The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover acts as the bridge between the brand's CX-30 subcompact and CX-9 three row, making it a very popular SUV with sales increasing year by year. It is also a worthy competitor to the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4, bringing a touch of luxury into the mix with an affordable price tag.
Exterior
The Mazda CX-5 is among the best-looking vehicles in its segment, featuring the brand's latest KODO design philosophy. It gives a minimalistic impression with its thin headlights underlined by a chrome accent that wraps around the bottom of the wide grille. The front bumper is simple, especially since it has a straight line running across it rather than chevron-shaped vents like its predecessor. The same look carries over to the rear of the car, as the slim taillights, basic rear reflectors, and plain rear bumper are accompanied by nothing other than the dynamic sheetmetal. While the CX-5's greenhouse is similar to most other crossovers, the chrome accent line that borders the bottom of the window and curves upward gives it some personality. It also works quite well with the shoulder line and side bumper accents.
Interior
The CX-5's interior is where that premium feel really steps into the spotlight. The infotainment's accessible location on top of the dashboard is very elegant, but we couldn't help but notice that it wasn't aligned with the center stack. Speaking of, the controls were nicely laid out, with just two temperature knobs at either side of a small climate display and a few additional buttons just above. The HVAC vents were conveniently positioned just below the infotainment system, and sat in the center of a satin chrome accent that ran across the entire dashboard. Similar trim was found in the doors and center console, and went nicely with the black leather seats and upholstery. Infotainment and volume controls were placed in between the gear shift and and front armrest (more details in the technology area). Cupholders were found in the usual spots; in the doors and center console, as well as two more on the folding backrest in the middle rear seat. Finally, the driver enjoyed a beautiful instrument cluster layout with a genuine speedometer and fuel tank reader, and a digital trip computer on the far right that also monitored the which doors were open when necessary. The CX-5 has standard black cloth or leatherette seats, but genuine leather is optional. You can also opt for wood trim to replace the fake chrome accents and ambient mood lighting is available to light up the cabin a bit more.
Space
The Mazda CX-5 is not the most spacious contender in its class, as most of its potential cargo space is used up by the comfortable cabin. In numbers, its trunk measures 30.9 cubic feet of space. With the second row seats folded down, there's a total 59.6 cubic feet of space. Compared to the Nissan Rogue's roomy 36.5 cubic feet and the Honda CR-V's over-the-top 39.2 cubic feet, Mazda's compact crossover falls short. Despite that, we were able to fit two beach chairs, an umbrella, a blanket, several towels, and various beach bags inside without surpassing the rear seatbacks. This means the CX-5's trunk isn't that bad in reality, but week-long vacations would probably require more room. As for the passenger compartment, we initially feared that rear passenger legroom would be a nightmare, but it turned out to provide plenty of room. But like most compact crossovers, the middle seat was more upright than the others, and felt less cushy than the other seats This made for a stiff ride, and the raised floor in the middle plummeted that occupant's legroom, especially with the rear air outlets and USB ports in the way. Rear legroom measures 39.6 inches, headroom reaches 39 inches, and hip room gets to 55.3 inches. Front dimensions measure 41 inches for legroom, 39.7 inches for headroom, and 55.2 inches for hip room. In terms of storage cubbies, the Mazda CX-5 isn't very strong in this category either. You'll only find the usual spots, like cupholders in the doors and center console, nooks at the sides of the trunk, and a retractable cubby within the middle seat.
Reliability
Unsurprisingly, the CX-5 shines in its segment in terms of reliability. JD Power rates it at 81/100 in quality and reliability, which is also considered 'great.' We didn't experience any abnormal wear and tear in our time with this Mazda, and the luxurious materials likely count for the quality part of this rating.
Performance
We found the CX-5 very enjoyable to drive. It's easy to forget that this Mazda is actually an SUV, and not a two-door Miata. The ride was butter smooth, as the suspension did a great job of soaking in the road's minor flaws. Our CX-5 had a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter 4-cylinder, which pumps out 187 horsepower. Upgrading to the more expensive trim levels, you'll find a 227-hp, 2.5 liter turbo-four under the hood. However, being stuck with the base powertrain didn't prevent us from loving the way this thing drives. We think the Mazda CX-5 is a prime example of the brand's fun-to-drive ethos.
Technology
The Mazda CX-5's large 10.25" infotainment display comes standard, and features beautifully simplistic menus that match the dark, modern theme. The settings menu in particular had impressively realistic illustrations of the CX-5, and the bass/treble settings displayed a sharp interpretation of the passenger area. The MazdaConnect software didn't offer any interesting easter eggs, but we really enjoyed looking at the modern graphics overall. What we didn't like about the CX-5's infotainment, though, was the annoyingly confusing clickwheel controller, which is found in every Mazda model. As our first Mazda to ever test, we thought the controller spoiled the otherwise well-put-together display. It took a while to figure out which gesture does what, and it was alarmingly distracting while driving. You may have heard that the Mazda CX-5 has a touchscreen, but it is only available when the vehicle is parked, meaning you're stuck with the clickwheel while driving. Along with the infotainment system, a small screen located below the air outlets monitors the safety features, and displays a warning when an occupant is not wearing their seatbelt. There is also a small display cleverly disguised as the rightmost gauge, which monitors the doors and provides trip statistics when long rides are over. This display blends seamlessly with the other chrome-lined gauges to create a gorgeous, authentic-looking gauge cluster behind the steering wheel.
Configurations
The CX-5 is offered in seven different trim levels: Sport, Touring (as tested), Carbon Edition, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. It is also available in a wide variety of exterior colors, including Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic (as tested), Machine Gray Metallic, Polymetal Gray (Carbon Edition only), Jet Black Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic. Inside, you can opt for Silk Beige, Parchment, or Caturra Brown, aside from the standard black cloth/leatherette mix. Of course, genuine Napa leather is available to replace the faux leather upholstery.
Key Features
Engine: 2.5 liter 4-cylinder
Base MSRP: $25,370
As shown: $27,110 (est)
Seating: 5
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds
Fuel Economy: 25 city / 31 highway
Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 couldn't be a better example of a 'bang for your buck' type of car. With a starting price of under $30,000 and standard features you’d find in a luxury car, the CX-5 would be the best offering in its segment if it weren’t for the mediocre cargo area and stiff middle seat.
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