Mazda CX-5 2020 review: Maxx Sport 2.0
The Mazda CX-5 has been a best seller but does it have what it takes to beat out new competition?
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The ST-line is the ‘sporty’ grade in the Escape line-up with its tough looking body kit. The ST-Line starts at a list price of $37,990 for the front-wheel drive petrol, steps up to $41,990 for the all-wheel drive version, but can also be had as a plug-in hybrid for $52,940.
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, an eight-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, sat nav, an embedded modem, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, six-speaker stereo with digital radio, a digital instrument cluster and a reversing camera. There’s also a smart key which lets you unlock and lock the doors just by touching the door handle.
ST-Line enhancements include a menacing-looking black grille,18-inch alloys, sports suspension, black roof rails, a large rear spoiler and dual exhaust tips. Inside there’s sports seats with red stitching, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster and metallic pedals.
The ST-Line is the only grade in the Escape range that can be had with a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 167kW; or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol making 183kW and 387Nm.
The Escape was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating in 2020 but this was under 2019 standards from the European testing that year. This shouldn’t put you off as all grades come with an outstanding level of standard safety tech such as AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning with cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
ST-Line (awd) | 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO | $36,080 – 42,900 | 2021 Ford Escape 2021 ST-Line (awd) Pricing and Specs |
(FWD) | 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO | $31,350 – 37,730 | 2021 Ford Escape 2021 (FWD) Pricing and Specs |
ST-Line Phev (fwd) | 2.5L, Hyb/PULP, CVT AUTO | $44,220 – 51,370 | 2021 Ford Escape 2021 ST-Line Phev (fwd) Pricing and Specs |
Vignale (fwd) | 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO | $41,470 – 48,730 | 2021 Ford Escape 2021 Vignale (fwd) Pricing and Specs |
$21,990
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