Professionals: Participating and refined to drive; luxurious inside; sturdy turbo engine; beauty; prime crash scores
Cons: No hybrid accessible; polarizing infotainment system; a bit small; inferior to CX-50
What precisely do you get with the quantity 0? Often, by definition, nothing. However in relation 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 checklist of professionals and cons, and each signify sportier and extra premium takes on a phase that largely consists of family-oriented or outside journey entries. They’re even comparable in dimension and provide the identical engine selections. What the heck’s the distinction, then?
Mainly, the CX-50 was designed and engineered for the North American market versus the extra globally minded CX-5. It subsequently affords all of the virtues of the CX-5, however is a smidge larger, extra refined and able to going additional off-road. We expect it seems 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 lower cost, 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 respect 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 choice 1b when 1a is simply sitting proper there?
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
Each CX-5 now comes commonplace with touchscreen performance, however solely when utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is a vital performance enchancment, and one not shared with each Mazda. Different adjustments are minimal, beginning with the disappearance of the bottom S trim — a preferred transfer for automakers currently, shedding the low-hanging, questionably worthwhile fruit. This makes the CX-5 $2,600 costlier to begin after factoring the value improve on the S Choose trim that is now the entry-level mannequin. There are adjustments additional up the trim order, too. The Carbon Turbo returns, recalling the Carbon Turbo Version that hasn’t been seen for the reason that 2021 mannequin 12 months. Mazda rolls out new colour combos for this trim, the 2024 Carbon Turbo providing a particular Zircon Sand Metallic paint for $450 and a Terracotta leather-based inside blended 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 expertise 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 (properly, in addition to the CX-50). Its prime trim ranges have seats which might 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 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 general inside atmosphere stays extra premium and trendy than these of most rivals — particularly one thing just like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester which might 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 slightly than a touchscreen. This is not Mazda being behind the occasions, it is a aware effort to cut 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 large, ergonomically positioned on the middle console and, like BMW’s iDrive controller, can rotate by menus or transfer up/down, left/proper amongst icons. We’re usually OK with it, particularly as Mazda has added touchscreen performance commonplace for 2024 whereas utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. As each methods are particularly supposed for a touchscreen (utilizing the knob-screen combo was fairly merely a ache), this can be a large performance enchancment. That stated, the knob can nonetheless be used as a redundant enter for Apple/Android connectivity, which turns out to be useful when wheeling by lists.
How large is the CX-5?
Though the CX-5 is smaller on the skin than the CX-50, they’re just about an identical inside other than some further width within the CX-50. Both method, each are on the small finish of the compact SUV phase. The CX-5 has ample area inside for 4 occupants to journey round in relative consolation, however households could discover they may use the form of further area supplied by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. Children 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 automotive seat comparability of 4 compact SUVs, the CX-5 was the least pleasant by way of automotive seat area and fitment, but it surely wasn’t an enormous hole to these forward.
The CX-5 has 30.9 cubic-feet of area 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 larger 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). Nonetheless, 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 title function 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 commonplace. It is a distinctive AWD system that screens automobile weight distribution among the many normal components of throttle place and present traction as a way to enhance response and dealing with. Gasoline economic system estimates for 2024 weren’t accessible presently, but it surely’s extremely unlikely they’d change considerably after final 12 months’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 beneficial hybrid powertrains.
Trim ranges with 2.5 Turbo of their title function 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 should you dwell in a spot that sells that and you’re feeling like paying extra for gasoline. Both method, this engine produces the form of energetic acceleration that few others within the phase 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 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 individual whose life adjustments have dictated the swap from an agile automotive 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, preferrred driving place and the ample grunt from the accessible turbo engine ought to make the CX-5 really feel “excellent” for these used to extra sporting, non-family-oriented transport. That stated, its journey high quality is on the firmer facet. It is by no means harsh, even with large 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, expertise 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 situations, it additional instills the driving force with a peaceful assurance on the curviest of roads even when surfaces are dry. It may possibly additionally apply the skin wheel’s brake, which guides the automobile with the form of clean management sometimes reserved for sports activities sedans.
What different Mazda CX-5 opinions can I learn?
2019 Mazda CX-5 Baggage Check | How a lot suits within the trunk
See how a lot baggage can match within the CX-5’s cargo space.
Automotive seat take a look at: 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 area there may be for them.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Drivers’ Notes Assessment | 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 general impressions of the turbo engine stay the identical.
What’s the 2024 CX-5 value?
The CX-5 pricing begins a bit larger than rivals, but it surely additionally comes commonplace with all-wheel drive, and due to beginning off with the upper S Choose trim degree for 2024, doubtless extra gear as properly. Further 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 guide passenger top adjustment, a six-speaker sound system and two rear USB ports.
Some key gadgets, although: The Carbon Version is generally an look bundle on prime of the Most popular that provides black wheels and trim, distinctive Polymetal Grey paint and a purple inside choice. The Carbon Turbo affords a particular Zircon Sand Metallic with Terracotta leather-based blended with black fake suede. Sport and Off-Highway 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 value adjustments 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 methods. 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 (Site visitors Jam Help).
The federal authorities gave the CX-5 prime five-star score for general, 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 Choose+ 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 score of “Good” within the newer, harder IIHS facet crash take a look at (it doesn’t but depend towards High Security Choose {qualifications}).
