The 2022 Mazda CX-5 prioritizes style and handling over more familiar crossover traits like roominess. The CX-5 is a five-seat compact crossover SUV with more spirited handling but tighter proportions than the Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan, and Subaru Forester. The CX-5 eschews big and bold design flair for clean lines and confident curves. It handles well and comes well equipped, but the rear seats lean to the smaller side. All-wheel drive comes standard on the CX-5 on all other Mazda crossover SUVs.
The 2022 CX-5 wears new ends, new LED headlight designs, and new alloy wheel designs. It enhances the compact crossover’s appeal as one of the most attractive in the class, and that carries over inside to the clean horizontal layout of the dash. Mazda tweaked the 6-speed automatic to be more responsive, made the frame more rigid and stiffened the dampers on the front strut and multi-link rear suspension, but the compact crossover still has some lean in turns that’s endemic to higher-riding vehicles.
Stylishly simple styling and a fuss-free interior grace the CX-5. There’s an unassuming confidence to the design of the CX-5. Mazda doesn’t slap on a bold grille or brash angles to stand out in this crowded class, yet its cuts and curves look as good as when it was last redesigned for 2017. The long nose and short tail work to give it a sporty profile over rounded wheel arches. Changes to the ends introduce slimmer LED headlights spreading their illuminated wings from a grille recessed by the hood. It’d be hard to spot the changes without a side-by-side comparison, but the CX-5 looks smart and handsome.
The base 2.5-liter inline-4 goes from 0-60 mph in under nine seconds. Making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, it’s not fast and the engine gets buzzy as it climbs the rev range. The 6-speed automatic transmission almost feels archaic as rivals employ a few more gears for better economy and responsiveness. The advantage, however, is staying within the power band more often for ready and willing passing moves.
Turbo models get a turbo-4 that makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, but suffers from some lag at the start. A Sport mode delays shift points and makes for a more responsive pedal feel, and it’s more spirited but still not quick. Mazda estimates 0-60 mph times in the mid-seven-second range.
All-wheel drive comes standard this year, but the system favors the front axle. Half of the torque can be sent to the rear wheels when the fronts slip. It’s more for all-weather grip than off-road potential. A new Off-road mode is limited by only 7.5 inches of ground clearance. That’s at least an inch short of Subarus.
Instead, the CX-5 excels on pavement. The meaty steering wheel affirms the precise output and returns good feedback, turning the winding road into something fun. The damping feels firm enough to push it more than other crossovers, yet it doesn’t shudder backs and butts during longer trips. The 17-inch wheels lack the sensitivity of the available 19-inch wheels, making the former better for drivers who prefer comfort above all else.
The CX-5 has average fuel economy. The base CX-5 with standard all-wheel drive gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 30 highway, 26 combined. It’s a 5. The Subaru Forester and its standard AWD system gets 29 mpg combined. With the turbo-4, the CX-5 gets 22/27/24 mpg. A transmission with more gears or an available hybrid would add some competitive appeal.
The CX-5 withstands crashes well, and it helps avoid them. The Mazda CX-5 aced its crash tests, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. That earns it two points, and tack on another for standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The optional surround-view camera system and head-up display are offered only on top Turbo models, and the congested cargo area limits rearward vision.
The cabin continues with conservative confidence. The dash sits low and the hood dips lower for a commanding view of the road. The lack of ornamentation or fuss keeps eyes on the road, even with the standard 10.3-inch display screen mounted on the dash. The wing-like feeling carries over to the dash with horizontal vents residing over climate dials. Wood trim and soft Nappa leather warm up the interior more than stoic black finishes. The mechanical shifter and infotainment dial take up console space that other automakers have used for cupholders and wireless smartphone chargers.
Mazda puts the driver and front passenger first. Up front it’s all good in the five-seat CX-5, with bolstered bucket seats that do double duty by hugging the riders when the crossover tries to hug the road, and providing enough support over long distances to ease fatigue. Optional power adjustment and seat heaters and coolers come with a higher price. All CX-5s sit higher and have a broad tall windshield similar to Subaru for expansive views of the road.
In back, only 2.5 people can fit comfortably, despite leg room of nearly 40 inches. Narrow door openings and narrow width pinches hips and shoulders, while a flat bench seat flattens rear ends. The 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to expand cargo room from 31 to about 60 cubic feet. Mazda finishes most CX-5s with black-on-black formal wear that’s conservative in the right ways. Climb the price ladder and Mazda mixes in leather upholstery, wood trim, and chrome-like accents.
The CX-5’s good feature set offsets its increasing price. Mazda packages standard AWD and a good bundle of safety and convenience features for $27,125. The base CX-5 Sport has cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, and a 10.3-inch screen with baked-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Mazda believes it’s safer to use a dial and buttons in the console than to reach forward and activate a touchscreen, but the setup requires so much fiddling that it’s equally unsafe. It’s best to set the presets and any other dynamic content while parked, and be limited to those functions. The dial works well for navigation, and flicking through smartphone icons.
For just over $30,000, the S Preferred suits the CX-5 best with leather upholstery, power front seats, power liftgate, and a sunroof. The CX-5 Turbo ($37,625) and CX-5 Turbo Signature ($39,875) are powered by the 2.5-liter turbo-4. Both ride on 19-inch alloy wheels and get a head-up display, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature adds nappa leather upholstery, wood and chrome trim, ambient lighting, navigation, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and distinct design cues outside. Every CX-5 comes with a basic 3-year/36,000-mile new car warranty.
Mazda’s 2022 CX-5 remains what is always has been; a great handling SUV with killer looks and Mazda’s great reliability. While it may not be as large as some of its competitors, how often are you really going to be hauling a full load. It’s the smart small crossover that we’d want to be driving on a daily basis since it can put joy into any drive. Which one is right for you really comes down to what kind of driver you are. If you’re more concerned about fuel economy pick the Touring with its cost savings, but if you’re more power hungry choose the Grand Touring Reserve; regardless you can rest assure knowing you’ve picked a great small SUV.
