2022 Mazda CX-5

 The Grand Touring seems a good buy as it adds a lot of niceties for its price. These include a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, a power moonroof, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, satellite radio, a power liftgate, fog lamps, heated exterior mirrors, genuine leather upholstery, adaptive headlamps, paddle shifters, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and universal garage door opener. 

The most significant change for the 2022 CX-5 is Mazda's decision to ditch the FWD variant entirely and make AWD standard- Cnet

For 2022, the Grand Touring Reserve trim will now be called Turbo trim. The other trims include Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. The Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo are no longer available for 2022.  There are no official announcements of the release date of the 2022 CX-5, but one can expect a fall 2021 arrival. The pricing for the 2022 CX-5 has not been announced but we expect it may be slightly higher as i-Activ AWD is now standard across the range. The rest of the specs and features remain the same. 

The base Sport trim offers limited standard features but as you climb the trim ladder, the features list increases gradually. The CX-5 is also open to a few optional upgrades. Exclusive to the Touring model is the $1,445 Touring Preferred SV package adds power front seats, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a power liftgate, and a universal garage door opener. The GT Premium package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display for $1,625. 

*2021MY data used for reference

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When you order the turbocharged engine, this Mazda SUV really scoots- Autotrader

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 will retain the 2.5L Inline-4 engine that pushes out 187 hp and 186 lb-ft. of torque. The top two trims come standard with a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has been retuned for a much smoother response. New for this year is the standard i-Activ AWD system. 

As for the ride and handling, the CX-5 will never fail to impress with its above-average handling. The suspension has also been tweaked to improve the ride quality. The CX-5 also gets drive mode settings to optimize driving capability. Further complementing the CX-5's fun-to-drive character is its responsive and precise steering. Overall, these changes aim to improve the driving experience. 

The standard engine feels a bit underwhelmed when it comes to power delivery. The 0-60 MPH sprint is completed in flat 9 seconds while the quarter-mile drag is finished in 16.6 seconds. The turbocharged unit feels more punchy and responsive. It does the same sprint in just 6.1 seconds. Likewise, the CX-5's brakes also inspire confidence in the driver thanks to its strong stopping power. It takes 119 feet in the brake test. 

*2021MY data used for reference

The CX-5 joins the Subaru Forester as the only two SUVs to offer a standard AWD system. The Honda CR-V is the quickest contender thanks to its punchy turbocharged unit but unlike the CX-5, it offers just one engine. The Hyundai Tucson's performance is very much similar to the CX-5. 

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The base naturally aspirated mill inside the CX-5 is quite a good performer in terms of fuel economy- Top Speed

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 will accompany no modifications under the bonnet. However, now that it comes standard with an AWD system, the fuel efficiency will slightly be less. It returns 24 MPG in the city, 30 MPG in the city, and 26 MPG on a highway. Ordering the turbocharged engine decreases the fuel economy to 2 MPG less.

The large 15.3-gallon fuel tank can satisfy the thirst of the engine. At its full capacity, the CX-5 can manage a combined range of 398 miles whereas the turbocharged can travel up to only 367 miles only. Compared to the competition, these numbers are below average. Therefore, if you are not a regular cruiser, the CX-5 is a decent choice. 

*2021MY data used for reference

Among the lot, the Honda CR-V is the most fuel-efficient SUV. It delivers 30 MPG combined and its driving range is also respectable. The fuel estimates of the Hyundai Tucson and the Subaru Forester are identical but the latter is a bit less efficient as it comes standard with an AWD system. The CX-5 fuel economy is decent but if you prefer better numbers, look for the CR-V. 

More premium than mainstream, the Mazda CX-5 interior is full of classy touches- Kelly Blue Book

The interiors are where the Mazda CX-5 will continue winning hearts. The design is so clean and effortlessly makes itself in the group of opulent SUVs. From seating surfaces to the dash, interiors are elevated in luxury with optional genuine layered wood trim, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, and premium stitching. Mazda has improved seat comfort by redesigning the seats for a more comfortable experience. Therefore, the front-seat comfort is excellent for long journeys. 

The seats are treated with cloth, leatherette, and leather, depending on the trim levels. The front seats are power-adjusted with heated and ventilated functionality from the Grand Touring trim onwards. The rear seats are appreciably comfortable but the middle seat is small, thereby cutting on comfort. Therefore, two adults at the back can get easily comfortable with adequate head and legroom in both rows. Overall, the CX-5 cabin is a comfortable place to be. 

On the infotainment front, the CX-5 features a high-graphic 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The Mazda Connect interface is very intuitive, immensely responsive and the graphics are sharp and clear. The dials and gauges make it easy for less tech-savvy passengers to access the menus and other features. The system is paired to a 10-speaker Bose sound system on higher models but a 4-speaker stereo is standard. 

*2021MY data used for reference

The boot capacity of the CX-5 is sized at 30.9 cu-ft., which is a lot less than other compact crossovers. Maximum cargo space opens up to 60 cu-ft. when the rear seats are folded. Its rivals boast maximum cargo space of more than 70 cu-ft. A power tailgate is available but the opening isn't wide. Also, the high leftover height can be a problem for some people. Some other interior features are:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Dual-zone automatic climate control 
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Proximity keyless entry
• Power moonroof
• Power-adjustable, heated, ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• 10.25-inch touchscreen w/ smartphone integration
• 10-speaker Bose sound system
• 7-inch digital driver's display

Changes to the nose and tail have resulted in a reduction of character lines, creating a cleaner appearance- Kelly Blue Book

Mazda has updated the exterior styling of the 2022 CX-5. The grille gets a 3D texture, replacing the mesh surface on the outgoing models. It also gets a new wing that extends to the headlamps. These LED headlamps are also redesigned to grab attention. Overall, the front fascia looks elegant and distinguished. The standard wheels are 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels but higher trims get 19-inch wheels.

The CX-5 has a short ground clearance of 7.5 inches, which is decent enough for an SUV. From the side view, things remain the same except for the top-end Signature trim. The bodyside cladding now adopts body-colored cladding instead of black. The Turbo models get gloss black finishes throughout the exterior for a sporty look. Even the LED taillights sport a new design that looks sleek and attractive. 

*2021MY data used for reference

The Hyundai Tucson has the widest wheelbase in this competition which complements its spacious interior and large cargo hold. The high ground clearance of the Subaru Forester is perfect for exploring rougher terrains. The Honda CR-V's low curb weight contributes to brisk acceleration on the road. Some exterior highlights include:

• 17/19-inch alloy wheels
• LED cornering, auto high beam headlights
• LED DRLs
• LED taillights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Dual exhaust tips
• Black grille with chrome surround
• Chrome window trim
• Rear roofline spoiler

The CX-5 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology and some other optional assists- CarAndDriver

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 hasn’t been crash-tested yet. But since it is a carryover, the outgoing model's crash-test ratings are expected to be retained. Speaking of which, the 2021 CX-5 grabbed an outstanding 5 out of 5 stars safety score from the NHTSA. It also received the highest honor from IIHS i.e. Top Safety Pick+ title. 

It got top ratings in all crash tests conducted by IIHS. Mazda kills it in terms of driver-assist features as the entire suite is offered standard across all models. Few other features are available on higher trims. In conclusion, the CX-5 is assuredly a safe vehicle. Some important safety features available are listed below:

• Forward collision warning w/ pedestrian detection 
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward & reverse automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring 
• Traffic sign recognition
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view parking system
• Driver attention monitoring
• Head-up display
• Rearview camera

2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Honda CR-V

The base engine of the Honda CR-V makes the CX-5's standard engine feel underwhelming but the optional engine of the CX-5 delivers brisk acceleration. The CX-5 beats the CR-V in terms of driving dynamics but the latter wins hearts when it comes to fuel economy. The CX-5's interior is more refined but the CR-V boasts one of the largest cargo holds in the segment. The CX-5 further embarrasses the CR-V with a plethora of standard driver aids. 

2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson have cut-throat competition as both are incredible in terms of performance and handling, but the Tucson owners can brag about better fuel economy. Both the rivals are quite spacious and premium, but the Tucson offers a roomier cargo area and more safety techs. The feature-rich Tucson could sway the likes of tech geeks but the CX-5 will find favor from the driving enthusiast who prefers ride and handling over gimmicky features.

2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The all-new Subaru Forester offers a more rugged and soft off-roader appeal in comparison to the shiny CX-5. Again the interiors in the CX-5 are plusher and premium, but the Forester offers a more mix of rugged yet comfortable interiors. Both rivals are fun behind the wheel but the Forester can map itself with rougher terrains. It is also more economical while its cargo capacity is also better but the CX-5 offers more standard features for its price. 

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 remains one of the top contenders in the compact crossover segment thanks to the thorough improvements made throughout the SUV. The interiors are clean and plush, and the infotainment is intuitive and highly responsive. Both the engines offer optimum performance. The standard AWD configuration has big potential to attract buyers. That said, the CX-5 is a great car and there is no reason to look away from this SUV, except for its mediocre cargo space.