Having experienced the grandeur of the Mazda CX-9 earlier this year, I was prepared for something special from its compact sibling, the CX-5. If the CX-9 impressed as a beautifully crafted and remarkably dynamic three-row SUV, the CX-5 simply amplifies these virtues in a smaller, arguably more appealing package. In a market saturated with contenders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t just compete; it elevates the standard, offering a blend of luxury and driving engagement that its rivals struggle to match. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit in a world of off-the-rack offerings.
The Mazda CX-5 immediately establishes its premium intentions with its striking design, mirroring the elegant lines of the CX-9. Especially when draped in Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, the CX-5 exudes a sophisticated presence that belies its price point. Mazda has carved a niche for itself by injecting upscale aesthetics into its more accessible vehicles, and the CX-5 Signature trim is a testament to this philosophy. The interior is lavished with materials that wouldn’t feel out of place in vehicles bearing German luxury badges. While the leather seating surfaces in our test model felt a touch slippery—possibly due to its newness with only 400 miles on the clock—the overall ambiance is one of refined comfort and meticulous craftsmanship.
Inside, the CX-5 prioritizes passenger comfort across all seats, providing ample space for occupants. While the RAV4 might offer a slightly more generous cargo area, the CX-5 remains true to its compact SUV designation, a refreshing approach as competitors seemingly inflate their dimensions. However, the crucial distinction lies in the cabin experience itself. The CX-5 interior is palpably more upscale than the utilitarian feel of the RAV4, placing it in a different echelon of perceived quality. Although I have yet to evaluate the latest Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, they will need to deliver something truly exceptional to surpass the CX-5’s inherent class.
However, the true magic of the Mazda CX-5 unfolds on the road. Whether navigating highways or tackling winding backroads, the CX-5 exhibits a level of composure and driver engagement rarely found in this segment. On the highway, the ride is remarkably stable and quiet – genuinely approaching luxury car levels of refinement. When the roads turn twisty, the CX-5 reveals its sporting character, eagerly attacking corners with an enthusiasm that defies its crossover classification. The steering is precise and responsive, instilling confidence and making directional changes feel intuitive. Body control is equally commendable, especially considering the suspension manages to remain supple and absorbent over bumps during typical driving scenarios. It’s a harmonious blend of agility and comfort that sets a high benchmark.
Pushing the CX-5 on a sweeping freeway on-ramp revealed its playful chassis dynamics. Entering the corner, a measured application of the throttle induced a predictable hint of understeer. As the corner tightened, easing off the accelerator subtly shifted the balance, introducing a touch of lift-off oversteer. This delicate adjustability allowed for precise cornering line adjustments, enabling the car to rotate neatly towards the apex before unleashing the turbocharged engine’s power on exit. It’s this nuanced handling and responsiveness that elevates the Mazda driving experience above many of its competitors. Furthermore, Mazda’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system seamlessly contributes to maximizing traction and distributing power effectively across diverse driving conditions.
Powering this CX-5 is the potent 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering a robust 250 horsepower and a substantial 310 lb-ft of torque. These figures comfortably eclipse the top-tier engine outputs from both the CR-V and RAV4. The performance metrics validate this advantage, with a 0-60 mph sprint accomplished in a brisk 6.4 seconds and a 50-70 mph dash in just 3.4 seconds. In contrast, the RAV4 struggles to breach the 8-second mark for the 0-60 mph acceleration. The CX-5 is not just dynamically adept; it’s genuinely quick.
The CX-5 employs a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, a contrast to the prevalent trend of eight-speed units and CVTs. However, this older six-speed acquits itself admirably, providing smooth and swift gear changes that are well-matched to the turbo engine’s power delivery. It’s particularly responsive in manual shift mode, enhancing driver control. Mazda’s engineering ingenuity is further evident in the turbo engine’s unusually high compression ratio (for a boosted engine), resulting in sharp throttle response and immediate power delivery. The generous torque output ensures impressive flexibility, delivering ample power across a broad RPM range. Even at highway speeds, a simple press of the accelerator in third gear unleashes a surge of acceleration.
Fuel economy is the only area where the CX-5 doesn’t quite lead the class, though it remains respectable. Highway cruising at 70 mph yielded 30 MPG, and mixed driving averaged around 24 MPG during my evaluation. While the six-speed transmission performs admirably, it likely contributes to slightly higher engine speeds at cruising velocities, potentially impacting highway fuel efficiency. A seven-speed transmission with an added overdrive gear could potentially improve high-speed economy. While competitors might achieve marginally better fuel consumption, they often sacrifice the exhilarating performance that the Mazda offers, a trade-off that favors driving enjoyment over ultimate frugality.
The as-tested price of this CX-5 Signature comes to $39,225. While not inexpensive, a similarly equipped RAV4 Limited can easily exceed $40,000, and a less comprehensively capable CR-V still approaches $36,000. The primary reason to consider alternatives to the Mazda would be if a hybrid powertrain is a priority, an area where Toyota and Honda currently hold an advantage in fuel efficiency. However, even a brief drive in the CX-5 is enough to understand its compelling appeal.
The Road Beat Rating: 4.5/5
As-Tested Price: $39,225
Pros: Exceptional interior, engaging handling, and strong performance
Cons: Fuel economy trails segment leaders
Verdict: Continuing Mazda’s tradition, the CX-5 stands out as a class-leading vehicle, offering a superior blend of luxury and driving dynamics in the compact crossover segment.
