Photo: IIHS
Even though the CX-5 is described as a second generation, there’s no denying the platform, engine lineup, and drivetrain are more or less similar to the original. The Mazda6, on the other hand, is at its second facelift. But despite these revisions, the CX-5 came out on top of the mid-size sedan according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The question is, why did the Mazda6 receive the Top Safety Pick award while the compact crossover utility vehicle managed to take home the Top Safety Pick+ award? Furthermore, why would the IIHS make this difference between the two models even though both scored “good” in terms of crashworthiness and “superior” for crash avoidance and mitigation?
The answer is simpler than you might imagine. Without further beating around the bush, the headlights of the 2018 Mazda6 scored “acceptable” overall. The curve-adaptive LED lighting system on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels isn't up to the job of offering adequate visibility while cornering. The LED projectors of the Sport trim level, meanwhile, were rated “marginal” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
On the flip side, the IIHS are impressed with the ease of use of the child seat anchors in the Mazda6. The CX-5, on the other hand, settled for an “acceptable” rating because the lower anchors are located too deep in the seat.
On sale now, the 2018 Mazda6 carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $21,950 excluding $975 for destination and delivery. The CX-5 is an idea more expensive at $24,150 plus $975, despite the fact it’s one segment below the mid-size sedan.
In related news, the Mazda6 is now available with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G. Shared with the CX-9 three-row crossover utility vehicle, the SkyActiv-G 2.5 T can’t be had on the CX-5, not even as an option. But what you lose in suck-squeeze-bang-blow you gain in off-road capability, with the CX-5 available with the automaker's i-Activ AWD system.
On a related note, expect the 2019 model year of the Mazda CX-5 to bring the SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter turbo diesel offered in Europe and Japan to the United States of America.
The answer is simpler than you might imagine. Without further beating around the bush, the headlights of the 2018 Mazda6 scored “acceptable” overall. The curve-adaptive LED lighting system on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels isn't up to the job of offering adequate visibility while cornering. The LED projectors of the Sport trim level, meanwhile, were rated “marginal” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
On the flip side, the IIHS are impressed with the ease of use of the child seat anchors in the Mazda6. The CX-5, on the other hand, settled for an “acceptable” rating because the lower anchors are located too deep in the seat.
On sale now, the 2018 Mazda6 carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $21,950 excluding $975 for destination and delivery. The CX-5 is an idea more expensive at $24,150 plus $975, despite the fact it’s one segment below the mid-size sedan.
In related news, the Mazda6 is now available with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G. Shared with the CX-9 three-row crossover utility vehicle, the SkyActiv-G 2.5 T can’t be had on the CX-5, not even as an option. But what you lose in suck-squeeze-bang-blow you gain in off-road capability, with the CX-5 available with the automaker's i-Activ AWD system.
On a related note, expect the 2019 model year of the Mazda CX-5 to bring the SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter turbo diesel offered in Europe and Japan to the United States of America.
Google News