
WHEELBASE	106.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	178.7 x 72.4 x 65.7 in
0-60 MPH	7.8 sec
QUARTER MILE	16.0 sec @ 87.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	124 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.77 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	28.6 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	25/32/27 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	135/105 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.70 lb/mile

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