2020 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has been famed for its exteriors and drive dynamics. Its exteriors has been one of the best looking in the segment and a big talking point for the SUV as well. A small test drive of the Mazda will make you fall for the superbly tuned chassis and suspension of the Mazda CX-5 and will make you drive it more and more. The 2020 Mazda comes in a total of 5 trims and is available in both FWD and AWD configurations. Prices start at just $24,350 for the base Sport variant with FWD and goes over $36,000 for the top end trim.

In terms of trims and features, Mazda has added a new top of the line trim for the 2020 iteration of the CX-5, called the Signature Trim. The Signature and the Grand Touring Reserve Trim also get a new powerful 2.5L turbocharged engine from the CX-9 that delivers 250Hp and 310lbs-ft of Torque.

Trims	Sport	Touring	Grand Touring	Grand Touring Reserve AWD	Signature AWD
Price(2WD)	$24,350	$26,615	$30.045	N/A	N/A
Price(AWD)	$25,750	$28,015	$31,445	$34,870	$36,890
Features	AM/FM Radio with Bluetooth Connectivity	Adds/Upgrades these from “Sport”	Adds/Upgrades these from “Touring”	Adds/Upgrades these from “Grand Touring”	Adds/Upgrades these from “SEL Premium”
	17” Alloy Wheels with Electronic Parking Brake	Mazda Radar Cruise Control	Universal Garage Door Opener	2.5L Turbo Engine with 250hp & 310lbs-ft. Torque	Frameless Auto Dimming Interior RVM
	Automatic LED Headlamps with Daytime Running Lamps	High Beam Control System	Interior Auto Day/Night Electrochromic Mirror	Ventilated Front Seats	Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces
	Cruise Control	Rear Privacy Glass	Power Sliding Moonroof	Heated Steering Wheels	LED Room Light and Down Light
	7” Full Touchscreen Infotainment System	6 Way Power Adjust Driver Seats	8 Way Powered Driver Seat Adjust	Heated Front Seats	360 Degree View Monitor
	Power Windows and Front Bucket Seats	Dual Zone Climate Control	6 Way Powered Passenger Seats	Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition	Front and Rear Parking Sensors
	Steering Mounted Controls	Apple Car Play and Android Auto	10 Speaker BOSE Audio System	Windshield Wiper De-Icer	Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
	Rear View Camera, 2 Front USB and AUX Input	Heated Front Seats	LED DRL, Fog lamps and Combination lamps	Automatic Power Folding Mirrors	LED Lighting for Glovebox, Cargo Area, Vanity Mirrors
	Remote Tailgate Release Button and Alloy Wheels	Leather Seating	19” Aluminum Alloy Wheels	Genuine Layered Wood Trim
	Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror with Turn Indicators	Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers	Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
	Rear Wipers	6 Speaker Audio System	Heated Side Mirrors
	Push Button Start
	Keyless Entry with Remote Lock/Unlock

The Mazda CX-5 has some premium features like Bose audio system as standard in higher trims and you get sporty features like bucket seats as standard fitment in all trims.

Trim to Choose

The Touring trim will be suited to most consumers, who want their SUV to be high on tech and comfort without being too heavy on pocket. The Touring trim also offers a good amount of safety features.

The naturally aspirated 187-horsepower engine is adequately energetic, able to reach freeway speeds without drama; putting it in Sport mode sharpens its responses -kbb.com

The Mazda CX-5 has been always famed for its very sporty 2.5L naturally aspirated motor. The 4 cylinder motor ranks among the top half of this comparison in terms of power and torque generated. For driving enthusiasts however, Mazda has for the very first time debuted its 2.5L turbocharged motor that does duty on the CX-9 into the 2020 CX-5. This motor is available only on the Grand Touring Reserve and the Signature trims and belts out 250Hp and 310lbs-ft of Torque.

Models	Mazda CX-5 Sport	Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV	Chevrolet Equinox L	Volkswagen Tiguan S	Honda CR-V LX	Hyundai Santa Fe SE	Kia Sorento L	Nissan Rogue S	GMC Terrain SL	Ford Escape S SUV	Subaru Forester 2.5i
MSRP	$25,345	$25,690	$24,795	$25,190	$25,345	$26,545	$26,980	$25,795	$26,195	$25,100	$24,295
Engine	2.5L I4	2.4L i4	1.5L I4 Turbocharged	2.0L I4 Intercooled TSI	2.4L I4 i-VTEC	2.4L I4	2.4L I4	2.5L i4	1.5L i4 Turbo Gas/Ethanol	2.5L i4 Regular Unleaded	2.5L Flat 4
Transmission	6 Speed automatic	Continuously variable automatic	6 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	CVT	8 Speed automatic	6 Speed automatic	CVT	9 Speed automatic	6 Speed automatic	CVT
Horsepower	187hp@ 6000rpm	166 hp@ 6000rpm	170hp@ 5600rpm	184hp@ 4400rpm	184hp@ 6400rpm	185hp@ 6000rpm	185hp@ 6000rpm	170hp@ 6000rpm	170hp@ 5600rpm	168 hp@ 6000rpm	182hp@ 5800 rpm
Torque	186ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	162 ft-lbs@ 4200rpm	203ft-lbs@ 2000rpm	221ft-lbs@ 1600 rpm	180ft-lbs@ 3900rpm	178ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	178ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	175ft-lbs@ 4400rpm	203ft-lbs@ 2000rpm	170 ft-lbs@ 4500rpm	176ft-lbs@ 4400rpm

Transmission duties are handled by Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive1 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and sport mode. The manual shift mode allows the driver to take control of the transmission when they feel they want to take control of things. The sport mode quickens up the gear shifts and changes gears only when the engine nears or reaches its redline. This helps in maximizing the performance.

Acceleration

The Mazda CX-5's 2.5L inline 4 motor does a decent job when it comes to doing 0-60 sprints. Its timings suggest that the Inline 4 naturally aspirated motor is let down by the heft of the CX-5.

Models	Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV	Ford Escape S SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV	Chevrolet Equinox L SUV	Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV	Honda CR-V LX SUV	Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV	Kia Sorento L SUV	Nissan Rogue S SUV	GMC Terrain SL SUV	Subaru Forester SUV
0-60 MPH	8.7 sec	7.1 sec	N/A	N/A	N/A	7.7 sec	8.9 sec	7.3 sec	N/A	6.8 sec	9.6 sec
Quarter mile	16.7 sec	16.7 sec	N/A	N/A	N/A	16 sec	16.7 sec	N/A	N/A	15.4 sec	17.3 sec
Engine	2.5L Inline 4	2.5L Inline 4	2.4L Inline 4	1.5L Inline 4 turbocharged	2.0L Inline 4	2.4L Inline 4 iVETC	2.4L Inline 4	2.4L Inline 4	2.5L Inline 4	1.5L Inline 4 Turbocharged	2.5L Flat 4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3541	7.3	6.5	3274	3721	3307	3591	3810	3456	3449	3499
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.3	N/A	N/A	6.3	7.7	N/A	N/A	N/A	6.1	N/A	N/A

On the upside though, we feel that the new 2.5L turbocharged motor will better the timings demonstrated by the naturally aspirated counterpart of the Mazda and rank among the top half of this comparison.

Ride and Handling

The handling of the Mazda MX-5 stands out against its rivals and ranks as the best in class. The chassis is one of the best in this comparison as there is minimum body rolls while taking corners or doing high speeds. Features like the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) changes motor torque depending upon the circumstance like it can decrease motor torque indistinctly while entering turns. This moves the load on the front and hence improves the overall grip.

In terms of the ride, don't let the premium looks of the Mazda fool you. The Mazda offers a great ride experience that doesn't disappoint you while driving on good roads or tackling the unpaved/bad condition ones.

Braking

Talking about the Braking of the CX-5, the brakes offer good bite and feedback and don't feel soft. Mazda Engineers have worked had in calibrating the brakes well so that it can match the dynamism of the SUV. The ABS works perfectly and doesn't feel intrusive. In terms of body roll, a slight bit of nose dive can be felt.

Model	Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV	Ford Escape S SUV	Chevrolet Equinox L SUV	Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV	Honda CR-V LX SUV	Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV	Kia Sorento L SUV	Nissan Rogue S SUV	GMC Terrain SL SUV	Subaru Forester SUV
Brake Front (in.)	11.7	11.6	12.8	N/A	13.4	11.1	12.6	12.6	11.7	11.6	11.8
Brake Rear (in.)	11.9	11.9	12	N/A	11.8	10.2	12	12	11.5	11.2	11.3
60-0 MPH (ft.)	136	N/A	112	N/A	N/A	115	130	N/A	N/A	130	129

The 60-0 tests, however, suggest that the Mazda takes the highest distance to come to a halt. While this is not bad, but we do feel that had the CX-5 got a less amount of heft to its body, the performance could have been better.

In terms of consumption, the 2020  Mazda CX-5 delivers good numbers despite its big weight courtesy of its efficient Skyactiv Technology in the 2.5L motor. The CX-5 mileage ranks among the best in our comparison today and is only beaten by the ultra frugal Nissan Rogue.

Model	Mazda CX-5 SPORT suv	Ford Escape S suv	Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv	Chevrolet Equinox L suv	Volkswagen Tiguan S suv	Honda CR-V LX suv	Hyundai Santa Fe SE suv	Kia Sorento L suv	Nissan Rogue S suv	GMC Terrain SL suv	Subaru Forester suv
MPG (city)	25	21	25	26	22	26	22	22	26	26	26
MPG (highway)	31	29	30	32	29	32	29	29	33	32	30
MPG (combined)	28	24	27	28	25	28	25	25	29	28	28
Range (city/highway) (miles)	370 / 459	330/455	415/498	387 / 477	337 / 444	364 / 448	414 / 545	414 / 545	377 / 479	387.4/447	431.6/547.8
Tank Capacity (gal)	14.8	15.7	16.6	14.9	15.3	14.0	18.8	18.8	14.5	14.9	14.9

The 370 mile range in the city of the CX-5 makes for lower trips to the gas station courtesy of the big 14.8 gallon tank capacity and good mileage numbers.

Step inside and it's immediately apparent that Mazda has crafted a fine Interior Consumerreports.org

Ergonomics and Comfort

While the texture inside in base trim looks extraordinary, the Touring trims leather rich interiors exude a richer feel. The seats are well padded with thick cushioning and an armrest in between the front seats.

The ergonomics especially the ingress and the egress into the cabin isn't much of an issue due to the wide-opening doors. The seats are also at the perfect height which allows you to slide in and out of the vehicle. The doors open wide enough making it dead easy to place in a child seat.  

Model	Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV	Ford Escape S SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV	Chevrolet Equinox L SUV	Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV	Honda CR-V LX SUV	Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV	Kia Sorento L SUV	Nissan Rogue S SUV	GMC Terrain SL SUV	Subaru Forester SUV
Passenger capacity	5	5	7	5	7	5	5	7	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.7/57.1/41.0	39.9/55.9/43.1	40.6/56.4/40.9	40.0/57.2/40.9	39.6/57.0/40.2	40.1/57.9/41.3	41.2/59.1/44.1	39.5/59.1/44.1	41.6/56.6/43.0	41.2/58.2/43.3	40.0/57.2/40.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.0/54.8/39.6	39.0/55.2/37.3	38.4/56.0/37.3	38.5/55.5/39.7	39.1/55.9/36.5	39.2/55.6/40.4	39.2/58.3/40.9	39.3/58.0/39.4	38.5/55.9/37.9	39.6/57.2/39.4	38.5/55.6/39.7

The Mazda CX-5 can seat 5 passengers and there is no option for a 7 seater configuration on any of the trims. The front windows are big and offer a good view of whats outside. The armrests are all around padded and are at equivalent stature bearing a happy with driving position. The CX-5 Touring gets 6-way control driver's seat with manual lumbar support that adds to the driving comfort as well.

Infotainment

A fresh and sharp looking dash-mounted 7-inch touchscreen carries out responsibility on all trims. While driving, the rotating controller feels natural and the UI is simple and direct. For 2020, Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility have been added to the feature set as well.

The base CX-5 Sport gets a 4 speaker sound framework while the CX-5 Touring gets a 6-speaker sound framework. Keeping with the upscale air of CX-5, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound framework is discretionary on CX5 Touring and standard on CX-5 Grand Touring. CX-5 Touring and CX-5 Grand Touring additionally get Mazda Navigation System.

These are the list of Features available from the infotainment system of the 2020 CX-5

• Android Auto and Apple Car Play Compatibility
• Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• SiriusXM Radio
• Voice Command Control
• FM/AM Radio connectivity
• USB Connectivity and Charging ports
• Bluetooth Telephony and Connectivity to Multiple devices

Interior Features

The CX-5 comes loaded with a host of features inside. We have already discussed the features inside the Infotainment System above and will now be enlisting some of the Important Interior Features.

• Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Auto Dimming Inside Rear View Mirror
• Power Adjustable Driver Seats
• Heated and Ventilated Leather Front Seats
• Keyless Access with Push Button Start
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Flat Folding Rear Seats

Cargo Capacity

There is not much to talk about the Cargo Capacity of the 2020 Mazda CX-5. In terms of the other 5 Seater SUV, the CX-5 offers one of the lowest space in the comparison in terms of sheer numbers.

However, the 30.9cu ft. of Space is good in terms of compact SUV standards and will accommodate most of your luggage with ease. The seats fold flat which makes it pretty easy to slide heavy items to the front of the vehicle. The release latches for the second-row seats are located in the cargo area which makes it convenient to fold down the seats. 

Model	Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV	Ford Escape S SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV	Chevrolet Equinox L SUV	Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV	Honda CR-V LX SUV	Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV	Kia Sorento L SUV	Nissan Rogue S SUV	GMC Terrain SL SUV	Subaru Forester SUV
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	30.9	34.0	10.3	29.9	37.6	39.2	35.9	11.3	39.3	35.4	29.6

When compared to the rivals, the Rogue offers the most cargo space with 39.3 cubic feet. The Outlander offers the least space mainly due to the 3rd row. If you need more cargo space and fewer seats, the Rogue is the one to go for. If you need more seats and less cargo space, the Sorento is the one to go for- it offers 7 seats and more cargo space than the Outlander.

Among compact crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 has consistently delivered more style, more quality, and more driving enjoyment than its direct competitors Boston.com

Design

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has always been one of the top picks for people who wanted a stylish compact SUV to be driven in. There are some sharp character lines running across the body of the SUV which exudes flair. The characteristic Mazda grill with the signature Mazda headlamps adds to the external appeal of the SUV and enhances its charm on onlookers.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 ranks amongst the shortest SUV in its segment. This gives the Mazda an advantage in parking in tight spaces or crowded areas or moving through tight traffic. The ground clearance of 7.5 inches gives the CX-5 enough space to easily crawl over the biggest of speed Bumps or wade through small brooks easily. The Mazda ranks amongst the most accommodating SUV for Tall Riders as the 66.2 in. of height gives good headroom to passengers over 6ft of height.

Model	Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV	Ford Escape S SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV	Chevrolet Equinox L SUV	Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV	Honda CR-V LX SUV	Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV	Kia Sorento L SUV	Nissan Rogue S SUV	GMC Terrain SL SUV	Subaru Forester SUV
Curb weight (lbs.)	3541	3552	3329	3274	3721	3307	3591	3810	3456	3449	3499
Length(in)	179.1	178.1	184.8	183.1	185.1	180.6	187.8	189.0	184.5	182.1	182.3
Width(in)	72.5	72.4	71.3	72.6	72.4	73.0	74.4	74.4	72.4	71.5	72.4
Height(in)	66.2	66.3	67.3	65.4	66.3	66.1	66.1	66.3	66.3	68.1	65.4
Ground clearance (in)	7.5	7.8	8.5	N/A	7.9	7.8	N/A	7.3	7.8	8.7	6.9
Wheelbase (in)	106.2	105.9	105.1	107.3	109.8	104.7	108.9	109.4	106.5	105.1	107.3
Track width (in) F/R	62.8/62.8	61.5/61.6	60.6/60.6	62.2/62.2	62.2/61.8	62.9/63.5	64.3/64.7	64.3/64.7	62.8/62.8	61.6/61.8	62.2/62.2

In terms of exterior dimensions, all the vehicles in this group are evenly matched. The Kia Sorento is the longest in the bunch and it shows in the space it offers on the inside. In terms of ground clearance, all of these vehicles offer enough to overcome any speed bump or pothole. The VW has the longest wheelbase and that is the reason why it feels the most planted in this bunch. 

Exterior Features

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best looking compact SUVs in the class and one of the reasons for this is its good set of exterior features. Some of the cool exterior features include

• Alloy Wheels
• Windshield Wiper De-Icer
• Automatic Power Folding Heated Side Mirrors
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers
• High Beam Control System
• Power Sliding Moonroof
• LED Daytime Running Lamps, Fog Lamps and Combination Lamps

Mazda has had a good track record with its CX-5. The 2018 CX-5 got a 4 overall star from NHTSA and a top safety pick award from the IIHS. With not a lot changing from last year's model, we expect the 2020 CX-5 to be equal if not better the ratings of the 2018 CX-5.

Some of those features include

• ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control
• Backup Camera
• Hill Launch Assist
• Side Curtain, Front and Thorax Airbags
• Seatbelts with Pre Tensioners and Load Limiters

Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V

There is no denying the fact that the Honda CR-V is one of the best SUVs in the segment. It flaunts an easy to understand infotainment system and best in class storage space. The CR-V additionally has a rich lodge that offers two lines of seating and has enough space to oblige grown-ups. The Mazda, however, is a more enthusiastic performer bundled with a chassis that can take that. The Mazda also offers a better off-road riding experience and better sound insulation inside the cabin.

Mazda CX-5 vs Chevrolet Equinox

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most sportiest SUV in the segment. The Mazda offers one of the Best 2nd-row seating arrangement in the class as well. When it comes to the off-road ability, both the SUV are nearly matched and have potent 4WD systems. The Chevy Equinox, however, offers similar performance at a lower price and also edges out the Mazda in terms of MPG in the city.

Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan has to be one of the best built SUV in the segment. The car has been solidly put together and exudes presence in flesh. It also has a potent AWD system in the form of the 4Motion technology on offer. The Mazda CX-5, however, offers a better day to day driving experience and has a more sporty character attached to it.

 

The Mazda CX-5 has managed to make a strong name for itself in the already crowded compact SUV market. The CX-5 impresses with its responsive engine, potent chassis and great off road manners.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 also offers great practicality in terms of the space offered for passengers and in terms of storage options. We do however miss the option of 7 seats which some of the competition offers. Overall, if you want a compact SUV that stands apart from the crowd in terms of its looks, has a well-appointed interior and offers immense driving pleasure both on the tarmac and off it, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is the SUV that fits the bill well.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?

No, the CX-5 isn't particularly expensive to maintain. The average annual maintenance cost of the Mazda CX-5 amounts to around $484 whereas the average annual maintenance cost for a mid-size SUV in the US is around $539. 

Is the Mazda CX-5 covered under warranty?

Yes, the Mazda CX-5 is covered under basic warranty for 3 years/ 36,000- whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered under warranty for 5 years/ 36,000 miles- whichever comes first. 

What is the difference between the 2019 and 2020 models of the Mazda CX-5?

While the CX-5 remains same for the most part, there are a few changes. Some of the changes include a more powerful engine for the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Mazda has also included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the package.