The Mazda CX5 debuted in 2012 and immediately became a top-selling favorite within the compact crossover segment, mostly owing to its sleek but elegant looks and premium interior offered at an attractive price point. However, one characteristic that set the Mazda CX-5 apart from the rest was its driving dynamics within the segment. It became especially well-known for its light but accurate steering feel, and its ability to corner without rolling as much as its competitors. In fact, Mazda was so confident about the handling characteristics of the CX-5 that the official launch in 2012 was held at the Laguna Seca Racetrack.
With the current second-generation CX-5 on the market since 2017 with a facelift in 2022, is it still relevant today?
Segment-Leading Power At The Expense Of Fuel Economy
The Mazda CX-5 comes with the well-established Skyactiv 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is available as a naturally aspirated option generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque or you can opt for the turbocharged variant that produces a segment-leading 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when running on premium gas. Both variants are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox available with paddle shifters on the top trims. The steering on the Mazda CX-5 is electronically assisted and is widely known for its light feel and agile response. The body sits on independent suspension both in the front and the rear, giving it a smooth ride. The lack of a hybrid variant does put the Mazda CX-5 on the back foot as far as fuel efficiency goes; however, it has managed to retain its crown as the go-to choice for people who enjoy driving but also need the practicality of an SUV within a budget.
The CX-5's Design Is Good Enough To Make It A Future Classic
The Mazda CX-5 has been accepted as one of the best looking Cross-overs since its launch 10 years ago. It has always boasted a slightly understated design language that, with slight alterations over the years, has led to it aging gracefully. Although it misses out on the slightly tweaked design language of the new Mazda CX-50, the CX-5 took on some desirable design upgrades with the 2022 facelift. These include the sleek LED lights, the re-designed front and rear bumpers, and the updated grille. All models come standard with 19-inch wheels and are wrapped with surprisingly low-profile tires. This gives the Mazda CX-5 a slightly sportier edge over its rivals, not just for its looks but also because low-profile tires help mitigate body roll. The 2023 iteration of the facelifted CX-5 is now also offered in a new Rhodium White color option.
Overall, the external shell of the Mazda CX-5 has aged like fine wine over the years. When compared to traditional segment leaders like the Toyota Rav4, the Mazda CX-5, owing to its simplistic elegance, looks like a car that will continue to turn heads another 10 years from now.
An Interior That Screams "Affordable Luxury"
The best word to describe the interior of the Mazda CX-5 would be "premium." While it may not be used as a yardstick for good luxury interiors, the Mazda CX-5 has definitely, since its 2022 facelift, leveled up on its rivals within this price point. It is bathed in soft-touch materials and high-quality fabrics. The switchgear for things like climate control are all high-quality plastics. The Mazda CX-5 employs alloys for touch points like door handles and AC vents that add to the overall classy ambiance.
The 10.5-inch infotainment system is now standard across all models and can be operated using only a physical dial located in the center console. Some features of this system include Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and satellite navigation. The 10-speaker Bose sound system is also a welcome addition to the cabin. Cloth seats are standard with the Mazda CX-5, however, the top trims offer brown Nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation. The steering wheel also comes with a partial heating function and is wrapped in high-quality leather. The Mazda CX-5 does take a bit of a backstep when it comes to the instrument cluster, owing to the lack of customizable options for what information the gauges can display, however, this is only a slight inconvenience in the long run.
As is the case with most SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is also quite impressive when it comes to practicality. Although it remains trumped by cars like the Hyundai Tucson when it comes to cargo space, the CX-5 still offers a 17.86 cubic-feet of cargo capacity, which is ample enough to carry a decent amount of luggage for longer trips. While the cabin offers good headroom, passengers at the back may feel a little cramped owing to a lack of ample legroom.
The Mazda CX-5 Crossover: Shinning In An Overcrowded Segment
The Mazda CX-5 is well and truly capable of punching above its weight. Starting at $27,500, it is still one of the cheaper options in the Compact Crossover SUV segment while offering a lot more in terms of tech, interior build quality, and finish. These characteristics increase the CX-5's allure in a saturated segment. While there are some areas where Mazda may have fallen short, it more than makes up for it in areas like the CX-5’s driving characteristics, the fit and finish of the interior, the sleek design language, and the rather overwhelmingly positive reviews from long-term customers about reliability and resale value. It seems quite fair to say that although other cars within this segment have certain unique quirks and features that set them apart, the Mazda CX-5, with all things considered, still shines through as the overall best choice.