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A Closer Look at Mazda's 2014 Lineup

In the grand scheme of things, Mazda may not be the largest automaker on the block, but it is certainly drawing some attention with its revitalized 2014 lineup. Two key players, the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, have been redesigned for 2014 with new styling, engines, safety systems, and features. Expect improved fuel economy from both models.

Not to be outdone, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 arrives with a few improvements of its own, most notably the availability of a larger 4-cylinder engine. The CX-5's larger stablemate, the 3-row CX-9 crossover, sports updated alloy wheels and a new rear cross-traffic alert safety system.

As this article is written, Mazda has not released information about the 2014 Mazda 2 or Mazda 5. The 2-passenger MX-5 Miata roadster carries over essentially unchanged, soon to be replaced by a completely redesigned 2015 model.

2014 Mazda CX-5

The big news for the 2014 Mazda CX-5 crossover is the addition of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine to the lineup. Available on Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, this new offering boasts 184 horsepower, 185 lb.-ft. of torque, and EPA-estimated fuel economy measuring 25/32/27 mpg (city/highway/combined). Base Sport models continue to be equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 155 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers have the choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability.

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Other updates for the 2014 model year include a new optional forward-collision warning system and an infotainment system with access to Internet radio.

What's New:

  • Available 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine

  • Available forward-collision warning system

  • Upgraded infotainment system

2014 Mazda CX-9

After a fairly significant update for the 2013 model year, the 7-passenger Mazda CX-9 crossover returns for 2014 with only minor changes. These include revised alloy wheels and a new available rear cross-traffic alert safety feature.

Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim levels are offered on the 2014 CX-9, as is the choice of FWD or AWD capability. All 2014 Mazda CX-9s are equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

What's New:

  • Updated alloy wheel designs

  • Available rear cross-traffic alert safety system

2014 Mazda 2

As this article is written, Mazda has not released details about the 2014 Mazda 2.

The FWD, 5-door 2013 Mazda 2 hatchback is available in Sport and Touring trim levels, equipped with a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 29/35/32 mpg when equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. An optional 4-speed automatic drops those figures to 28/34/30 mpg.

2014 Mazda 3

One of two models completely redesigned for 2014, the Mazda 3--available in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles--arrives with a more mature appearance, upgraded interior materials, longer and wider platform, and a smartphone-linked infotainment system that grants access to Internet radio. Safety upgrades come courtesy of optional lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems.

Mazda offers the 2014 Mazda 3 in five trim levels: i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring, s Touring, and s Grand Touring. The "i" models are equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that features the company's Skyactiv fuel-efficiency technology and delivers 155 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. "S" models are fitted with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv 4-cylinder that generates 184 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque (up 17 horsepower and 17 lb.-ft. of torque from 2013). According to the EPA, a 2014 Mazda 3 sedan equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission is expected to average 30/41/34 mpg.

What's New:

  • Redesigned for 2014

  • Updated powertrains

  • Improved fuel economy

  • Available lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems

  • Available smartphone-linked infotainment system

  • Longer and wider than predecessor

  • Upgraded interior materials

2014 Mazda 5

As this article is written, Mazda has not released details about the 2014 Mazda 5.

The FWD, 6-passenger 2013 Mazda 5 minivan features dual sliding rear doors for easy access, a 157-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with an EPA highway rating of 28 mpg, 44.4 cu.-ft. cargo area, and a choice of three trim levels.

2014 Mazda 6

Mazda's largest sedan has been overhauled for 2014 and now features a more stylish appearance, added features including a rearview camera and optional blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a powertrain lineup consisting of a 184-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and an all-new diesel power plant (arriving later in the model year). Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. The gas engine/6-speed automatic transmission combination has earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 28/40/32 mpg.

What's New:

  • Redesigned for 2014

  • All-new powertrains, including a diesel engine option

  • Improved fuel economy

  • Enhanced safety systems, including an available blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert

  • Revised trim levels

  • LED taillights

  • Available smartphone-linked infotainment system

  • Rearview camera

2014 Mazda MX-5

Decades after its introduction, the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to charm and thrill with its spirited approach to drop-top driving. The 2-passenger roadster returns for 2014 with no significant changes, but an all-new model is expected to arrive for the 2015 model year.