- The Mazda CX-5 has premium design and standard AWD
- Pricing starts at $29,300 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
The Mazda CX-5 competes in one of the hottest and most popular segments in the automotive kingdom – that of the compact SUV. With nearly 20 models competing for attention in this category, it’s also one of the largest. Yet even against stiff competition, the Mazda CX-5 stands out from the crowd. In fact, it’s among our top-rated SUVs in its class. In a segment where just about every entrant is good, the CX-5 is great.
If you’ve ever driven a Mazda, you know this isn’t happenstance. Mazda vehicles exude intentionality and what we can only describe as an automotive je ne sais quoi in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
This sense begins with a chassis and powertrain that conspire to bring surprising athleticism to a vehicle in which it’s least expected. Yes, the CX-5 is genuinely a pleasure to drive. The standard engine is a 4-cylinder making 185 horsepower, and even this powerplant is satisfying. Turbo variants increase that output to up to 256 ponies and an are-you-serious 320 lb-ft of torque (using premium gas), which takes the CX-5’s acceleration and passing prowess to another level. And no matter which powertrain you choose, you get all-wheel drive standard – a rarity in this class.
Yet the 2024 Mazda CX-5 is more than just a star athlete in its class. Let’s look inside to see what else it has to offer.
Passenger Room and Comfort
While the Mazda CX-5 might be a pleasure to drive, it never forgets that it’s an SUV. And that means it’s built for practicality and hauling passengers and their gear alike. Here, too, it succeeds on several levels. We love that even the least-expensive CX-5 includes a 6-way power-adjustable front seat, making it easy to find the perfect driving position – and we always do when testing a CX-5. Another feature that makes this mainstream SUV feel more like a premium one is standard front-seat heating with three power levels.
There is plenty of room up front for all manner of body types, and that extends to the second row, too. Back there, you’ll find a surprising amount of legroom for a compact SUV — 39.6 inches. And it’s not just that spread-out room when it comes to rear-seat comfort. Another feature we love – and pets will, too, if they’re your travel companions – are standard rear air vents.
Features and Tech
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a slick 10.25-inch wide-screen display that sits above the dash. We’ve found it works seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems are standard, and the upper trims of the CX-5 have wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
Unlike infotainment systems in other vehicles, this one isn’t dependent on touch; Mazda’s product experts tell us safe, distraction-free driving was top of mind when developing the system. Thus, infotainment and other functions are controlled via a rotary dial just below the gear shift lever where your hand naturally falls, or via voice command.
If you’re the type of person who constantly has a soundtrack when driving, you’ll want to turn your attention to models with the 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. It comes standard starting on the 2.5 S Carbon Edition.
Materials and Design
Even the least-expensive Mazda CX-5 is a nice place to be. It all starts with design. The CX-5 might swim in the sea of mainstream compact SUVs, but it has long looked like something that could wear a premium badge. From material choices to fit and finish, the Mazda CX-5 looks a cut above the competition.
One example is the upholstery of choice. You won’t find cloth here. Even a base CX-5 boasts leatherette-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gear selector. Side note: The Mazda’s leather-wrapped steering wheel is one of the finest we’ve felt. Seriously. Grasp it and see for yourself.
Upper trims treat you to genuine leather seating, culminating in Caturra Brown Nappa in the top trim. Other perks like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel can also be had on the CX-5.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The Mazda CX-5 has 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in position and up to 59.3 cubic feet with them down. These might not be class-leading numbers, but they are more than respectable. And even here, the CX-5 stands out from others. Instead of just having two sections that fold, the rear seats are foldable in three sections as a 40/20/40 split with one-touch folding and reclining functionality. As a compact SUV, the CX-5’s cargo room should give buyers plenty to work with when it comes to carrying everything from groceries to sports gear.
Build and price your own version of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you.
