Mazda keeps a really good thing going with the CX-5 SUV

MAZDA

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 SUV, which is similar to the CX-50 in terms of size, handling and luxury interior.

Is too much of a good thing bad? Mazda does not think so.

Why else would the company offer the CX-5 and the CX-50. Each is about the same size, handles great and offers luxury-like interiors. The CX-50 is newer and has a slightly different look. The Cx-5 has been around since 2018 and is a little less expensive. It’s also Mazda’s best-selling vehicle.

Will the CX-5 be updated or will the CX-50 be the replacement? Mazda will not say, so we are just going to enjoy both until something happens.

Meanwhile, the CX-5 is one of the best small SUVs money can buy. Mazda’s design language had changed but I still think this vehicle is very handsome. It’s just big enough to hold five comfortably with some of their stuff.

The interior is wonderfully finished. There are some luxury vehicles that don’t have this kind of fit and finish. There are no cheap-feeling pieces used in this vehicle. My test vehicle was the turbo signature – the top trim level. The interior was nicely finished in leather, wood, and metal. 

The dark brown leather seats were very comfortable up front. Both were power adjustable and easy to find a comfortable position. The rear bench is made for three but two will be the most comfortable.

The dash has a big, clear digital gauge cluster that can be configured. The 10.25-inch screen to the right is controlled by a knob located on the center console. It operates in touch screen mode if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but not with any other apps. The control knob works fine and there are some physical buttons so there aren’t any real issues.

The CX-5 gets the same engines as its newer sibling. The 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine makes 256 horsepower if you use premium fuel. Horsepower drops to 227 with regular fuel.

I’d say go for the premium gas. The 256 horses can be put to great use. You can get to 60 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds – really quick for this kind of vehicle. The six-speed auto transmission is smooth and shifts quickly. There are giant paddle shifters on the steering wheel if you feel frisky and what to take over.

The CX-5 excels in handling, but so do most Mazdas. You can fling the CX-5 around corners or navigate really twisty roads without becoming nervous. This thing sticks and moves aggressively, delivering a delightfully satisfying driving experience. This is certainly one of the best handling vehicles in its class, maybe the best.

The Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature comes with about everything you could want in a vehicle. That doesn’t come cheap. At $40,600 you pay for what you get. You do get a lot, however. The turbo engine, leather-clad interior, wood trim, Navigation system, LED and ambient interior lighting, body colored exterior trim, surround view camera, driver attention warning and rear automatic braking are over and above a 10 -speaker Bose system, head up display, power lift gate, power-folding mirrors and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s not much left to ask.

You step into a turbo with the Carbon addition which sheds some of that stuff at several thousands in savings, but if you want a buttoned-down little luxury SUV, this turbo Signature model may be what you are looking for.

Pros:

• Excellent engine/transmission

• Crisp handling

• Sharp looks

• Handsome, upscale interior

• Comfortable front seats

• Quiet, smooth ride

Cons:

• Pricey

• Not as fuel efficient as it could be

• CX-50 may be better

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