Used 2022 MAZDA CX-5

The way the 2022 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV/crossover looks and the way it drives are two major attractions. While recognizing that everyone has their own aesthetic tastes and driving preferences, there are some things where a general consensus gathers around them. The CX-5 is a prime example.

This is the second generation of CX-5, which debuted for the 2017 model year. It receives a refreshment this year — tweaking the looks and suspension, and adding a few more standard features such as all-wheel drive. There are rumors of a new generation in the pipeline, but if buyers are ready for a current model, then they should go for it.

The CX-5 carries out the usual compact crossover duties as well as almost any rival, with the extra dimensions of actual driving enjoyment and a premium air.

Most compact crossovers, especially in this mainstream category, are no fun at all for drivers. The 2022 CX-5 operates in a different way. Sure, it meets the crossover needs of all occupants, but that includes the person behind the wheel.

Mazda has made improvements to the CX-5’s suspension, which was already impressive. The company has started by stiffening the frame, thereby reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. Then revised damping responses raise the comfort levels while keeping the precise feel and agility.

As mentioned earlier, all-wheel drive is now standard throughout. Mazda’s chassis engineers have endowed the CX-5 with the ability to take corners as if it were more of a sports car than a crossover. Behind the scenes, G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) modulates engine torque and brake force for optimum stability.

Thanks to a raised driving position, outward vision is mostly good, except over the shoulder. But that’s made better by standard blind-spot monitoring.

The base engine is fine, muscular enough for grabbing that gap in traffic or accelerating along freeway onramps. Although 187 horsepower is only going to go so far. The turbocharged alternative could stand up against some luxury equivalents. And the CX-5’s suspension is easily capable of controlling and channeling 227 horsepower.

The seats have been redesigned this year for greater comfort and better ergonomics. Not that there was anything wrong them before now. The new Turbo trim gains red accents and stitching. The Signature model retains its fine Nappa leather and real wood trim.

In general, the 2022 CX-5 enjoys high-quality cabin materials set into a correspondingly upscale interior design. It’s not the most spacious interior in this compact crossover class, but it’s still quite roomy, with 39.6 inches of rear legroom — not quite an inch less than the Honda CR-V.

If we were going to complain about the cargo area, we’d say the 40/20/40 split/folding rear seats don’t go down completely flat. Luggage space starts at 30.9 cubic feet and tops out at 59.6. That’s quite generous, but the ingeniously packaged Honda CR-V goes from 37.6 to 75.8 cubic feet.

Changes to the nose and tail have resulted in a reduction of character lines, creating a cleaner appearance. The headlights and taillights have also been re-drawn, accompanied by some new alloy wheel designs. Don’t worry — it’s not radical. Whatever anyone has liked about the Mazda CX-5’s looks should still be in place.

Those versions powered by the turbocharged engine receive a little extra differentiation with gloss black exterior accents, while the top Signature model gains body-colored side cladding and bright alloy wheels.

Like every other Mazda, the 2022 CX-5 looks as if it should have a luxury badge on its grille, like an Audi or Jaguar logo. It has arguably elegant shapes, well-judged proportions, and an appreciation of how the surfaces reflect light.

Premium paint colors cost extra: Snowflake White Pearl Mica ($395) and Machine Gray Metallic ($595). Plus the deep, rich red that even appeals to people who don’t usually like red — Soul Red Crystal Metallic at $595.

UPTOWN WHIRL
From the styling to the cabin to the driving experience, there’s a certain classiness to the 2022 CX-5 that could make it a credible alternative to more than a few luxury compact crossovers.

TORQUEY TURBO
It’s a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit making 227 horsepower. That’s a fair chunk of fun right there. It also makes 310 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm, meaning a lot of thrust from low engine speeds. Paired with an agility that’s rare in this class, turbocharged CX-5 models have great driver appeal.

The first trim level of the 2022 CX-5 range is Sport, coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry/ignition, cloth upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection joins blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams in the standard inventory of safety features.

The voice-controllable infotainment system includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

Going up through the trim levels brings more features, naturally. There’s simulated leather upholstery, then the real stuff, then the nicer real stuff (Nappa, in the top Signature trim), heated/power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 360-degree camera system, powered tailgate, head-up display, and Bose audio setups. It feels wrong, however, that satellite radio isn’t available until the third trim from the top.

The turbocharged engine becomes optional in the Carbon Edition, then standard in the aptly named Turbo model (formerly the Grand Touring Reserve).

Even the Sport is eligible for a GT package that adds a heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and a head-up display. Plus a Touring Preferred SV package with more luxury items like leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings on the driver’s side, moonroof, powered tailgate with programmable heights, and a Bose surround-sound system. These two bundles are also offered with other 2022 CX-5 versions.

Every new CX-5 comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The version in the lower trims is naturally aspirated, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The first of the top two trims, Turbo (along with Signature), gives the game away regarding what’s different here. It’s a turbocharged unit generating 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

All-wheel drive is now standard throughout. Also standard across the lineup is a 6-speed automatic transmission. This may seem like old technology when some rivals now have 8-speed transmissions, but Mazda’s engineers believe a 6-speeder with well-judged ratios can do the job just as well.

Both engines are fine with regular gasoline, even the turbocharged one.

2.5-liter inline-4
187 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30 mpg

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
310 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22 mpg/27 mpg