Cheryl Jensen reviews the 2013 Mazda CX-5, the new compact crossover positioned to challenge longtime segment leaders like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.

Ms. Jensen writes that the CX-5 “has been the main beneficiary of the company’s research and development efforts over the last three years, making it something of a showcase for Mazda’s strategy and intentions.” A critical component of that strategy is Skyactiv, the suite of efficiency-bolstering technologies on which Mazda is leaning as other automakers opt for mild hybrid systems to meet more stringent federal fuel-economy targets.

Indeed, Ms. Jensen praises the CX-5 for its stingy consumption of fuel; she averaged 33 miles per gallon on one road trip. But that efficiency comes at the cost of power. The CX-5 musters 155 horsepower, 30 horsepower less than the base model of the CR-V. What is retained, however, is the spirited ride for which Mazda is known, she writes:

The Mazda’s steering has a fairly tight on-center feel and is predictable. On a really rumpled surface, the CX-5’s ride was a bit choppy, verging on harsh. But that’s a small price for such driving fun.