Execs: Partaking and refined to drive; luxurious inside; sturdy turbo engine; attractiveness; high crash scores
Cons: No hybrid out there; polarizing infotainment system; a bit small; inferior to CX-50
What precisely do you get with the quantity 0? Normally, by definition, nothing. However relating to Mazda’s pair of compact SUVs, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 isn’t as interesting as its newer sibling, the CX-50. Each have the identical record of professionals and cons, and each signify sportier and extra premium takes on a section that principally consists of family-oriented or out of doors journey entries. They’re even related in measurement and provide the identical engine selections. What the heck’s the distinction, then?
Principally, the CX-50 was designed and engineered for the North American market versus the extra globally minded CX-5. It subsequently presents all of the virtues of the CX-5, however is a smidge greater, extra refined and able to going additional off-road. We expect it seems to be higher, too. Oh, and it’s made in America versus the made-in-Japan CX-5. Why go for the CX-5, then? Other than a barely cheaper price, we’re left scratching our heads. Whereas we theoretically prefer it each bit as a lot as earlier than the CX-50 got here out, and nonetheless recognize that it strikes a extra emotional chord than the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the world, we similar to the CX-50 extra. Why go for possibility 1b when 1a is simply sitting proper there?
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
Adjustments are minimal, beginning with the disappearance of the bottom S trim — a preferred transfer for automakers recently, shedding the low-hanging, questionably worthwhile fruit. This makes the CX-5 $2,600 dearer to start out after factoring the value improve on the S Choose trim that is now the entry-level mannequin. There are modifications additional up the trim order, too. The Carbon Turbo returns, recalling the Carbon Turbo Version that hasn’t been seen because the 2021 mannequin yr. Mazda rolls out new shade combos for this trim, the 2024 Carbon Turbo providing a particular Zircon Sand Metallic paint for $450 and a Terracotta leather-based inside combined with black suede. As earlier than, it slips in as essentially the most accessible variant with the turbocharged 2.5-liter, beneath the present Turbo that is renamed Turbo Premium for 2024, and the top-tier Turbo Signature.
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 (effectively, apart from the CX-50). Its high trim ranges have seats which can be 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 middle console are a pleasant contact too, as is the alloy trim — particularly the air vents that appear to jut out from inside 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 can be 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 fairly than a touchscreen. This is not Mazda being behind the occasions, it is a acutely aware effort to scale back driver distraction. The dashtop display screen is giant and straightforward to see whereas working a comparatively easy and fast consumer interface. The knob that controls it’s massive, ergonomically positioned on the middle console and, like BMW’s iDrive controller, can rotate by way of menus or transfer up/down, left/proper amongst icons. This latter characteristic is essential for utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is the place the troubles start. Each connectivity options are supposed for a touchscreen, and deciding on their icons by rotating and clicking the knob is extra time consuming and distracting. There’s a cause Mazda added touchscreen performance to the CX-50 particularly for CarPlay and Android Auto. That stated, wheeling by way of playlists or contacts is definitely simpler with a knob, and in contrast to most different producers, Mazda would not lock out these features whereas the car is in movement (excellent news for passengers).
How massive is the CX-5?
Though the CX-5 is smaller on the skin than the CX-50, they’re nearly similar inside aside from some additional width within the CX-50. Both means, each are on the small finish of the compact SUV section. The CX-5 has ample house inside for 4 occupants to experience round in relative consolation, however households might discover they may use the form of additional house supplied by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. Youngsters usually tend to find yourself kicking the entrance seats from front-facing baby seats, and people up entrance usually tend to have to scoot their seats as much as make room for rear-facing baby seats. We discovered that in our automobile seat comparability of 4 compact SUVs, the CX-5 was the least pleasant when it comes to automobile seat house and fitment, however it wasn’t an enormous hole to these forward.
The CX-5 has 30.9 cubic-feet of house behind its again seat, which is significantly lower than these rivals. The CX-50 has 31.4 cubic-feet, so ditto. Not surprisingly, we discovered they’ll’t maintain fairly as a lot stuff as these rivals with greater volumes (all hyperlinks right here go to their respective baggage assessments): the Kia Sportage (39.6), Hyundai Tucson (38.6), Toyota RAV4 (37.5), 2023 Honda CR-V (36) and the Subaru Forester (between 33 and 35 relying on choices). However, the CX-5 does signify a transparent improve over numerous subcompact 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 computerized transmission and all-wheel drive are customary. It is a distinctive AWD system that displays car weight distribution among the many normal elements of throttle place and present traction to be able to enhance response and dealing with. Gasoline economic system estimates for 2024 weren’t out there at the moment, however it’s extremely unlikely they’d change considerably after final yr’s of 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 Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, additionally provide extra environment friendly and extremely really helpful 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 will do 256 hp on 93 octane in the event you reside in a spot that sells that and you are feeling like paying extra for gasoline. Both means, this engine produces the form 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 computerized and all-wheel drive. Gasoline economic system drops additional right down to 22 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed.
What is the CX-5 wish to drive?
Mazda’s compact crossover is ideal for the individual whose life modifications have dictated the swap from an agile automobile to some form of household hauler. Its spot-on steering and throttle response evoke Porsche, whereas the six-speed computerized transmission favors efficiency over gasoline economic system (whereas nonetheless getting comparatively good mileage). These dynamic parts, plus a rigorously crafted, ultimate 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 stated, its experience high quality is on the firmer aspect. It is by no means harsh, even with massive wheels, however you definitely really feel extra of the highway 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 highway circumstances, it additional instills the motive force with a relaxed 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 form of clean management usually reserved for sports activities sedans.
What different Mazda CX-5 evaluations can I learn?
2019 Mazda CX-5 Baggage Take a look at | How a lot matches within the trunk
See how a lot baggage can match within the CX-5’s cargo space.
Automobile seat check: Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester vs (previous-generation) Honda CR-V
We check out how simple it’s to put in baby seats in 4 of the perfect compact SUVs, together with how a lot house there may be for them.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Drivers’ Notes Evaluate | Extra energy, extra love
Our first time driving the CX-5 Turbo’s engine. The automobile has been up to date since then, however our total impressions of the turbo engine stay the identical.
What’s the 2024 CX-5 worth?
The CX-5 pricing begins a bit increased than rivals, however it additionally comes customary with all-wheel drive, and because of beginning off with the upper S Choose trim degree for 2024, possible extra tools as effectively. Additional niceties embrace 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 top adjustment, a six-speaker sound system and two rear USB ports.
Some key objects, although: The Carbon Version is generally an look bundle on high of the Most popular that provides black wheels and trim, distinctive Polymetal Grey paint and a purple inside possibility. The Carbon Turbo presents a particular Zircon Sand Metallic with Terracotta leather-based combined with black fake suede. 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.
Pricing for the assorted 2024 Mazda CX-5 trim ranges after the $1,375 vacation spot charge is beneath, with every of their respective worth modifications from 2023:
S Choose: $30,675 ($800)
S Most popular: $32,025 ($470)
S Carbon Version: $33,325 ($850)
S Premium: $35,275 ($900)
S Premium Plus: $37,875 ($1,000)
Carbon Turbo: $38,375 (new)
Turbo Premium: $39,175 ($950)
Turbo Signature: $41,975 ($950)
What are the CX-5 security scores and driver help options?
Each CX-5 consists of ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning techniques. The latter two are often discovered on the higher trim ranges of rivals. The range-topping Signature provides computerized rear emergency braking, a driver inattention warning system and low-speed steering help when utilizing adaptive cruise management (Visitors Jam Help).
The federal authorities gave the CX-5 high five-star ranking for total, frontal and aspect crash worthiness. It acquired a typical four-star rollover ranking. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named it a High Security Decide+ for its best-possible scores in all pertinent crash assessments and for its accident avoidance tech. The CX-5 was additionally the one compact SUV, interval, to get the best-possible ranking of “Good” within the newer, more durable IIHS aspect crash check (it doesn’t but rely towards High Security Decide {qualifications}).
