As we see it, there are two fundamental causes to decide on a 2022 Mazda CX-5 over any variety of its many compact SUV rivals. First, you want the thought of sitting excessive and having some additional utility occasionally, however would fortunately commerce max family-friendly utility for a higher-quality inside, smooth styling and a sharper driving expertise. Principally, single of us, DINKs, empty nesters. Second, you are in want of a family-friendly car, however you are used to driving a smaller, extra agile automotive and also you’re dreading buying and selling it in for a, gulp, family-friendly car. We really feel your ache.
If both of those sounds such as you, then the CX-5 is a terrific alternative, and certainly it is one among our top-recommended compact SUVs. It is nice to drive, nice to have a look at and in high trim ranges, makes for a viable different to some luxurious SUVs. It strikes an emotional chord in a means few rivals can. That mentioned, it’s smaller and fewer practical than the RAV4s and CR-Vs of the world. It is also much less environment friendly and does not supply a hybrid powertrain. So, it could not examine off each field, however for the precise kind of patrons, it does not must.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gas Economic system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Options | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2022?
Each CX-5 now comes commonplace with all-wheel drive, becoming a member of the Subaru Forester as the one autos of their section to take action. The styling can be subtly up to date for 2022, together with new LED head- and taillight components, a brand new three-dimensional grille insert surrounded by redesigned chrome trim, new bumper designs and bigger twin tailpipes. The range-topping Signature, pictured right here, features body-colored decrease physique trim and fender flares. These items stay black on all different trims. You may see the visible variations between the 2022 and 2021 above.
Adjustments had been additionally made to the suspension and body to scale back noise and vibration, and improve journey consolation. Transmission response was additionally improved and the out there turbo engine produces extra energy when utilizing 93 octane. The entrance seats had been additionally redesigned. Lastly, there are new trim ranges for 2022.
What are the CX-5 inside and in-car know-how like?
The CX-5 boasts a good-looking, upscale design with supplies to match, exuding a premium vibe that none of its direct rivals can match. Its high trim ranges have seats which are heated throughout and ventilated up entrance, plus high-quality leather-based with distinction French stitching. The Signature will get distinctive Catarra Brown Nappa leather-based, proven right here. The padded and stitched pleather on the sprint, doorways and heart console are a pleasant contact too, as is the alloy trim — particularly the air vents that appear to jut out from throughout the sprint. Admittedly, fancier touches just like the Signature’s wood-look trim are absent on decrease trim ranges, however the total inside atmosphere stays extra premium and classy than these of most rivals — particularly one thing just like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester which are going for extra of a rugged, utilitarian vibe.
Mazda’s tech interface is distinctive in that it makes use of a middle console knob controller moderately than a touchscreen. This is not Mazda being behind the occasions, it is a aware effort to scale back driver distraction. The dashtop display screen is massive and straightforward to see whereas operating a comparatively easy and fast person interface. The knob that controls it’s massive, ergonomically positioned on the middle console and, like BMW’s iDrive controller, can rotate by means of menus or transfer up/down, left/proper amongst icons. This latter characteristic is vital for utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is the place the troubles start. Each connectivity options are meant for a touchscreen and deciding on their icons by rotating and clicking the knob is extra time consuming and distracting. That mentioned, wheeling by means of playlists or contacts is definitely simpler with a knob, and in contrast to most different producers, Mazda does not lock out these features whereas the car is in movement (excellent news for passengers).
How massive is the CX-5?
The CX-5 is on the small finish of the compact SUV section. There’s satisfactory area inside for 4 occupants to journey round in relative consolation, however households might discover they might use the type of additional area offered by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. Youngsters usually tend to find yourself kicking the entrance seats from front-facing youngster seats, and people up entrance usually tend to must scoot their seats as much as make room for rear-facing youngster seats.
The CX-5 has 30.9 cubic-feet of area behind its again seat, which is significantly lower than these rivals. The Hyundai Tucson leads the best way with 38.7 cubic-feet, the Honda CR-V (39.2) and Toyota RAV4 (37.5) are principally the identical, and the Subaru Forester has between 33 and 35 relying on choices. That mentioned, the CX-5 does have greater than the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape, and in our baggage check, discovered it may maintain 5 suitcases and three duffle luggage. That is a transparent improve over varied midcompact SUVs like Mazda’s CX-30.
What are the CX-5 gasoline economic system and efficiency specs?
Mazda CX-5 trim ranges with 2.5 S of their identify characteristic a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive are commonplace. It is a distinctive AWD system that screens car weight distribution among the many common components of throttle place and present traction in an effort to enhance response and dealing with. Gas economic system estimates are 24 mpg metropolis, 30 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed. These are decrease than the CR-V, Forester and RAV4, which fall within the 28-29 mpg mixed vary. The CR-V and RAV4, plus the Hyundai Tucson, additionally supply extra environment friendly and extremely really useful hybrid powertrains.
Trim ranges with 2.5 Turbo of their identify characteristic a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four good for 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s going to do 256 hp on 93 octane when you stay in a spot that sells that and you are feeling like paying extra for fuel. Both means, this engine produces the type of energetic acceleration that few others within the section can match, together with none of these rivals above. It too is paired with a six-speed automated and all-wheel drive. Gas economic system drops additional all the way down to 22 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed.
What is the CX-5 prefer to drive?
Mazda’s compact crossover is ideal for the particular person whose life adjustments have dictated the change from an agile automotive to some type of household hauler. Its spot-on steering and throttle response evoke Porsche, whereas the six-speed automated transmission favors efficiency over gasoline economic system (whereas nonetheless getting comparatively good mileage). These dynamic components, plus a fastidiously crafted, best driving place and the ample grunt from the out there turbo engine ought to make the CX-5 really feel “excellent” for these used to extra sporting, non-family-oriented transport. That mentioned, its journey high quality is on the firmer facet. It is by no means harsh, even with massive wheels, however you definitely really feel extra of the street than in most rivals.
A part of its dynamic prowess comes from the truth that G-Vectoring Management Plus, know-how unique to Mazda, makes use of engine torque to shift weight onto the entrance wheels simply as turn-in is initiated. That gives extra grip on the turning wheels, and whereas it is most noticeable in poor street circumstances, it additional instills the motive force with a peaceful assurance on the curviest of roads even when surfaces are dry. It will probably additionally apply the skin wheel’s brake, which guides the car with the type of easy management usually reserved for sports activities sedans.
What different Mazda CX-5 opinions can I learn?
2019 Mazda CX-5 Baggage Take a look at | How a lot suits within the trunk
See how a lot baggage can match within the CX-5’s cargo space.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Drivers’ Notes Evaluation | Extra energy, extra love
Our first time driving the CX-5 Turbo’s engine. The automotive has been up to date since then, however our total impressions of the turbo engine stay the identical.
Mazda CX-5 Execs and Cons Video
Senior Editor James Riswick shares his professionals and cons of the CX-5 when it was all-new for 2017.
Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 Comparability | A tricky alternative
Driving the CX-5 and CR-V back-to-back, evaluating their driving experiences, interiors and specs. Each have been up to date since this was written however our opinions stay broadly the identical.
How a lot is the 2022 CX-5 value and what options can be found?
Costs are up for 2022, however a $755 improve remains to be lower than the outdated $1,500 choice value for all-wheel drive, which is now commonplace. In any other case, Mazda created a wholly new trim degree construction, full with new names for 2022, so it is a bit laborious to know the way a lot actually modified. On the very least, the range-topping Signature is just a few hundred greater than its predecessor.
Base gear for $27,125 features a full complement of driver help tech (detailed under), alloy wheels, automated headlights and wipers, fabric seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (uncommon amongst base trim ranges), the ten.25-inch infotainment show, a four-speaker sound system, two USB ports up entrance, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a three-month/2GB trial of in-car WiFi. For an additional $2,000, the S Choose might be the very best place to start out because it provides rear privateness glass, auto-leveling lights, proximity entry, dual-zone local weather management, leatherette upholstery, heated entrance seats with six-way energy driver adjustment and handbook passenger peak adjustment, a six-speaker sound system and two rear USB ports.
From there, it is actually only a matter of slathering on niceties you may nearly definitely stay with out. Some key objects, although: the Carbon Version is generally an look package deal on high of the Most popular that provides black wheels and trim, distinctive Polymetal Grey paint and a pink inside choice. Sport and Off-Street drive modes additionally present up beginning with the Premium, whereas the Turbo trims get barely completely different styling and leather-based upholstery.
Extra details about every trim degree’s options will be discovered right here on Autoblog. All costs under embrace the $1,225 vacation spot cost.
S: $27,125
S Choose: $29,125
S Most popular: $30,385
S Carbon Version: $31,505
S Premium: $33,535
S Premium Plus: $33,950
Turbo: $36,400
Turbo Signature: $38,650
What are the CX-5 security rankings and driver help options?
Each CX-5 consists of ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning methods. The latter two are often discovered on the higher trim ranges of rivals. The range-topping Signature provides automated rear emergency braking, a driver inattention warning system and low-speed steering help when utilizing adaptive cruise management (Site visitors Jam Help).
The federal authorities gave the CX-5 high five-star score for total, frontal and facet crash worthiness. It received a typical four-star rollover score. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named it a High Security Decide+ for its best-possible rankings in all pertinent crash checks and for its accident avoidance tech. The CX-5 was additionally the one compact SUV, interval, to get the best-possible score of “Good” within the newer, more durable IIHS facet crash check (it doesn’t but depend towards High Security Decide {qualifications}).
