Earlier this year, experiencing the Mazda CX-9, the three-row SUV flagship from Mazda, was a revelation. Its beautiful design, luxurious feel, and engaging driving dynamics set a high bar. It drove better than many cars, let alone SUVs. Therefore, it’s no surprise that its smaller sibling, the Mazda CX-5, embodies the same qualities from top to bottom. Having recently tested top-tier versions of Honda’s CR-V and Toyota’s RAV4, it’s clear that neither can match the Mazda CX-5’s level of sophistication and driving pleasure. In the compact SUV arena, the CX-5 stands out, much like a champion athlete in their prime – it’s simply in a league of its own.
Visually, the CX-5 mirrors a scaled-down CX-9, especially when coated in the striking Soul Red paint. This resemblance is a positive attribute, given Mazda’s signature design language of fluid curves and sculpted lines. Mazda has carved a niche for themselves by offering luxury-inspired interiors in their affordably priced vehicles. True to form, the CX-5 Signature trim boasts an elegant cabin with materials that rival those found in premium German automobiles. One minor observation is that the leather seats and some padded surfaces felt a touch slippery, possibly due to the vehicle being brand new with only 400 miles on the odometer.
Luxurious Interior and Comfort
Comfort is a key aspect of the Mazda CX-5, offering a pleasant experience in every seat with ample room throughout the cabin. While a RAV4 might offer slightly more cargo space, Mazda provides larger SUV options for those needing extra room. The CX-5 stays true to its compact SUV classification, resisting the trend of endless size inflation seen in some competitors. When directly comparing the interior ambiance of the CX-5 to the RAV4, the Mazda elevates itself to a higher standard of luxury. And this is just the cabin environment; the driving experience further distinguishes the CX-5. While upcoming models like Kia’s Sorento and Hyundai’s Santa Fe are contenders, they will need to significantly exceed expectations to challenge the sophisticated class of the Mazda.
Thrilling Driving Dynamics and Performance
What truly sets the Mazda CX-5 apart in the crowded compact SUV segment is its exceptional performance on any road. On highways, it tracks straight and maintains remarkable quietness, akin to a luxury vehicle – a pleasant surprise in this class. When encountering winding roads, the CX-5 demonstrates an almost magnetic attraction to corners. The handling balance is unexpectedly refined for a mid-size crossover. Turn-in is sharp, responding eagerly to driver input, and body control is equally impressive. Remarkably, this agile handling doesn’t compromise ride comfort; the suspension remains smooth and compliant over typical road imperfections in normal driving conditions.
During a long, sweeping cloverleaf freeway on-ramp, the CX-5 showcased its impressive adjustability. Entering the corner, applying progressive throttle induced a subtle, manageable understeer. As the corner tightened towards the exit, easing off the throttle revealed a touch of lift-off oversteer, effectively tucking the nose in and allowing the rear to rotate, aligning perfectly for a throttle-pinned exit. These nuanced driving characteristics elevate Mazda vehicles above their rivals; its cornering prowess is truly exceptional. Mazda’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system further enhances grip and power distribution across various driving scenarios.
Potent Turbocharged Engine and Transmission
This particular CX-5 was equipped with the advanced 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering a robust 250 horsepower at a modest 5,000 RPM on premium fuel (227 hp on regular) and a substantial 310 lb-ft of torque from a mere 2,000 RPM. These figures significantly outclass the top engine outputs from competitors like the CR-V and RAV4. Performance metrics validate this power advantage, with a 0-60 MPH sprint achieved in just 6.4 seconds and a 50-70 MPH dash in a mere 3.4 seconds. In contrast, a RAV4 struggles to dip below 8 seconds to reach 60 MPH. The CX-5 not only handles superbly but is also genuinely quick.
While many modern vehicles have moved to eight-speed automatics or CVTs, the CX-5 utilizes a more traditional six-speed automatic transmission. However, this older unit shifts smoothly and rapidly, working harmoniously with the turbocharged engine’s power delivery. Despite having fewer gears, it complements the engine’s powerband effectively and responds keenly to manual shift inputs in manumatic mode. Mazda’s turbocharged engine also employs an unusually high compression ratio for a boosted engine, resulting in quick throttle response and a sense of urgency. The abundant torque output provides remarkable flexibility, generating substantial power at accessible RPMs. Engage third gear at 50 MPH, floor the accelerator, and the CX-5 surges forward with impressive force.
Fuel economy is the only area where the CX-5 isn’t class-leading, but it remains respectable. Cruising at 70 MPH yielded 30 MPG, and mixed driving averaged around 24 MPG during the test period. While the six-speed transmission performs well, its higher engine speeds at highway cruising might slightly limit fuel efficiency. A seven-speed transmission with an added overdrive gear could potentially improve high-speed fuel economy. While competitors may achieve slightly better fuel efficiency, they often sacrifice the exhilarating performance that sets the Mazda apart from mainstream Honda and Toyota models.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Signature trim CX-5 as tested comes with a price tag of $39,225. While not the most budget-friendly option, a RAV4 Limited can easily exceed $40,000, and a less capable CR-V approaches $36,000. The primary reason to consider alternatives to the Mazda CX-5 would be the desire for a hybrid powertrain, which both Toyota and Honda offer, providing significantly enhanced fuel economy. However, even a brief test drive in a CX-5 will reveal its compelling desirability and why it stands out in its segment.
The Road Beat Rating: 4.5/5
As-Tested Price: $39,225
Pros: Stellar interior, handling, and performance
Cons: Fuel economy can’t match rivals
Verdict: Like most Mazdas, it’s the best vehicle in its class.
