Kudos must be paid to Mazda for having such confidence in the CX-5’s off-road capabilities that they actually let us out on the open road completely on our own—there were support cars, but we’d see them maybe once on a given day. Even through all that, every car came back roses; not a single tire was burst and we sensed no shakes or rattles on the final, paved stages of each day. These vehicles took everything we lobbed their way in stride, and we knew that there was plenty more for them to give. Staggering.

There are a few niggles; I don’t love the transmission and it’s a little tight inside—especially for back seaters—but it’s a sacrifice I’d be willing to make because you know that with the ’14 CX-5, you’re getting a very well-sorted piece that, if my time with it is any indication, could cause even the most devoted Ford Escapers to think twice