History / Overview
Mazda's entry in the compact crossover class is the CX-5. It was introduced in 2013 and redesigned into its second generation in 2017.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, the CX-5's changes are in trim, the most notable of which apply to the top-end GT grade.
A 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster is now standard, having formerly been reserved for the Signature trim.
In models with the 2.5L turbo engine, there are now paddle shifters, off-road traction assist, and an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen display.
Also, the 2.5L turbo engine gains 10 lb-ft of torque (for 320 lb-ft) when fueled with premium gasoline.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the CX-5 in GX, GS, GT, and Signature trims. The first three use a 2.5L engine that gains cylinder deactivation in GS and GT. A 2.5L turbo engine is standard in Signature and optional in GT.
GX and GS start with front wheel drive that can be optioned to AWD. GT and Signature are standard with AWD.
All CX-5 variants use a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
GX exterior features include 17-inch wheels, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights, auto on/off headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
The CX-5 GX cabin comes fitted with a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a four-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, push-button engine start, cruise control, tilt-and-telescopic steering, keyless entry, power windows, heated front seats, and reclining rear seats.
The standard safety package comprises tire pressure monitoring, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and city-speed forward collision detection with automatic braking.
GS adds auto-leveling headlights, a front wiper de-icer, a six-speaker stereo, extra USB ports, radar cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power tailgate, leatherette upholstery, a passenger seat height adjustment, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, a leather-trimmed shifter, a colour info display, full-speed automatic emergency braking, forward pedestrian sensing, distance recognition support, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.
GT adds 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, LED front and rear signature lighting, LED fog lights, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, a 10-speaker stereo, navigation, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, passive keyless entry, a power front passenger seat, garage door opener, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a digital gauge cluster display.
Finally, Signature's additions are a frameless/auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting, Nappa leather upholstery, wood interior trim, surround-view exterior cameras, and front and rear parking sensors.
Fuel Economy
Mazda's fuel consumption estimates for the CX-5 are 9.3/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with FWD and cylinder deactivation. Ratings for the regular 2.5L/FWD are 9.7/7.8 L/100 km.
AWD models are rated 9.8/7.9 L/100 km with cylinder deactivation, and 10.2/8.2 without.
The CX-5 Turbo's estimates are 10.8/8.7 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
CX-5 competitors include big names like the Honda CR-V, Toyota's RAV4, Ford's Escape and the Chevrolet Equinox. Other competitors in this popular class of vehicle are the Nissan Rogue, the Volkswagen Tiguan, GMC's Terrain, the Hyundai Tucson, Dodge's Journey, the Mitsubishi Outlander, and Subaru's Forester.