If one were feeling especially punny, you could say that the 2013 Mazda CX-5 was a real tribute to the past, with a look toward the future. This small crossover replaces the Mazda Tribute as well as the outgoing CX-7 and barely resembles either vehicle. Instead, the CX-5 represents Mazda’s future — smaller, sleeker, modern looks and better fuel economy.

Wheels editor Jimmy Dinsmore and freelance automotive writer Dave Mikesell both drove the Mazda CX-5 and offer up their take about whether this crossover offers up a bright future for Mazda.

JIMMY: I’ll say on looks alone, the CX-5 is a winner. Mine was the classic Mazda sky blue color, and while spiffy colors like that can sometimes be a detractor, on my tester it only improved its looks. I was very pleased to see the new grille, instead of the cartoonish smiley grille found on too many other Mazdas. The longer mid section, and larger wheel wells give an athletic appearance, and the rounded back shows modern design flare. Dave, it’s got the looks outside, but what did you think about the inside? 

DAVE: To me it all comes down to functional space, which in the case of the CX-5 is plentiful. Although this is what is deemed a compact crossover, the front seats were wide and supportive enough that my 20-year-old son thought he was being shortchanged without an armrest. He’s spoiled, sure, but the center console doubles as an armrest like on so many other vehicles. There was plenty of room throughout, with three back-seat passengers having an elevated view of the road. The generous cargo area was supplemented by a split rear seat that folds nearly flat and swallowed up tall and long items during a recent move. Dash materials are on par or better than many vehicles in this category. The navigation system was easy to use and the 5.8-inch touch screen incorporated a rearview camera and audio controls.

JIMMY: Mazda put its Skyactiv technology into the CX-5. With a 2.0-liter, and 4-cylinder engine, Mazda went smaller than the Tribute, which had a V6 engine. The transmission is greatly improved with the 6-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission. The shifts were seemless and well-tuned, but I did find the engine to be a little underpowered. Dave, do you agree, or is this a generational thing with me having a need for speed?

DAVE: With me falling somewhere between the Greatest Generation and Jimmy’s Generation, I’d like to say this is more a problem for youngsters. However, at 155 horsepower, it’s likely that many folks will want a little more oomph on takeoffs and on the road. The good news is that the ride quality is solid, with an ease of steering and good absorption of uneven pavement that make driving the CX-5 a pleasure.

JIMMY: With the Skyactiv technology, and the smaller engine, Mazda does accomplish significantly better fuel economy. The CX-5 is rated at 25 city and 31 highway. The Tribute was rated at 19/25 and the CX-7 was rated at 20/27.

DAVE: Mazda has done a good deed by cleaning up its lineup and sacrificing two SUVs for one. The CX-5 isn’t just a compromise, it’s an improvement.

JIMMY: The CX-5 has stiff competition in one of the biggest growing segments. Whether it is ready to tackle the heavyweights like the Honda CRV, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 will depend on how well the consumer embraces it. By all accounts, the CX-5 is up for the challenge.