Outside of the full-size pickup, the small SUV market is a huge share of all vehicles sold, and for many carmakers, like Toyota’s RAV4 it’s their best-seller as well. So maybe it’s not too surprising that Mazda still offers the CX-5.  

Since 2017, the CX-5 has been a great seller, and even when the maker introduced the new CX-50 – assumed to be the older model’s replacement – they decided to keep CX-5. So how does it hold up against the latest and greatest, including the RAV4, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester? Let’s take a look! 

Sleek and Sophisticated 

While the new CX-50 has taken off on a muscular, rugged direction that seems to be the trend these days, the CX-5 still is eye catching.  

Up front, Mazda’s familiar pentagon-shaped grille and flying wing logo are instant indicators of the brand, while angled projector beam headlights and driving lights give an angry look. Adding some bling to the elegant design is chrome surround trim on the grille, and Turbo Signature-unique aluminum silver front bumper trim and a handsome gunmetal color front grille. 

The profile is familiar, yet good design is good design, and the high shoulder line, small greenhouse and swept-back A and C pillars give off a sporty vibe. Helping sell the premium nature of the Turbo Signature model are unique 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s interesting to compare the CX-5 to the CX-50, which is much more muscular and wide-shouldered looking. Nice to have a choice! 

The rear view keeps the simple elegance theme with Mazda’s afterburner-shaped LED taillights framing a large logo, and a scoop-in hatch. Like the front, lower aluminum silver bumper trim gives an upscale theme. Finishing off the big-buck presentation was a lovely optional Machine Grey Metallic paint that was super tasteful. This isn’t a vehicle that calls attention to itself – it just carries a confidence, a smartness to it that’s very appealing. 

Upscale and Approachable 

That same easy-going elegance continues inside.  

Open the door and our Turbo Signature’s Caturra Brown Nappa leather is a feast for the senses – it looks great, feels great, and even smells great. And it’s a little thing, while many leather interiors have stitching, Mazda’s look like someone took special care – just a little more elevated than you’d find in the competition.  

The upscale presentation continues with genuine wood grain trim, and LED interior lighting and ambient foot illumination. You really feel like you’re getting welcomed! 

Sit down in that heated and ventilated seat, and you’ll find traditional Mazda fare, a blend of premium and sportiness in equal measure, from a handsome three-spoke steering wheel to a handsome three-dial driver’s display with analog tachometer and fuel temp bracing a digital display that includes and analog-looking speedometer and other key info on display.  

This is a very simple-looking display that manages to carry a large amount of information. Mazda has figured a way that makes it elegant instead of overkill and we appreciate the thought that went into it. 

The 10.3-inch infotainment is a handsome display, and like the Miata we tested recently, the horizontal layout gives a sense of wide-screen to it and improves visibility. That said, with many competitors from BMW to Audi and even Kia going to the seamless multi-display layouts, it’s starting to look dated. 

The tech itself is up to date, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an Audi-like rotary controller and smaller volume knob that’s withing easy reach on the center console. We did find you could use the screen as a touch screen for certain features, but it’s a bit of reach. Between the rotary controller and available voice commands we were able to access just about everything we could think of.  

Opting for the Turbo Signature brings some added tech as well – the Mazda Navigation System features Off-Road Navigation functionality, and you’ve also got Traffic Sign Recognition, which is very useful. There’s also a complementary three-year SiriusXM Traffic & Travel Link subscription that provides current information for traffic, weather, sports scores, fuel prices, and nearby parking. Nice!   

We also liked that Mazda keeps the climate controls separate from the info-tainment and easy to access buttons and knobs let you get comfortable in a hurry without having to scan through pages on a display. Again, you get the feeling that everything was well thought out here. 

Turbo Time 

Ok, it’s elegant and plush, but this is a Mazda, and we expect an exhilarating drive. And the Turbo delivers! 

Actually, you have two great choices in engines. We’ve tested the base model and with a 187 horsepower 4-cylinder, and excellent auto transmission gearing it feels punchy and light and gives you that Miata-like vibe in a small SUV. Very cool. 

Our tester was the turbo model and it’s a big step up in the power department, with the 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder kicking out 256 horsepower and a whopping 320 lb.-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. (Note: this is on Premium fuel – the numbers go down a bit on Regular). EPA numbers are solid, with a combined 24 mpg rating – not bad for a turbo SUV. 

Mated to a spirited 6-speed automatic, the turbo has plenty of oomph and hits 60 mph in just around 6 seconds. It’s interesting to us though, that the turbo model seems tuned more for effortless, luxury power rather than urgent, sports car style turbo goodness. The driving enthusiast may actually like the non-turbo model better! 

No matter what model you choose, the chassis is up to fun and games, with great steering feel, responsive handling, and a beautifully dialed in suspension that is a perfect blend of controlled and compliant.  

Standard AWD on all models make it an easy all-season, all-weather choice. All this and it’s quiet and comfy on the freeway. The CX-5 remains the sportiest SUV in its class – and that’s saying a lot, since it’s been around awhile. Mazda knows how to make driver’s vehicles! 

Mazda SUVs are also family vehicles, and Mazda includes their comprehensive i-Activsense Safety system that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Our tester’s 360-degree view monitor also made parking and maneuvering a snap. 

Most Valuable Player 

We think the CX-5 offers impressive value throughout the line up.  

You can get a 2.5 S model starting at just $28,770. For a great driving, well equipped and classy small SUV, that’s a bargain. 

Our tester was the fully loaded model and started at $40,500. Add in $595 for the Machine Gray Metallic Paint, $135 for the rear bumper guard and $1,420 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $42,750. 

That’s still impressive value. We recently tested the Acura ADX and loved it. It came in at $45,950 and the Mazda is a much stronger performer. The RAV4 is the best seller in this class, but the CX-5 continues to offer buyers a sportier alternative that also adds style to its bag of tricks.