2022 Mazda CX-5

　　

2022 Maxda CX-5 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　No one looks to small crossover SUVs for distinctive style or grand times behind the wheel. These are vehicles that emphasize the "utility" in SUV and wring maximum space for people, pets and personal effects in a quest for daily-driven competence. So how does the 2022 Mazda CX-5, with its tight rear quarters and skimpy cargo space, manage to rise near the top of the class? Simple: The CX-5 delivers joy to its driver. Not mere satisfaction for a job well done, but the same pleasure you might get from a small sport sedan and open highway, with the added benefit of room for supplies from the home improvement store.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$143/mo  for CX-5 2.5 S

　　CX-5 2.5 S

　　2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,250 MSRP2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,250 MSRP2.5 S Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $29,950 MSRP2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,070 MSRP2.5 S Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $32,660 MSRP2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $34,300 MSRP2.5 Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $36,750 MSRP2.5 Turbo Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $39,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The CX-5's base four-cylinder engine is a good introduction, but the car comes alive with its optional turbocharged counterpart. For 2022, the turbo engine gets a slight boost, up 6 horsepower from last year's model when filled with premium gas. The CX-5 has always deftly balanced ride comfort and responsive handling, but this year's minor suspension updates aim to reduce road noise and vibrations and tighten up control. Finally, subtle revisions to the front and rear bumpers, headlights and sundry panels give the CX-5 a dose of fresh style.

　　Rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue offer more rear legroom and cargo volume, but the CX-5 is unmatched when it comes to combining performance and refinement in such an affordable package. Read our test team's Expert Rating below for a deeper analysis on what makes the CX-5 a top pick for a small crossover SUV.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We spent a year and 20,000 miles with a 2018 CX-5 that remains comparable to the 2022 model. See what we thought about Mazda's fun-to-drive compact SUV after a year of experience behind the wheel in our long-term road test.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CX-5 drive? The base engine provides underwhelming acceleration while moving, and overtaking on the highway requires some planning. It fares slightly better from a dead stop — the 0-60 mph run on our test track took 8.7 seconds, which is typical for rivals with a base engine. The available turbocharged engine gets the CX-5 to 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds.

　　Handling is where the CX-5 excels. Since it's sharp and communicative, you can take corners at speeds greater than rivals without squealing tires or feeling like you're out of control. The car is unfazed by quick left-to-right transitions. This is the best-handling small crossover. No doubt about it.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CX-5? The front seats are shaped well and generally comfortable. The rear bench seat is flat on the bottom, which might make long-distance driving uncomfortable for rear passengers. But the rear seatback can recline for added comfort.

　　The CX-5's ride quality is firm but not uncomfortable. Midcorner bumps barely faze the CX-5, and it never feels floaty. Road imperfections are dealt with immediately. Noise in the cabin is really only evident at highway speeds. Even then, you won't have to raise your voice to talk to passengers.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below