Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Mazda CX-5 2016

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

CX-5 Maxx

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2017 Ford Explorer: Review
2017 Ford Explorer UNBOXING Review - Why Even Bother With A BMW X5?
2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 L Ecoboost 4-Cylinder Review
2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer ST a BETTER performance SUV than an Audi SQ7?
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST Deserves the ST Badge
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DETAILED Review | 2016 Mazda CX-5 AWD by Everyman Driver
2016 Mazda CX-5 - Review and Road Test
2016 Mazda CX-5 review by Redline
2016 New MAZDA CX-5 drive test review
2019 Mazda CX-5 - Review & Road Test
2019 Mazda CX-5 Review - Turbo, AWD, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
2018 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 184 AWD Sports-Line
2019 Mazda CX-5 | CarGurus Test Drive Review
Make: 
Model: 
Average Price: 
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
31,694
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2016
Total Seating: 
7
5
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
15.30gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Blue Reflex Mica
#343761
Crystal White Pearl Mica
#E6E6E8
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
#242F4F
Jet Black Mica
#000000
Meteor Gray Mica
#4A5575
Sonic Silver Metallic
#BBB9BA
Soul Red Metallic
#78191F
Titanium Flash Mica
#75755A

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

When you're shopping for crossover SUVs, it can seem like they are all just different flavors of bland. The Mazda CX-5 breaks that mold. It has an engaging driving character, yet it still gives you pretty much everything you're looking for, including great fuel economy. Let's take a closer look at what makes this Mazda tick.

the Mazda CX-5 receives a refresh in the form of minor styling tweaks, improved interior materials, revised suspension tuning, added sound insulation and an updated infotainment interface. New options include LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning, while Bluetooth is now standard across the board. Additionally, a midyear update brings separate 2016.5 models (production after January 2016) that include a standard rearview camera (except manual-transmission Sport), standard heated seats for the Touring trim and standard navigation for both Touring and Grand Touring

Pros
Sporty driving feel that makes you feel secure while cornering
Engines earn great fuel economy
Spacious seating in both rows
Many desirable safety features

Cons
Subpar stereo sound quality, even with the Bose upgrade
Weak acceleration with base engine.

By: 
edmunds.com

Mazda, the maverick, does so much with so little. The Hiroshima-based company almost singlehandedly keeps the affordable-sports-car-flame flickering with the MX-5 and, for the most part, has resisted intertwining its operations with other automakers in ways that would help growth but almost certainly blur its focus. There’s no large pickup or truck-based SUV channeling fat profits into the company coffers, covering the tab for poorly conceived, money-losing offerings elsewhere in the lineup (if Mazda had any). Small in scale compared with other mainstream brands, Mazda’s every model must stand on its own

the 2016 CX-5’s updates at its Los Angeles auto show unveiling, but it’s worth repeating that most of them focus on the cabin and things that the driver and passengers interact with most. In general, the refreshed CX-5’s interior details are classier. There are nicer materials and tasteful accent trim on the dashboard and console. The armrests are more comfortable

Pros
Excellent steering, upgraded cabin design and materials, continuous improvement at its best.

Cons
Sport mode perhaps a bit too sporty, engine idle is grainy.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The Mazda CX-5 ushered in a new era for large SUVs when it was first released back in 2012. With sporty handling, an attractive interior and class leading practicality, it proved that family motoring didn’t have to be boring

For some time the CX-5 was our default choice in this class, but just recently the launch of some newer and more practical rivals has changed the landscape somewhat. Buyers now have the choice of cars such as the brilliant Skoda Kodiaq (available in both five and seven-seat form), along with a host of slightly smaller, but still suitably practical, choices like the Seat Ateca, Peugeot 5008 and VW Tiguan.

But as the increasingly congested SUV class gets more and more competitive, the question is: can the Mazda CX-5 rise to the top once again? Read on to find out exactly how it compares, and which engines, trims and options we recommend.

Therefore, to counter this European onslaught, Mazda has treated its compact SUV to a comprehensive refresh. The design team claims boosts in design, interior quality, performance and driving dynamics, so, despite having a near identical footprint and dimensions to its predecessor, this model is a very different proposition.

Pros
Stylish interior
Comfortable ride
Well equipped

Cons
Not so rewarding to drive
Some rivals have more boot space
No seven-seat option

By: 
whatcar.com

The Mazda CX-5 is a good-looking, reliable crossover that's solidly built, reasonably efficient and fun to drive

One of the very best crossovers you can buy, the Mazda CX-5 is well made, really enjoyable to drive and good-looking too. Recent upgrades have improved the interior ambience and upped the technology levels so it's now on a par with rivals.

The CX-5 came at a crucial time for Mazda. Launched during a tricky period, the company was lacking serious competitors in important market sectors, the fashionable SUV had to be a true saviour. Mazda poured money into a new platform, all-new engines, and a selection of lightweight, fuel-saving technologies - and named the whole package SkyActiv. Happily, the gamble paid off, and the CX-5 is a brilliant crossover. It combines all of Mazda's new tech to great effect and the resulting car is good-looking, practical, impressively efficient, but almost uniquely for a car in this sector, it's fun to drive.

The CX-5's success helped to put Mazda back in the black and the package of SkyActiv technologies has gone on to star across most of the company's range.

Pros
Sharp to drive, good looking, improved interior

Cons
Could be more spacious, limited engine line-up, load floor isn't flat

By: 
autoexpress.co.uk

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport Safety remains among the very best medium SUVs in class, despite stiffer competition of late

The Mazda CX-5 is not exactly a car that has slipped under anyone’s radar here at CarAdvice. Since it launched in 2012 it has consistently ranked as one of our favourite medium SUVs. Its facelift at the start of 2015 only enhanced the appeal.

Our stance to the car has long been reflected in the sales charts too. The Mazda CX-5 is, more often than not, Australia’s top-selling SUV of any sort, and almost always in the overall monthly top 10.

But the medium SUV segment just keeps on booming — no part of the new vehicle market is growing faster — and a swathe of new rivals just keep on launching. First it was the Hyundai Tucson, then the new Kia Sportage. The past few months have also brought with them updates to the Toyota RAV4, Ford Kuga and Subaru Forester

As you can read in our recent comparison test against the Hyundai and Kia — a veritable battle of the class heavyweights — the Mazda still holds up pretty well. But the general consensus is that it’s no longer the undisputed class champion.

Pros
Clever cargo area solutions
MZD Connect infotainment system
Good fuel economy
Excellent and affordable safety tech

Cons
Cloth seats are lacking support
Base 2.0 engine is modest
Warranty term shorter than key rivals

By: 
caradvice.com.au

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
24.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
30.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
16
Cylinders: 
6
V
4
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
2.50L
Torque: 
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
185ft-lbs
at 3 250rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
184hp
at 5 700rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
40.00Feet
36.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
no
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals
12V cargo area power outlet(s)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
179.30in
Width: 
78.90in
72.40in
Height: 
71.00in
67.30in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
8.50in
Front Track: 
62.40in
Rear Track: 
62.50in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
106.30in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
39.00
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
39.00
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
41.00in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
39.30in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
55.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
57.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
53.70in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
55.50in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
65.40cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
2000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
34.10cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
19.30degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
22.70degrees
Curb Weight: 
4901.00lbs
3589.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes
More Instruments: 
Low fuel level warning

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
1 one-touch power windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating passenger seat
6 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating driver seat
Leather
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Split-folding rear seatback
Rear ventilation ducts
Folding with storage center armrest

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
MacPherson strut front suspension
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
Multi-link rear suspension
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Cargo area light
Dual zone climate controls - driver and passenger
Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
no
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
USB connection
Radio data system
Speed sensitive volume control
9 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input
Bose premium brand speakers

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
19 x 7.0
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Steel spare wheel
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear height adjustable headrests

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Grand Touring Technology Package
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Clear Film Front Paint Protection Package
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Wheel Locks
Clear Film Rear Bumper Top Protection
Rear Bumper Guard
Roof Rack Side Rails
Crystal White Pearl Mica Paint Charge
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console
Door Sill Trim Plates
All-Weather Floor Mats
Cargo Net
Carpeted Cargo Mat
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass and Homelink
Retractable Cargo Cover
Cargo Tray

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
#363636
Black, leather
#D0C9C6
Sand/Parchment, leather
Suv two: