2022 Mazda CX-5 Road Test and Review

2022 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

While most vehicles in the burgeoning compact crossover SUV segment are anything but unique, the 2022 Mazda CX-5  continues to maintain a level of distinctiveness that separates it from the herd. For one thing, in a sea of vehicles that are strictly “transportation cars” the CX-5 delivers an uncommon level of driving enjoyment. Even with the standard four-cylinder engine, its ride and handling have praiseworthy verve. And if you seek an even more involving experience, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine turns up the heat. While in previous model years, Mazda offered front-drive versions of the CX-5, for 2022 all models use all-wheel-drive. Like the vast bulk of compact crossovers, the CX-5’s interior accommodates five. But the Mazda’s interior looks richer and more upscale than many of its competitors. Of course, Mazda continues to flirt with a premium position, and the CX-5’s interior and its driving demeanor both express that. Here is our road test and review of the 2022 Mazda CX-5.

Exterior Style

One thing the 2022 Mazda CX-5 has is “curb appeal.” Many of the compact utilities seem to have come out of the same cookie cutter. In contrast, the Mazda has a very bold grille that echoes the design of some European luxury crossovers. For the 2022 model year, the CX-5’s styling has been revised while still retaining its basic shape and curb presence. The front fascia and grille have both been tweaked. The grille now has a three-dimensional texture replacing the previous mesh, and the fascia has a wing that extends outward from the grille, recalling the Mazda logo. The grille’s lower half is surrounded by a U-shaped chrome bar, while the top of the grille is body color. The rectangular LED headlights are accompanied by redesigned LED tail lights. In all, the Mazda CX-5 has the look of a luxury compact crossover.

Photo by Mazda

Interior Design

The interior of the Mazda CX-5 also compares favorably with many premium SUVs. The European influence is evident in the CX-5 and that is emphasized in the 2022 model-year revisions. The base CX-5 S comes with niceties like a 10.25-inch center display and upper level CX-5s add heated driver and front passenger seats, leatherette seat upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Keyless entry, rear privacy glass, six-speaker sound system are additional upgrades. Mazda designers revised the upholstery and stitching on several of the CX-5 models for 2022. The line-topping 2.5 Turbo Signature has brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear seats are heated as well. The new 2.5 Turbo trim has black leather with red stitching on the seats and trim. The S Select trim gets leatherette seats with faux suede inserts, and the 2.5 S Carbon Edition features leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped gear selector with red stitching, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim has layered genuine wood accents, while the 2.5 Turbo has red stitching and red trim.

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Infotainment & Technology

The Mazda CX-5 offers a leading-edge infotainment system with one of the largest digital displays in its class. It integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two USB ports and Wi-Fi hotspot are standard even on the base S model. Navigation and a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system are available in the higher trims. The dash-mounted 10.25-inch display is very legible, but using the system takes a bit of getting used to. One part of the learning curve is mastering the rotary controller on the center console. Another is remembering that the volume knob is located on the center console too. In many instances using voice commands is easier and more direct that going through the system interface or using the steering-wheel-mounted controls.

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Powertrains

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offers its buyers the choice of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful version. The base engine delivers 187 horsepower, and it is backed by a six-speed conventional automatic transmission with manual shift and sport modes. An unusual aspect of the turbocharged powerplant is the fact it has different power ratings depending upon the fuel used. When provided with premium gasoline it produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. With regular gas, it is rated at 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Like the base engine, it uses a six-speed automatic transmission. For the 2022 model year, Mazda has decided to equip all CX-5s with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. Though some of its competitors offer hybrid power, the Mazda CX-5 does not.

Photo by Mazda

Driving Impressions

Because of its sharp handling and quick response, the Mazda CX-5 is a longtime favorite of enthusiast drivers and vehicle evaluators. Mazda engineers go to uncommon lengths to make certain aspects like throttle-response and gear selection work well. The goal is to tune the vehicle to perform in concert with the driver. Because of these efforts, the CX-5 delivers fun-to-drive thrills that others in the segment can’t match. At the same time, ride is comfortable and controlled. Power delivery is more than adequate and most drivers in the segment will be content with the performance of the base engine. Of course, those who want an extra dose of driving fun will appreciate the added go-power of the turbocharged engine. The added 60+ horsepower means a lot in this well-engineered chassis. The i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive delivers a feel those who like rear-drive vehicles will appreciate.

Photo by Mazda

Safety & Driver Aids

Mazda has recently added sophisticated driving aids to the CX-5’s list of features, helping the vehicle increase its safety reputation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the CX-5 a five-star safety rating, the organization's highest honor. On top of that, the CX-5 was chosen as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Mazda CX-5’s i-Activsense safety features include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The Mazda CX-5 proves that driving safely and driving fun are not mutually exclusive.

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Interior Space & Cargo Carrying

With an overall length of 179.1 inches, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is in the middle of the compact SUV class in size. Many of its key competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape have about the same amount of interior space. Looking simply at passenger room, the CX5’s cabin is about the equal of other top-sellers in its class. But when it comes to cargo space — an important aspect in the SUV class — the CX-5 comes up a bit short. Its cargo area is significantly smaller than the Honda CR-V, the new Ford Bronco Sport, and many of its other top competitors. Further, the trend in the segment is to bigger overall size with greater cargo capacity. That said, the CX-5 has 30.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seat, a lot roomier than the trunk the average midsize sedan. Plus, if you fold the CX5’s rear seat, cargo space expands to 59.6 cubic feet. 

Photo by Brady Holt

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel economy numbers, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 doesn’t quite measure up to the conventionally powered leaders in the class. Of course, the models with hybrid powertrains record significantly better fuel economy than any conventionally powered compact SUV. In its competitive set, most drivers won’t notice a major difference in fuel economy in the CX-5 versus what they might achieve in a competitor. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the base all-wheel-drive CX-5 with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at a 24 mpg during city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive CX-5 with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is EPA-rated at 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In comparison, a conventionally powered front-drive Honda CR-V is EPA-rated to get 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is estimated to deliver 40 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

Photo by Mazda

Trim Levels

For the 2022 model year, the Mazda CX-5 lineup consists of 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Signature models. Mazda has made a special effort to give the Turbo trims special exterior and interior treatments to differentiate them from the conventionally powered S trims. The base model includes niceties like I-ACTIV all-wheel-drive and G-Vectoring Control Plus. It also includes the new 10.25-inch center display with Mazda Connect infotainment interface and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard i-Activsense safety suite features adaptive cruise control with stop and go and rear cross-traffic alert among other functions. As one climbs through the trims and packages the upholstery gets more refined and the levels of equipment richer. The 2.5 Turbo Signature includes features unavailable on other CX-5s like a surround-view monitor and Traffic Jam Assist.

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Pricing & Value

Throughout its lineup, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 presents excellent value. The base S trim might be the best value of all because its list price of around $26,000 includes a wealth of standard equipment including the big infotainment monitor and all-wheel-drive. The Carbon Edition at right around $30,000 features the popular blackout treatment that is in vogue right now. If you want the benefit of the high-horsepower turbocharged engine, you’ll see the price climb to $38,000 or so, a big price tag for a compact utility. But the Mazda CX-5’s near-premium status and the driving fun it offers justifies that price tag. The CX-5 remains one of the most compelling values in the compact crossover segment.

Photo by Mazda