Matchbox 2016 Mazda CX5 and 2017 Cadillac Escalade

For 2018 Matchbox has released a few SUV’s that while seem to tackle two different segments both share a common trait: best sellers for their own brand, and one of them is a long-overdue makeover for one Matchbox casting.

Mazda CX5

Like the Welly model Matchbox seems to be a bit late to the new Mazda CX5 as the next-generation has already been on sale by the time Matchbox decided to make this replica.  Having been a big fan of the Mazda 2 casting, the last Mazda from Matchbox, I was interested in seeing how this casting would improve upon that formula.  To start off it uses a silver color, not exciting but works with this casting showing off the curves and edges very cleanly and rides on 5-spoke wheels that give this SUV the sporty attitude.  The front has detailed headlight projectors, black grille with Mazda logo, and foglights in the side bumper scoops, while the sides have lower body cladding, sunroof and roof bars, and B and C pillars that are part of the metal body.  The rear has detailed taillights, Mazda plate, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, and even the reverse sensors in the rear bumper; all in all this is one well-executed casting!  The base underneath shows off the exhaust and drivetrain including the driveshaft for the all-wheel drive system, while the interior has the correct seating and dashboard layout though that stupid rivet post goes through the center rear seat again!  For performance the stock I-4 and 6-speed auto is not that exciting, but what about handling?  It feels very sharp and well-controlled in the corners with a sports car like precision, yet get too tight and the body roll will make you realize this is an SUV not a Mazda 3 or Miata.  Still this is one nicely done casting and nicely follows the Mazda 2 way of style, versatility, and great handling.

Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0L DOHC I-4 150 hp.
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• 0-60 mph: 8.0 sec. est.
• Real vehicle price: $25,000 est.

Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars

2017 Cadillac Escalade

Alright now for the vehicle that needs a big upgrade, the Escalade, the second Escalade in the Matchbox lineup and is a far cry from the 2003 release.  The Escalade started life as a Chevy Tahoe before becoming part of the Cadillac brand with style and luxury for the second-generation.  By the time this fourth-generation arrived the Escalade has improved in style and luxury and is still one of Cadillac’s best-selling models.  Matchbox released the 2002 Escalade in 2003 and while it was a nice evolution of the 1997 Chevy Tahoe, it was poorly executed in the Hero City era with a squatting rear end, crude wheels, and poor deco choices.  The casting was improved during the golden age in the late 2000’s, but even with the improvements the casting still looked pretty bad with the sagging rear end.  That is gone for 2018 with a proper look, stance, and more details in this new casting, done in gray with sharp LED headlights, lower foglights and signal lights, and a large chrome grille (separate piece from the body) that gives this Escalade an imposing look.  The sides feature sharp pillar design, realistic exterior mirrors, and sunroof on top, while the rear has vertical LED taillights (similar to the CTS wagon), rear spoiler, tow hitch cover on bumper, and Escalade badging.  Even the 6-spoke wheels look right at home on this truck, but yet again the issue of Mattel not wrapping the lighting graphics around the corners continues here as the Escalade looks incomplete from some angles.  Luckily my artistic skills of adding details finished off the lighting around the corners and added some missing trim pieces as well.  The interior is much improved with more leather surfaces and quality materials even though the dashboard shares the same design as with other GM full-size SUV’s.  The 4-spoke steering wheel, center stack controls, center console, and seats are well-detailed, while the second row gets captain’s chairs, and finally the Escalade gets a third row seat though the rear rivet post goes through it.  The engine is the same 6.0L V8 and 10-speed automatic to a full-time all-wheel drive system so it is clear this is an on-road SUV not something you take on the rugged rubicon trail.  Performance has improved with more power and better handling, but still this is a heavy and big SUV so while it has improved over the last Escalade it is far from the sharpness found in the CX5.  This is a welcome change to the Escalade casting as it now has the right looks, stance, and features to compete with newer luxury SUV’s in the Matchbox range like the Mercedes G-Wagen.

Specifications:

• Engine: 6.2L V8 350 hp. Est.
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec. est.
• Real vehicle price: $60,000 est.

Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars

Update 1/18/20: The Mazda CX5 now comes in red and still looks good, but that's not the only change: up front Matchbox added a license plate area just below the main grille.  Not sure why Matchbox did this late change, but it does add an interesting one-year variation for the silver version.