Introduction

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 gives Mazda a strong foothold in the competitive compact crossover class. Its nimble handling is among the sportiest in this segment, which is a boon to driving enthusiasts who find themselves in need of something practical. 

Changes for 2020 include a newly standard suite of active-safety features and a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the top two trim levels. A new turbodiesel option is also making its way to the options sheet later in the 2020 model year, though it will be limited to the top-spec Signature trim. 

Base CX-5 models are powered by the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that does business in most Mazda vehicles. It makes 187 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, which is routed to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic. 

Top trims up the ante with a 2.5-liter turbo-4 that pushes 250 horsepower when fed 93 octane gas. It also pairs to a 6-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels. 

New for this year is a 4-cylinder turbodiesel. Displacing 2.2 liters, this limited-availability engine makes just 168 horsepower but a full 290 lb-ft of torque. It can't top the 310 lb-ft being churned up by the 2.0-liter turbo-4, but it should get better mileage. 

The two gas engines have been tested by the EPA, and the results are about typical for the class. The non-turbo 2.5-liter engine with front-drive is rated for 25 mpg city, 31 highway, 26 combined. Figures for all-wheel-drive models drop slightly to 24/30/26 mpg. Turbocharged models are rated at 22/27/24 mpg. 

Standard safety features now standard on every trim include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Options on high-trim versions include a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and a head-up display. 

The NHTSA allotted the CX-5 a five stars for safety, including four stars in the calculated rollover test. The IIHS has awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ award. 

Lineup

All prices represent front-drive models and include an $1,100 delivery charge. 

The CX-5 Sport begins at $26,135 and is the most affordable model. It includes the aforementioned safety equipment as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen, cloth upholstery, LED headlights, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. 

The $27,775 Touring critically adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, more seat adjustments, an upgraded audio system, automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and heated front seats. 

The Grand Touring is priced at $31,255 and boasts leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, 19-inch wheels, and navigation. 

Moving into the $36,080 Grand Touring Reserve is the cheapest way to get the turbocharged engine. This trim also adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen, heated rear seats, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and cooled front seats. 

The top-spec Signature is priced at $38,100. Its luxuries include nappa leather seats, a black headliner, real wood trim, and parking sensors front and rear. This is the only trim that is available with the turbodiesel. 

Walkaround

The CX-5 enjoys a high-class style, with smooth and flowing lines that are at elegant odds with the blocky look currently in vogue. Narrow headlights angle downward for a more aggressive look, while the big grille is purposeful without going overboard. 

The details help hone in the design as well, with tasteful wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches and a just-right amount of chrome touches. The overall impression of the CX-5 is more stylish and luxurious than most anything else in this price range. 

Interior

The upscale trend continues inside, where even base models enjoy fine trimmings and an inviting layout. Signature models, which sticker for nearly $40,000, enjoy genuine luxury trappings such as real wood trim and Nappa leather. 

The claim that the CX-5 is an enthusiast's crossover takes on merit as soon as you settle into the seat, which is bolstered well enough to suggest sportier driving is in the cards. 

Mazda says there's nearly 40 inches of leg room in the back seat, but if so it doesn't translate to real-world space. Sit in the back seat of any number of other like-sized crossovers and it's quickly apparent that the CX-5 trails in this regard. The back seat is also narrow, so that sitting three people across won't be very comfortable for any duration of time

Cargo space also trails the competition. The cargo area measures 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. That sounds decent but doesn't measure up to what multiple competitors offer. 

Base and mid-trim models get a 7.0-inch display screen that can only be controlled via the console-mounted dial controller, steering wheel buttons, or voice control. In theory this system should work fine, but in reality the complex software and fussy controls make this system a chore to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which is standard on all but the base trim, helps make this system more palatable. 

Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models now enjoy an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The touch-enabled system is far easier to use. 

Driving Impression

The sporty CX-5 is a lone wolf in a crowded pack of unexciting compact crossovers. Most of its performance chops lie in the chassis, which utilizes four-wheel independent suspension and a rigid steel unibody design. The resulting stable ride allows for great cornering and impressive roadholding abilities. 

Matching this chassis is steering that is firm but not heavy and pleasingly progressive. There's also torque-vectoring on all-wheel drive models that can adjust the torque sent to the inside wheels during cornering, further improving performance. 

The base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder isn't as exciting as the specs of the chassis, as it comes with just 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. But this engine is eager to rev and has enough pep to feel adequate around town. Its 8.6-second 0-60 mph time and noisy operation leave something to be desired, though. 

Newly available last year, the turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine boosts power to a highly respectable 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. It takes about 7 seconds to reach 60 mph. This engine is standard on the top two trims, and helps justify the upcharge associated with those models. 

A turbodiesel is also available, but we haven't had the chance to road test it yet. Expect great mileage and lots of torque way down low in the rev range. 

With any engine, the CX-5 rides well, firm without being stiff and comfortable without being floaty. This is the case even with the big 19-inch wheels, though the base 17-inchers do offer the best ride thanks to their thicker sidewall. 

Summary

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a driver's crossover thanks to its great chassis and powerful optional engine. It's somewhat smaller than rivals and has complicated infotainment, but we still wouldn't mind plunking down for a Select or Touring model. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.