MOTOR RIVALS

New for the mid-model year, a backup camera is now standard on all trim levels equipped with Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. CX-5 Touring models gain standard navigation and heated front seats. CX-5 Grand Touring models also add navigation as standard equipment.

Previously, CX-5's backup camera was part of the Rear View Camera Package on the CX-5 Sport trim level. Navigation was available in the CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring Technology Packages.

As with the 2016 CX-5, the entry-level Sport model comes standard with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that makes 155 horsepower. It is paired with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. CX-5 Sport models equipped with Mazda's six-speed automatic transmission come with a more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine, MAZDA CONNECT infotainment and a seven-inch color monitor with Commander control knob.

In addition to the CX-5 Sport models equipped with an automatic transmission, CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring models feature Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and come with a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine.

All trim levels are available with standard front-wheel drive or available predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that uses 27 sensors to read outside weather and temperature conditions up to 200 times per second to adjust how torque is distributed.

The 2015 CR-V includes easy-to-read instrumentation and, for the first time on CR-V, Honda's new 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. Display Audio, standard on EX and above trim levels, allows the user to tap, pinch, and swipe – just like on a smart phone or tablet – to control audio and other telematics features, including the available next-generation HondaLink™⁹ and the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System™¹⁰. All CR-Vs retain the full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. The CR-V's audio and telematics systems offer a high level of connectivity, including a standard Pandora®¹¹ internet interface and SMS text messaging function, Bluetooth®¹² HandsFreeLink® phone interface.

The 2015 CR-V's new Earth Dreams Technology™ 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine produces 181 lb-ft of torque, an 11-percent increase over the previous engine's 163 lb-ft¹³ while making the same 185 horsepower¹⁴. The new lighter-weight engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift that provides smooth, seamless ratio changes and contributes to increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg³ (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg³ for the Real Time AWD models.

An updated suspension design, and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)¹⁵ and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) all contribute to the 2015 CR-V's quality driving experience, which is enhanced further on the EX and above trims with wider front and rear track dimensions due to wider wheels (+0.5 inches). The CR-V uses front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension systems that benefit from tuning changes. The rear multi-link system helps maximize rear seating and cargo space while providing stable and comfortable handling and ride quality. Newly revised shock absorber tuning helps deliver a refined driving feel.