Mazda CX-5

Inside, the Mazda CX-5’s cabin design is not the most flashy or modern, but it still has that premium vibe to it. The top variant comes with a deep red Nappa leather upholstery, whereas the lower trims get a black leather upholstery with orange stitching. For a more sophisticated feel inside, the Turbo variant is given a Japanese Sen Wood interior trim. The two lower trims, on the other hand, get the Brushed Graphite counterpart. Its 10-way power-adjustable front seats with dual memory provide top-notch cushioning and ergonomics. The Turbo’s front seats are also equipped with a ventilation function.

Its driver-centric cockpit comes with a 7-inch LCD display meter set, an active driving display, a multicontrol leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a leather-wrapped shift knob, all of which ensure that drivers can perform at their best. Aside from these, this crossover is equipped with a Mazda Connect 8-inch LCD display with dual USB A ports, Bluetooth hands-free, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is linked to a 10-speaker BOSE sound system for premium bass and acoustics. One of its few interior updates is the implementation of a waterproof reversible cargo floor. 

The CX-5 is decently spacious for a crossover. It has a class-leading trunk space for practicality-sake. However, its second row space is a bit limited due to a high middle tunnel, consequently restricting three passengers from comfortably sitting at the back.

The Mazda CX-5’s exterior styling exudes just the right balance of elegance and confidence. Its facade sports the brand’s iconic black honeycomb grille and a black lower grille. Its glare is illuminated by LED adaptive headlamps with auto leveling and auto on and off functions. Its headlamps also come with running lamps as well as a high beam control feature for the Turbo variant. The Turbo variant is given a body-colored front bumper, while the lower trims have the black version. On the sides, it has well-proportioned curves and sleek character lines. It has power-adjustable and foldable body-colored mirrors. For some level of contrast, the mid and base variants get black wheel arch and side door mouldings. 

At the rear, it has LED combination lamps with an updated pattern. For easier loading and unloading of cargo or baggage, it comes with a power tailgate that is equipped with a height adjustment memory feature. The top and mid variants run on 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels: Bright Silver and Diamond Cut respectively, while the base comes with 17-inch counterparts in Silver Metallic. 

In terms of dimensions, the Mazda CX-5 lines measures 4,575 mm in length, 1,845 mm in width, and 2,700 mm in wheelbase. The top and mid variants are 1,680 mm in height and have a 193 mm minimum ground clearance. On the other hand, the base variant is 1,675 mm in height and has a 185 mm minimum ground clearance.

The Mazda CX-5 line utilizes a suspension system consisting of MacPherson struts at the front and Multi-Links at the rear. This car boasts class-leading handling and driver engagement, showcasing the pinnacle of Mazda’s driver-centric technology. It hits turns and corners with ease and precision even at high speeds courtesy of its G-Vectoring Control Plus. Its steering is a bit on the firm side but is not too firm to upset the passengers’ stomachs. Overall, this vehicle responds really well to the driver’s activities, which can definitely lead to a smooth, stable, and comfortable ride for everyone on board.

The Mazda CX-5 offers three powertrain options. The base variant, Sport, is powered by a 2L, In-Line, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve, SKYACTIV-G engine that produces a maximum power output of 156 PS and a maximum torque of 200 Nm. On the other hand, the mid variant, AWD Sport, is powered by the 2.5L version of the same engine that has a maximum power of 190 PS and a maximum torque of 252 Nm.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line, Turbo, is powered by a 2.5L, In-Line, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve Dynamic Pressure Turbo SKYACTIV-G engine that has a maximum power of 253 PS and a maximum torque of 434 Nm. All variants run on the brand’s SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission system with Sport Mode. In terms of drivetrain, the top and mid variants utilize an i-ACTIV all-wheel drivetrain, while the base utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain.

Admittedly, the mid and base variants’ powertrains are not the most impressive in its segment. However, the top variant’s is a different story. Its Turbo engine has a smooth power delivery and minimum turbo lag. Its shifting is very snappy and responsive, showing that this crossover is capable of giving everyone on board an exhilarating cruising experience. Fuel economy is just average depending on the driver’s level of enthusiasm on the road. That said, this car is a feasible daily cruiser in the city and an enjoyable weekend car for out-of-town trips.  

One downside that comes with the Mazda CX-5’s age is its limited advanced safety features. All variants are equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE. However, the lower trims only get blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Though the Turbo is equipped with more safety features than its two lower trims, its set is still very limited compared to the ADAS of its competitors. The top variant gets a smart brake support, front and rear smart city brake supports, lane departure warning with a lane keep assist, and a driver attention alert (that’s just about it). This line is equipped with six airbags and other standard safety and security features.

In terms of braking, this crossover utilizes ventilated discs at the front, while solid discs at the rear. Its braking setup is protected by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and a dynamic stability control.

Currently, the Mazda CX-5 still has the capability to compete with the best of its segment despite the lack of more advanced features. It still offers a sweet spot for drivers who are looking for a vehicle that has the practicality and dynamics of a crossover and, at the same time, an impressive driving experience that you’d typically get from more expensive high-performance cars.