2020 Mazda CX-5

Overview

When an SUV looks this good and drives this good, you know it's a winner, and that's what the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is: A winner. The Mazda's class-above cabin could easily be confused for an Audi Q5's and its trio of four-cylinder engines means there's an option for every buyer. A quick test drive will undoubtedly have you singing the CX-5's praises as loudly as we have over the years. Its crisp steering, eager driving dynamics, and confidence-inspiring controls are dreamy and best when matched with the gutsy turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models. If you can't afford one of those high-end trims, don't worry—the CX-5 made our 2020 10Best list and is set to satisfy no matter which version you choose.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#1 in Best Compact SUVs for 2020

1

Mazda CX-5

STARTING AT: $26,290

SHOP CX-5

2

Volkswagen Tiguan

STARTING AT: $25,965

SHOP Tiguan

3

Honda CR-V

STARTING AT: $26,325

SHOP CR-V

4

Toyota RAV4

STARTING AT: $27,125

SHOP RAV4

5

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

STARTING AT: $29,470

SHOP RAV4 Hybrid

6

Subaru Forester

STARTING AT: $25,505

SHOP Forester

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What's New for 2020?

Mazda is making only minor changes to the CX-5 for 2020. The company's i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance features is now standard across the lineup and includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, and more. All models receive a new key fob we expect to match that of the new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, as well as Mazda's newly updated fonts on interior switches and exterior badging. Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models receive a new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

When shopping for a CX-5, it's hard to make a bad choice on a trim level. The Sport comes well equipped and carries a value-oriented price tag and the Signature model, while expensive, offers class-above luxury that's hard to fault. For us, the sweet spot is the Touring model, which comes with faux-leather upholstery and heated front seats, six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and passive keyless entry. All-wheel drive, if you need it, adds $1400 to all versions except for the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, where all-wheel drive is standard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CX-5's standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is. It's at higher speeds, such as when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway, that it feels underpowered. The 250-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker acceleration, shooting from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. While the turbo engine also pairs with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission, it can only be had with all-wheel drive. Likewise, a diesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder (called Skyactiv-D) exclusively pairs with all-wheel drive and can only be had on the most expensive Signature model. You don't need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or to appreciate its excellence. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its competitors. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads. The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses. The Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The CX-5 has average EPA estimates compared with rivals that have similar power. However, in our testing, the Mazda was the only one to exceed its EPA highway rating. The all-wheel-drive, non-turbocharged version earned 32 mpg, which matched the Honda CR-V we tested. The front-drive, non-turbo CX-5 improved on that performance by 1 mpg. We also tested a CX-5 with the more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive; it earned 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, which was 3 mpg higher than its EPA rating. While we haven't tested the diesel version, the EPA estimates it will earn 27 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models and you might think you've been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes. First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale. The floor-hinged accelerator pedal feels better than the more common version that is suspended above the floor, the well-crafted steering wheel is directly in front of the driver and not offset at a slight angle, and all of the front-seat armrests are at the same height for optimal comfort. Sacrifices come in small packages: in this case, the CX-5 held just nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats in our testing. Its cargo volume actually decreased with the 2017 redesign; a 2016 CX-5 we tested held one more carry-on with the rear seats up and three more with the rear seats folded. The new model's rear storage space is more functional, however, with a completely flat load floor. It also has several nooks and crannies in the cabin for smartphones and other loose items. The center console has a deep tray at the front and a useful bin with a removable shelf.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every CX-5 sports an attractive 7.0-inch touchscreen that sits atop the dash like a floating tablet. It satisfies with an intuitive rotary control mounted between the front seats and a straightforward interface. Too bad the screen's relatively small size and aging menu design are worse than contemporary rivals. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available, but not on entry-level models.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The CX-5 earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+. It also comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Kia Sportage and the Chevrolet Equinox both offer better warranty coverage, but otherwise the CX-5 is in line with its rivals.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance