2024 Mazda CX-5 Overview: Why get choice 1b when 1a is sitting proper there?

Execs: Partaking and refined to drive; luxurious inside; sturdy turbo engine; attractiveness; high crash scores

Cons: No hybrid out there; polarizing infotainment system; a bit small; not so good as CX-50

What precisely do you get with the quantity 0? Often, by definition, nothing. However in relation to Mazda’s pair of compact SUVs, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 isn’t as interesting as its newer sibling, the CX-50. Each have the identical checklist of execs and cons, and each characterize sportier and extra premium takes on a phase that principally consists of family-oriented or outside journey entries. They’re even related in dimension and provide the identical engine decisions. What the heck’s the distinction, then?

Principally, the CX-50 was designed and engineered for the North American market versus the extra globally minded CX-5. It subsequently affords all of the virtues of the CX-5, however is a smidge larger, extra refined and able to going additional off-road. We predict it appears to be like higher, too. Oh, and it’s made in America versus the made-in-Japan CX-5. Why go for the CX-5, then? Other than a barely cheaper price, we’re left scratching our heads. Whereas we theoretically prefer it each bit as a lot as earlier than the CX-50 got here out, and nonetheless respect that it strikes a extra emotional chord than the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the world, we identical to the CX-50 extra. Why go for choice 1b when 1a is simply sitting proper there?

Inside & Know-how   |   Passenger & Cargo House   |   Efficiency & Gasoline Economic system

What it is wish to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Ranges   |   Crash Rankings & Security Options

What’s new for 2024?

Adjustments are minimal, beginning with the disappearance of the bottom S trim — a preferred transfer for automakers these days, shedding the low-hanging, questionably worthwhile fruit. This makes the CX-5 $2,600 dearer to begin after factoring the worth improve on the S Choose trim that is now the entry-level mannequin. There are modifications additional up the trim order, too. The Carbon Turbo returns, recalling the Carbon Turbo Version that hasn’t been seen for the reason that 2021 mannequin 12 months. Mazda rolls out new colour combos for this trim, the 2024 Carbon Turbo providing a particular Zircon Sand Metallic paint for $450 and a Terracotta leather-based inside blended with black suede. As earlier than, it slips in as probably the most accessible variant with the turbocharged 2.5-liter, beneath the present Turbo that is renamed Turbo Premium for 2024, and the top-tier Turbo Signature.

What are the CX-5 inside and in-car know-how like?

The CX-5 boasts a good-looking, upscale design with supplies to match, exuding a premium vibe that none of its direct rivals can match (effectively, apart from the CX-50). Its high trim ranges have seats which can be heated throughout and ventilated up entrance, plus high-quality leather-based with distinction French stitching. The Signature will get distinctive Catarra Brown Nappa leather-based, proven right here. The padded and stitched pleather on the sprint, doorways and heart console are a pleasant contact too, as is the alloy trim — particularly the air vents that appear to jut out from inside the sprint. Admittedly, fancier touches just like the Signature’s wood-look trim are absent on decrease trim ranges, however the total inside atmosphere stays extra premium and classy than these of most rivals — particularly one thing just like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester which can be going for extra of a rugged, utilitarian vibe.

Mazda’s tech interface is distinctive in that it makes use of a middle console knob controller fairly than a touchscreen. This is not Mazda being behind the occasions, it is a aware effort to cut back driver distraction. The dashtop display is massive and simple to see whereas operating a comparatively easy and fast consumer interface. The knob that controls it’s large, ergonomically positioned on the middle console and, like BMW’s iDrive controller, can rotate by means of menus or transfer up/down, left/proper amongst icons. This latter characteristic is vital for utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is the place the troubles start. Each connectivity options are supposed for a touchscreen, and choosing their icons by rotating and clicking the knob is extra time consuming and distracting. There’s a motive Mazda added touchscreen performance to the CX-50 particularly for CarPlay and Android Auto.  That mentioned, wheeling by means of playlists or contacts is definitely simpler with a knob, and in contrast to most different producers, Mazda does not lock out these features whereas the automobile is in movement (excellent news for passengers).

How large is the CX-5?

Though the CX-5 is smaller on the skin than the CX-50, they’re nearly an identical inside other than some further width within the CX-50. Both method, each are on the small finish of the compact SUV phase. The CX-5 has ample house inside for 4 occupants to journey round in relative consolation, however households might discover they might use the form of further house offered by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. Youngsters usually tend to find yourself kicking the entrance seats from front-facing youngster seats, and people up entrance usually tend to must scoot their seats as much as make room for rear-facing youngster seats. We discovered that in our automotive seat comparability of 4 compact SUVs, the CX-5 was the least pleasant when it comes to automotive seat house and fitment, but it surely wasn’t an enormous hole to these forward.

The CX-5 has 30.9 cubic-feet of house behind its again seat, which is significantly lower than these rivals. The CX-50 has 31.4 cubic-feet, so ditto. Not surprisingly, we discovered they’ll’t maintain fairly as a lot stuff as these rivals with larger volumes (all hyperlinks right here go to their respective baggage checks): the Kia Sportage (39.6), Hyundai Tucson (38.6), Toyota RAV4 (37.5), 2023 Honda CR-V (36) and the Subaru Forester (between 33 and 35 relying on choices). Nonetheless, the CX-5 does characterize a transparent improve over varied subcompact SUVs like Mazda’s CX-30.

What are the CX-5 gas financial system and efficiency specs?

Mazda CX-5 trim ranges with 2.5 S of their identify characteristic a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive are commonplace. It is a distinctive AWD system that screens automobile weight distribution among the many normal components of throttle place and present traction with the intention to enhance response and dealing with. Gasoline financial system estimates for 2024 weren’t out there right now, but it surely’s extremely unlikely they’d change considerably after final 12 months’s of 24 mpg metropolis, 30 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed. These are decrease than the CR-V, Forester and RAV4, which fall within the 28-29 mpg mixed vary. The CR-V and RAV4, plus the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, additionally provide extra environment friendly and extremely really helpful hybrid powertrains.

Trim ranges with 2.5 Turbo of their identify characteristic a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four good for 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s going to do 256 hp on 93 octane in case you reside in a spot that sells that and you’re feeling like paying extra for gasoline. Both method, this engine produces the form of energetic acceleration that few others within the phase can match, together with none of these rivals above. It too is paired with a six-speed automated and all-wheel drive. Gasoline financial system drops additional right down to 22 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed.

What is the CX-5 wish to drive?

Mazda’s compact crossover is ideal for the individual whose life modifications have dictated the swap from an agile automotive to some form of household hauler. Its spot-on steering and throttle response evoke Porsche, whereas the six-speed automated transmission favors efficiency over gas financial system (whereas nonetheless getting comparatively good mileage). These dynamic components, plus a fastidiously crafted, splendid driving place and the ample grunt from the out there turbo engine ought to make the CX-5 really feel “excellent” for these used to extra sporting, non-family-oriented transport. That mentioned, its journey high quality is on the firmer aspect. It is by no means harsh, even with large wheels, however you actually really feel extra of the street than in most rivals.

A part of its dynamic prowess comes from the truth that G-Vectoring Management Plus, know-how unique to Mazda, makes use of engine torque to shift weight onto the entrance wheels simply as turn-in is initiated. That gives extra grip on the turning wheels, and whereas it is most noticeable in poor street circumstances, it additional instills the motive force with a relaxed assurance on the curviest of roads even when surfaces are dry. It will possibly additionally apply the skin wheel’s brake, which guides the automobile with the form of clean management usually reserved for sports activities sedans.

What different Mazda CX-5 evaluations can I learn?

2019 Mazda CX-5 Baggage Take a look at | How a lot matches within the trunk

See how a lot baggage can match within the CX-5’s cargo space.

Automotive seat check: Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester vs (previous-generation) Honda CR-V

We check out how straightforward it’s to put in youngster seats in 4 of one of the best compact SUVs, together with how a lot house there may be for them. 

2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Drivers’ Notes Overview | Extra energy, extra love

Our first time driving the CX-5 Turbo’s engine. The automotive has been up to date since then, however our total impressions of the turbo engine stay the identical.

What’s the 2024 CX-5 value?

The CX-5 pricing begins a bit increased than rivals, but it surely additionally comes commonplace with all-wheel drive, and due to beginning off with the upper S Choose trim degree for 2024, seemingly extra gear as effectively. Additional niceties embrace rear privateness glass, auto-leveling lights, proximity entry, dual-zone local weather management, leatherette upholstery, heated entrance seats with six-way energy driver adjustment and handbook passenger peak adjustment, a six-speaker sound system and two rear USB ports.

Some key gadgets, although: The Carbon Version is generally an look package deal on high of the Most popular that provides black wheels and trim, distinctive Polymetal Grey paint and a pink inside choice.  The Carbon Turbo affords a particular Zircon Sand Metallic with Terracotta leather-based blended with black fake suede. Sport and Off-Street drive modes additionally present up beginning with the Premium, whereas the Turbo trims get barely totally different styling and leather-based upholstery.

Pricing for the varied 2024 Mazda CX-5 trim ranges after the $1,375 vacation spot payment is beneath, with every of their respective value modifications from 2023:

S Choose: $30,675 ($800)

S Most popular: $32,025 ($470)

S Carbon Version: $33,325 ($850)

S Premium: $35,275 ($900)

S Premium Plus: $37,875 ($1,000)

Carbon Turbo: $38,375 (new)

Turbo Premium: $39,175 ($950)

Turbo Signature: $41,975 ($950)

What are the CX-5 security scores and driver help options?

Each CX-5 consists of ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning programs. The latter two are normally discovered on the higher trim ranges of rivals. The range-topping Signature provides automated rear emergency braking, a driver inattention warning system and low-speed steering help when utilizing adaptive cruise management (Site visitors Jam Help).

The federal authorities gave the CX-5 high five-star score for total, frontal and aspect crash worthiness. It bought a typical four-star rollover score. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named it a Prime Security Decide+ for its best-possible scores in all pertinent crash checks and for its accident avoidance tech. The CX-5 was additionally the one compact SUV, interval, to get the best-possible score of “Good” within the newer, more durable IIHS aspect crash check (it doesn’t but depend towards Prime Security Decide {qualifications}).