Here we are again in the wildly popular smaller SUV category, the vehicle that kickstarted the demise of the sedan. But this one is made by Mazda, a company that has shown serious respect for vehicle handling and performance. This category offers plenty of choices, but people who love to drive should look at the Mazda CX-5. It continues to be an important product for Mazda, and it has become the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.
The company says that by providing thoughtful updates to the CX-5, Mazda continues to deepen its bond with drivers who have strong values around design, driving dynamics and safety. With enhancements based on Mazda’s latest-generation Kodo design ethos, the CX-5 continues to be an attractive vehicle.
Mazda designers recently focused on refining the front and rear ends, opting to minimize character lines to create an elegant appearance. The front bumper and signature wing extend outward from the front grille, with its three-dimensional texture. Large dual tailpipes complement the rear bumper and tailgate designs. The headlights and taillights receive a rectangular LED treatment that enhances the vehicle’s sleek look.
CX-5 or CX-50: What Does That Zero Do?
The Mazda lineup offers another choice in the same size category, the CX-50, which has a more aggressive look than the CX-5’s more refined vibe. But both use similar drivetrains. My tester featured the turbocharged version of the CX-5, with its Skyactiv technology, 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That bottom end torque coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission really helps motivate the CX-5. Ventilated front disc brakes help whoa all that go. Along with additional stopping power, the brake setup also gives the SUV a sporty look. In addition, standard all-wheel drive is nice for the price-conscious buyer.
My top-of-the-line Turbo Signature tester came with that gorgeous candy-apple Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint. This trim level blends premium style and sporty performance with silver metallic finish 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, aluminum silver-finished front and rear bumper trim and side mirrors, and a gunmetal front grille.
Interior Delights
One surprise of the CX-5 was that when we folded down the rear seat armrest, we were greeted with USB charging ports and rear seat climate control. We weren’t aware that the CX-5 had grown up to be a business-class hauler! The front seats are heated as well as ventilated, and the heated steering wheel has a dedicated hard button, so it’s easy to operate. The Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats use contrasting stitching for a classy look. The interior is appointed with premium quality materials such as genuine woodgrain, which is highlighted by LED interior lighting and ambient foot illumination. A frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror further accentuates the high-end feeling of the interior.
The Mazda Navigation System installed in this model features off-road navigation, and the active driving display includes traffic sign recognition. Owners also benefit from a complementary three-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic + Travel Link, with information for traffic, weather, sports scores, fuel prices and nearby parking. The Bose 10-speaker audio system uses a small subwoofer, but your local mobile electronics specialist can provide a little extra oomph.
Safety Time
Mazda is taking a page from Toyota and including all the safety goodies for its small crossovers. The CX-5 has received numerous top industry and safety awards, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. The original CX-5 was also the first vehicle to earn a Good rating in IIHS’s tougher side-impact test. To that end, all the engineering and safety features that contributed to these awards have been carried over to the 2024 model year as standard features. These include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, smart brake support, advanced smart city brake support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning with lane-keep assist. The Turbo Signature adds Mazda’s latest i-Activsense 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors that makes parking a breeze.
So, it looks good and handles great. Any downsides? Yes, there is one to mention. Previous Mazda vehicles featured a two control options for the 10.3-inch infotainment system, both a control puck in the center console and a touchscreen. But in the CX-5, Mazda forces you to use the puck in certain native infotainment modes. It works well, but the ease of using a touchscreen should be left up to the consumer. If you hate fingerprints on the dashboard and want a well-engineered user interface that isn’t a touchscreen, the CX-5 has you covered. With a grand total all-in of $42K, Mazda’s CX-5 is worth a serious look.
