The Mazda CX-5 has long been celebrated for its captivating design, engaging performance, and premium feel, establishing itself as a leader in the competitive crossover SUV segment. While anticipation builds for the advancements in the subsequent model years, understanding the foundation laid by models like the Mazda CX-5 2021 is crucial for appreciating the vehicle’s ongoing evolution. Although this article will detail the exciting updates introduced shortly after the 2021 model, it’s important to recognize the heritage and advancements built upon vehicles like the Mazda CX-5 2021.
Refreshed Exterior Styling for a More Sophisticated Look
The 2022 Mazda CX-5, building upon the solid base of models like the Mazda CX-5 2021, introduces a refreshed exterior design, enhancing its sophisticated and elegant appeal. Mazda designers have meticulously refined both the front and rear fascias, moving away from excessive character lines to embrace reflective body surfaces. This design philosophy creates a distinguished and premium aesthetic, a step forward from even the well-regarded styling of the Mazda CX-5 2021.
The front of the 2022 CX-5 showcases a newly designed signature wing that extends outward from the updated front grille. This grille now features a three-dimensional texture, replacing the mesh surface seen in previous models and adding a touch of modern sophistication. The headlights and taillights have also been significantly redesigned. Each now incorporates a pair of horizontally spaced, rectangular LED lights, creating a sleek and instantly recognizable lighting signature. These changes represent a clear evolution from the lighting design of the Mazda CX-5 2021, offering a more contemporary and eye-catching presence.
2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature Exterior Front View
Completing the exterior transformation are all-new aluminum alloy wheels, further enhancing the crossover’s urban and elegant appeal. These wheels are designed to complement the overall refined aesthetic, solidifying the 2022 CX-5’s position as a stylish choice in its class and building upon the already attractive design of the Mazda CX-5 2021.
Turbo Models Get Distinctive Styling Enhancements
For those seeking a sportier or more luxurious expression of the CX-5, the 2022 turbo models offer distinct styling enhancements. While the Mazda CX-5 2021 offered different trim levels with varying features, the 2022 models take differentiation a step further, particularly within the turbo range.
The new 2.5 Turbo model, which evolves from the previous Grand Touring Reserve, is designed with sport-minded enthusiasts in mind. It features gloss black finishes across the exterior, creating a bold and athletic appearance. Inside, red accents and stitching add a vibrant touch, enhancing the sporty vibe. This model provides a more expressive and dynamic character compared to the more conventional styling of some trims in the Mazda CX-5 2021 lineup.
Stepping up to the 2.5 Turbo Signature model, the focus shifts to elevated elegance. Thoughtful design changes aim to create a more premium and sophisticated feel. The exterior cladding adopts a unified body color scheme, creating a seamless and upscale look. This is contrasted by bright silver finished wheels, adding a touch of brilliance. Inside, the 2.5 Turbo Signature is appointed with premium quality materials, including Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain trim. These luxurious touches represent a significant step up in refinement, distinguishing it from even the top trims of the Mazda CX-5 2021 and positioning it firmly in the premium crossover segment.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort Elevate the Experience
Beyond styling, the 2022 CX-5, while acknowledging the driving dynamics of the Mazda CX-5 2021, introduces significant improvements to driving dynamics and ride quality. These enhancements, inspired by Mazda’s latest generation vehicle technologies, impact drive modes, seats, body construction, and suspension systems.
A key update is the introduction of Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). This system allows drivers to easily select the most appropriate drive mode to optimize performance for various driving conditions with a simple switch. This feature adds a new level of control and adaptability compared to the drive mode options available in the Mazda CX-5 2021.
Mazda’s human-centric design philosophy is further reflected in the redesigned seats. These seats are engineered to provide both the driver and passengers with greater stability, promoting a more natural and comfortable driving experience. This focus on occupant well-being builds upon the comfortable seating of the Mazda CX-5 2021, taking it to a new level.
Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the smoother accelerations delivered by the more responsive six-speed automatic transmission in the 2022 model. Furthermore, significant updates to the suspension system, including improvements to the dampening control structure and increased frame rigidity, contribute to a more refined ride. These enhancements work to suppress unwanted vibrations and reduce road noise, resulting in a quieter cabin and a higher level of ride comfort than what was offered in the Mazda CX-5 2021. Collectively, these dynamic improvements create a more connected and enjoyable driving experience.
Standard i-Activ AWD Across All CX Models Enhances Confidence
A significant announcement impacting the entire Mazda CX lineup, including future iterations beyond even the Mazda CX-5 2021, is the standardization of i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Starting with the 2022 model year, i-Activ AWD becomes standard equipment across all Mazda CX models in the U.S. market.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is designed to enhance both performance and driver confidence in a variety of driving conditions. By making it standard, Mazda underscores its commitment to delivering an unparalleled driving experience for all owners. This move not only emphasizes the enhanced driving dynamics Mazda customers value but also reinforces the brand’s ongoing expansion into the premium vehicle space.
The i-Activ AWD system is engineered to create a stronger connection between the car and driver. It continuously monitors weight transfer, taking into account acceleration and cornering forces, and proactively shifts power to the appropriate wheels. This provides near-instantaneous response to driver inputs. By sharpening turn-in response and overall control, especially at varying vehicle speeds, the i-Activ AWD system enhances vehicle performance while also providing an added layer of safety and security across diverse road conditions. While AWD might have been an option on some Mazda CX-5 2021 trims, making it standard for 2022 and beyond marks a significant commitment to enhanced driving confidence and capability for all CX owners.
Conclusion
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 represents a significant evolution of this popular crossover, building upon the strong foundation established by models like the Mazda CX-5 2021. With its refreshed styling, enhanced interior options for turbo models, improved driving dynamics, and the standardization of i-Activ AWD, the 2022 CX-5 elevates the driving experience and further solidifies its position as a top contender in the crossover SUV segment. For those considering a Mazda CX-5 2021, understanding these updates provides valuable context on the ongoing refinements and advancements within the CX-5 lineage.
