2020 Mazda CX-5 Test Drive Review: Not Just For Soccer Moms

The Mazda CX-5 was introduced to the US market in 2012, proudly showing off the Kodo - Soul of Motion design philosophy in this bold, sporty crossover; as part of their re-styled fleet, the CX-5 did a great deal for rejuvenating Mazda's rather under-the-radar reputation. Boasting handsome styling even back then, the CX-5 has progressively glammed up over the years, and consistently impresses, punching well above its weight on every front with the potential to give even some luxury crossovers a run for their money. The second-generation CX-5 remains a brilliant combination of excellent driving dynamics and an upscale cabin feel, all at an affordable price. And, even though you'll have to aim for the top-end models if you want the best engine in the range, there's nothing to regret in buying any of the available variants. CarBuzz writers and editors unanimously fell in love with the CX-5 Signature we had on test - even those who prefer hot hatches and low-slung sports cars.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Exterior

Mazda has nailed the recipe for how a crossover-SUV should look - at least, in our opinion. Finding the balance between striking good looks that still convey an element of athleticism without seeming blocky, the CX-5 has curves in all the right places and features the distinctive, assertive grille boldly proclaiming the Mazda emblem. LED headlights are included from the base trim, while LED fog lamps can be optioned on and come standard on higher trims. 17-inch Gray Metallic alloy wheels are standard issue on the lower-level models, with 19-inch items on the Grand Touring and up. A body-colored rear roof spoiler and dual exhaust outlets are stock fitted on all trims, while a power sliding glass moonroof is fitted from the mid-range Grand Touring model onwards.

Dimensions

As a crossover SUV, the CX-5 slips in somewhere between bulky and compact dimensions, with key measurements being a length of 179.1 inches, a width of 83.3 inches including mirrors, a height of 65.4 inches (minus 0.1 inches for AWD versions), and a wheelbase of 106.2 inches. Ground clearance is 7.5 inches, which is fine for some soft-roader swagger, but not enough to actually go off the beaten path. Curb weights range from 3,541 pounds to 3,825 lbs for the heaviest version of the CX-5.

Exterior Colors

The base Sport model can be finished in one of four exterior colors, including Eternal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, the magnificent jewel-like Soul Red Crystal Metallic (at $595 extra), or the surprisingly beautiful $200 Snowflake White Pearl Mica - our test car arrived in this elegant, demure shade. Mid-trim variants get access to two additional no-cost options, namely Sonic Silver and Deep Crystal Blue Mica, as well as the $300 Machine Gray Metallic. While we are head-over-heels for the Soul Red depicted in the attached photos, we loved the flecks of pearlescent color in the Snowflake White CX-5 we tested.

CX-5 Performance

With two powertrain options, the CX-5 allows for a choice between average, and outstanding. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter base engine on the lower-level trims is sufficient for prosaic daily drives, and - although not fully inadequate - just doesn't provide the enthusiastic response from the range's top-performing turbocharged four-cylinder that makes the CX-5 stand out from the crowd. Our test car was fitted with the more powerful motor, and, as the quickest engine in the range, gave pleasantly strong pull from a standstill. Last year's oil-burner Skyactiv-D motor has a 0 to 60 time of around nine seconds, but the 2020 turbo-four we trialed can get there just under three seconds quicker in true hot hatch territory of six seconds. As the best-performing powertrain, the turbocharged four-cylinder provided eager throttle responses across urban driving test runs and fared equally well at cruising speeds. Mazda's recipe here is near-perfect in putting together a compact crossover that actually delivers real performance, thanks to the turbocharged engine. Towing capacities remain the same across the range, at 2,000 lbs, besting the Honda CR-V by 500 lbs.

Engine and Transmission

A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder base engine makes 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and can be optioned in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. This powertrain is standard on the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models. For the Grand Touring Reserve and top-of-the-range Signature, a turbocharged four-cylinder makes 250 hp and 320 lb-ft and fits the CX-5 with all-wheel drive exclusively. Either choice gets paired to the same six-speed automatic transmission, which is also shiftable manually. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models get a turbocharged variation of the four-pot that is good for 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of twist, exclusively available with AWD. The same six-speed applies. The outputs from the turbo powertrain proved to be quite enthusiastic, making passing maneuvers at top speeds something you don't even need to think about, while standing-starts were delightfully brisk. The added Sport mode allowed the motor to cling to gears a little longer before shifting when some extra grunt was needed. While we liked the previous model year's diesel variant, there's nothing about the 250-hp motor to complain about, save that it sounded a little stressed when pushed hard, although it never failed to perform on demand.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The modern Mazda is world's away from the cars of yore that had a reputation for tinny, mediocre looks and quality, and - with that in the back of our minds - we were suitably blown away by the superb way the CX-5 handles and feels overall. First impressions included a solidly-built, well-fitted cabin that was incredibly well insulated against noise and vibrations, while easily soaking up any ugly bits on the road without jarring the cabin. With a soft, comfortable ride quality, there was some expectation of body roll in corners and bounce around the bends, yet the CX-5 showed amazing grip and road-holding with a definite sporty vibe at higher speeds. It's comfortable without feeling wafty or floaty, and handles much more like a sedan than it does an SUV. We did find that braking was a little spongy and could do with more bite, but in hard stops the car performed adequately. The automatic hold function also proved particularly effective and easy to use in bumper-to-bumper traffic, while opting for Sport mode gave even more oomph when we tested hard-and-fast acceleration. Easily one of the nicest crossovers we've driven, the CX-5 impressed even those with a general dislike for vehicles bigger than a CX-3.

CX-5 Gas Mileage

The standard four-cylinder gas engine earns EPA-rated figures of 25/31/28 mpg in FWD configuration for city/highway/combined cycles, while the AWD versions drop slightly to 24/30/26 mpg. The turbocharged inline-four is the least efficient, managing 22/27/24 mpg on the same cycles. Last year's oil-burner diesel engine provided impressive gas mileage of 27/30/28 mpg but is sadly no longer available. For comparison, the Honda CR-V attains estimates of 28/34/30 mpg with its 1.5-liter turbo-four. In its most efficient guise, the CX-5 could travel around 415 miles with its 14.8-gallon tank filled to capacity. Notably, all-wheel-drive variants get a 15.3-gallon tank that could see just under 400 miles range.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Interior

The CX-5 boasts an interior that is as luxurious as it is well-appointed - a pleasant surprise for this price range where one could be forgiven for expecting a lot less. Air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cloth-trimmed seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are stock fitted in the entry-spec Sport model, with upgrades to dual-zone climate control, a sliding glass moonroof, leather-trimmed seats, and front-seat heating in the middle of the range. The Grand Touring piles on the luxury features by adding heating to even the back seats and ventilation to the front, while fitting eight-way power adjustments with lumbar support to the driver's seat. The Signature trim gives the interior the full leather treatment, upgrades the infotainment system, and proves to be unbelievably plush and comfortable overall. Space is adequate, with the ability to seat five passengers, although a long-legged occupant in the rear center seat won't be comfortable for too long. Getting in and out is easy, with the CX-5 feeling more like a sedan than a cumbersome SUV that requires you to haul yourself up and in.

Seating and Interior Space

Crossovers are designed to bring the advantages of sizeable SUVs to the table without needing to bulk up, so to speak. The CX-5 does this really well - able to seat a total of five, there is ample head and legroom all around, although an adult in the rear center seat won't able to stretch out or feel particularly comfortable on longer trips. Front seats are especially accommodating, with enough room for a six-foot-something passenger to relax, even without pushing their seat all the way back. The back seat of the CX-5 is ideal for three youngsters. While the seating itself is comfortable and supportive, the driver's seat could do with a little more bolstering and lumbar support for those long road trips to the coast.

Interior Colors and Materials

It's only really the entry-level Sport trim that seems to be in line with the budget-oriented pricing structure; by that we mean the black cloth-trimmed seats are appropriate for the price bracket. Still, there is leather on the steering wheel and gear shifter in the base trim. Leatherette with Lux Suede inserts feature in black or Silk Beige in the Touring trim, while the Grand Touring switches to full leather in black or Parchment Beige - this also carries over to the Grand Touring Reserve. The top-spec Signature gets Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, with a steering wheel in uniquely-stitched leather, too. While this interior is undoubtedly the most opulent, the color scheme of deep brown leather seats paired to the ebony black of the dash and door panels (albeit accented by real layered wood trim) had our OCD spiking - we would have liked the option to change that up a little.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Trunk and Cargo Space

While the CX-5 scores less impressively than competitors do in the cargo space department, it's not to say that the available trunk space is inadequate. Our test car, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the back row, easily swallowed a bicycle for a middle-schooler, and with the rear seats folded down, provided 59.6 cubes - enough for the soccer club's gear, a bunch of duffel bags, and a cooler box or two. The Honda CR-V offers much more space with the rear seats up - more than nine cubic feet to be pedantic - and even the Toyota RAV4 manages upwards of 37 cubic feet. Still, the available space in the Mazda CX-5 crossover is not worst-in-class either, with the likes of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross only providing 23 cu-ft.

Small items are well-catered for throughout the cabin, too, with a large center console bin and a split-level tray under the lid (and a handy pass-through for charging cords should you stash your phone there). Door pockets are deep and cater for water bottles, while a large glovebox could easily fit your tablet and pocket knick-knacks. There's a decently-sized tray ahead of the shifter, as well as a rear center armrest that also has some useful storage options for smaller items.

Features

From the base model, the features list is generous: air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, an electronic parking brake, and a rearview camera are standard. Hill launch assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist are also all included from the entry-spec variant under the i-ACTIVSENSE nomenclature. Upgrading to dual-zone climate control on the Touring trim, heated leatherette seats also replace the cloth items of the base model. Mid-range sees the Grand Touring upping the ante with a power-sliding glass moonroof, paddle shifters, and eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Seating is leather here, to go with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Ventilation gets added to the front seats on the Grand Touring Reserve, while the Signature trim spoils occupants with Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and genuine layered wood trim. Front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera are also fitted to the top-end model.

Infotainment

Mazda Connect is the in-house infotainment software installed across the CX-5 range, which includes Bluetooth hands-free, HD Radio, and a seven-inch full-color touchscreen display mounted to the dashboard in all but the top-spec trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent from the entry-spec model. A four-speaker sound system is standard fare but gets upgraded to six speakers on the Touring trim, where both popular smartphone interfaces are catered for, too. The Grand Touring swaps out the sound system for a premium Bose ten-speaker system and adds SiriusXM satellite radio functionality as well. On the range-topping Signature trim, the touchscreen is an eight-inch unit with navigation installed additionally. On all models, the infotainment system is generally quite user-friendly with a simple menu layout, which can be tapped on screen (only when stationary), or controlled via an iDrive-like knob on the center console near the parking brake. Strangely, this was easier to navigate the system with, as it didn't require such distraction to reach over and scroll through menus by hand - possibly due to the placement of the touchscreen high up in the dash - but this may just be personal preferences, too. The Bose sound system is superb, with crystal clear high notes and deep bass tones.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems and Reliability

While 2020 models are still free from the blemish of any recalls, the 2019 models faced one recall in mid-2019 for a software error that could potentially cause the engine to stall. Delving further into the history of the CX-5 shows a recall for 2018 models regarding faulty airbags, too. Despite this, J.D. Power allocated a predicted reliability rating of 80 out of 100 to the 2020 CX-5, which is a point or two behind rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but above-average, nonetheless.

If the Mazda CX-5's ratings in terms of reliability are not enough, Mazda offers the CX-5 with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, as well as coverage for the powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is also included with new purchases for a period of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Warranty

CX-5 Safety

Following on the top scores achieved in 2019, the 2020 model year is awarded a full five stars from the NHTSA for all but rollover tests, where it loses one point - typical of most crossovers. The IIHS maintains its positive outlook of the Mazda CX-5 SUV, which is honored with a Top Safety Pick+ for 2019; 2020 sees it scoring the highest possible results in all available crash tests. The excellent safety reviews for the Mazda CX-5 give it yet another edge in this segment.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

2020 Mazda CX-5 Key Safety Features

The new Mazda CX-5 is particularly well-specified from even the entry-level model, with safety clearly a priority for the new model year. Passive safety is covered by a full consignment of six airbags, including dual-front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags with rollover protection. ABS, stability control with traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system are all standard across the board. In terms of active assists, i-ACTIVSENSE includes cruise control, brake assist, hill launch control, automatic braking with pedestrian detection, collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist, all fitted off the factory floor. The top-end Signature trim adds a surround-view camera additionally, as well as front and rear parking sensors, which can be optionally equipped to the lower-end trims.

Verdict: Is the new Mazda CX-5 SUV A Good car?

Without fangirling too much about the CX-5, our test car soundly convinced us that it is truly one of the best compact crossovers in the USA right now. It's not often that one finds a car that is so much more than expected, and that offers such a great deal of value for money - the CX-5 is priced at the same level or lower than many rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, yet is loaded with more safety features, more conveniences, and offers a plush cabin that could easily be mistaken for that of a luxury SUV. The top-end powertrain is a great one and is paired to an intuitive automatic transmission that gets our approval, while simply leaving rivals for dead in the performance stakes. With a serene, comfortable ride to boot, there's not much to dislike about the Mazda CX-5 at all. This is the perfect mid-sized family vehicle - but you'll like it even if you're not on carpool duty.

What's the Price of the 2020 Mazda CX-5?

Excluding a destination charge of $1,045 (and any licensing or taxes), the base model Mazda CX-5 Sport will set you back $25,090 in front-wheel configuration, upping that figure to $26,490 for the all-wheel-drive variant. Moving up to the Touring FWD trim sees a sticker price of $26,730, with an increase to $28,130 for AWD, while the Grand Touring has an MSRP of $30,210 and $31,610 for the respective drivetrains. If you want the Grand Touring Reserve, expect to pay $35,035, while the Mazda CX-5 costs $37,055 at its most premium, in Signature trim.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Models

There are five Mazda CX-5 models to speak of, namely Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. The bottom three trims can be had in either FWD or AWD, while the top two are exclusively all-wheel-driven. A 187-hp 2.5-liter base engine, with 186 lb-ft, powers the bottom-rung models, while the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature get a turbocharged four-cylinder making 250 hp and 320 lb-ft.

Sport models feature the full i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite, which lays the foundation for the rest of the range. This includes hill launch assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic braking with pedestrian detection, cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist, to name a few. LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and an electronic parking brake are key elements of the base model, which also features a seven-inch color touchscreen display with four speakers, and Mazda's Connect infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing from this model, however.

Opting for the Touring trim upgrades the cabin to dual-zone climate controlled, and swaps out the cloth-trimmed seating for leatherette. It also adds heating for the front seats, adds two more speakers, and gives the front passenger seat some more adjustability. Two extra USB ports are included, too, as well as the all-important Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

In the middle of the range is the Grand Touring, which has added LED fog lights and combination taillights, 19-inch wheels, and a glass moonroof with a one-touch-open function. Paddle shifters are added to your steering wheel for manual shifting, while eight-way power adjustments are now available on the driver's seat. Seating comes in full leather, while a ten-speaker Bose sound system is added for high-quality sound.

The Grand Touring Reserve ships with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The infotainment screen grows by an inch, too.

At the top of the range, the Signature trim builds on these features as the epitome of luxury in the lineup and equips Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seating, unique stitching on the steering wheel, and layered wood interior trim. The Infotainment gets added SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link with a three-year subscription, while a surround-view camera and parking sensors are added to the existing safety suite.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Additional Packages

With 2020's newly spread-out features list and generous standard safety elements added from base level, not many comprehensive packages are available, although a few standalone items can be specified. For the Sport model, some aesthetic changes can be made to the front and rear bumper for $650, while a trailer hitch will cost $450. Rear parking sensors can be added as well, for $475. Navigation can be optioned on at the cost of only $400.

The Touring trim has access to the Touring Preferred Equipment package, which, at $1,375, adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the premium ten-speaker Bose sound system from the top-spec models, the power-sliding moonroof, and a rear power liftgate. For the Grand Touring, a GT Premium Package is available; priced at $1,625, it adds an active driving display, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The Grand Touring Reserve and top-spec Signature have access to the same standalone options across the range, with no packages allocated to them specifically.

What 2020 Mazda CX-5 Model Should I Buy?

The 2020 lineup covers both budget-oriented options and fully-loaded luxury versions through a price range of $25k to $38k - while the difference between entry-level and range-topping is quite a bit, it's definitely worth aiming higher up the ladder in the CX-5 family. The entry-spec model can be passed over entirely for its lack of smartphone integration and cloth seating, and the next model up would still be considered well-priced. However, we loved the more powerful engine and would, therefore, go with either the Grand Touring Reserve or Signature trims to get access to it. The difference between the top two models is around $2,000, which isn't much considering you get a bigger infotainment system, Nappa leather interior, front and rear parking sensors, as well as a surround-view monitor on the range-topper. Heck, we're all in for the Signature CX-5 - we had a hard time returning it to the press fleet when it came time for collection. It's just that good.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Comparisons

2020 Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V

A stalwart in the compact crossover SUV segment, the Honda CR-V remains one of the best selling vehicles in the United States in this segment. With class-leading versatility and practicality - based on more than 39 cubic feet of cargo space - the Honda SUV also offers a slightly roomier cabin than the CX-5. The Mazda CX-5's price is similar to the Honda CR-V, so these two SUVs seem to be toughing it out for overall honors - until you hop into the cabin. The Mazda CX-5 is not only much better outfitted with premium safety features and comfort and conveniences, but it looks so much better, too. There's a sense of premium, attention-to-detail, luxury in the Mazda which the Honda struggles to compete with. Additionally, Mazda has managed to effectively make this SUV a pleasant and fun vehicle to drive, which the Honda lacks in favor of functionality. We're quite taken by the CX-5 - we'll have ours in Soul Red Crystal, please.

2020 Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-3

Keeping the comparisons in the family, the Mazda CX-5 is effectively the big brother of the CX-3, which is the subcompact variant. Naturally the CX-3'S base price is more affordable and it's smaller - its hatchback-based design also impedes on available space, both for passengers and cargo - but, admittedly, this is the nature of the subcompact class. With equally contemporary interiors, it's small yet significant differences that will ultimately help you choose. The CX-5 has loads more features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims, which the CX-3 omits, as well as more powerful engines, and a comprehensive list of safety features. The CX-3 counters with a much more agile, engaging driving style and more impressive fuel economy stats. While we had the pleasure of testing both, and thoroughly enjoyed each vehicle for its unique merits, the overall favorite depended on the preference and needs of the driver: the CX-5 wins the competition for the family-oriented buyer, while the CX-3 reigned supreme for the driver-focused enthusiast who doesn't need to shuttle more than a friend or two, daily.