2013 Mazda CX-5 Specs Released: 155 HP, Up to 33 MPG Highway, No Manual/AWD Combo

2013 Mazda CX-5 Specs Released: 155 HP, Up to 33 MPG Highway, No Manual/AWD Combo:

On the eve of the 2013 CX-5’s American debut at the L.A. auto show, Mazda has released the crossover’s U.S.-market specifications. We’ve already driven the CX-5, but still didn’t know final output, weight, or fuel-economy figures. The quick rundown: According to Mazda’s spec sheet, the CX-5 will pack 155 hp, weigh less than 3500 pounds, and return up to 33 mpg on the highway.

The CX-5 is the first Mazda to be wholly designed with the automaker’s efficiency-boosting Skyactiv technologies baked in. At its core, Skyactiv tech is intended to boost fuel economy and reduce weight. The CX-5’s direct-injected, 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine is the same one as found under the hood of the 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv. It produces an identical 155 hp as in the 3, but grunts out 2 more lb-ft of twist to total 150 lb-ft of torque.

Unlike the Mazda 3, the CX-5’s chassis and body structures were engineered following the Skyactiv ethos from the get-go, and they are relatively light. How light? According to Mazda, a front-drive CX-5 with a six-speed manual will weigh 3208 pounds and an all-wheel-drive model with a six-speed auto tops out at 3426. (For reference, Ford’s estimates for its new 2013 Escape range from 3515 to 3769 pounds.) Its lower curb weight not only helps imbue the CX-5 with nimble handling, but also aids fuel economy. Mazda expects the front-drive, manual model to return 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, the automatic front-driver to get 26/32, and the automatic all-wheel-drive model 25/30. For those yearning for an all-wheel-drive CX-5 equipped with the six-speed manual, you’re out of luck—a Mazda rep informed us that there are no plans to sell such a combination in the U.S. at launch. She did allow for at least the slim possibility in the future.

Pricing for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 has yet to be announced, but it’s intended to slot below the CX-7 in Mazda’s lineup. That model starts at $22,785, so the CX-5 should start around $20K. The CX-5 will be available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models when it goes on sale early next year. Based on our early driving experience, whichever model buyers get, they’ll wind up behind the wheel of the finest driving compact ute in its segment.

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