Test drive | Mazda CX-5: still alive!

Mazda is a master in the art of fragmenting its offering. The CX-70 is a perfect example, which is just a CX-90 without its third row of seats. The existence of the CX-5 and CX-50, in the same segment and with the same mechanics, raises many questions. Despite its age, the CX-5 remains a competitive proposition thanks to the continued improvements it has received.

Its design

Just like when it debuted in 2012, the CX-5 stands out from its many rivals in the compact SUV segment by the particular attention paid to its presentation. Despite the bases which date back to 2017 – an eternity in automotive language – the whole presents a cohesion with well-balanced proportions and a harmonious front part with the almond-shaped headlights which fit into a not too imposing grille. Compared to a CX-50 which leans more on the SUV side with its angles, the CX-5 adopts a profile much closer to a compact car with smooth shapes. Finally, note at the rear a large tailgate opening to better accommodate food.

On board

The dashboard is always a great ergonomic exercise. The physical keys – a little too low – are intuitive and have a quality feel. It is this impression that prevails to describe the flawless assembly of this CX-5. The soft materials are quite numerous and the horizontal design is careful not to be too overloaded. The signature wood appliques add a touch of refinement. Storage spaces support versatility. Without being the most spacious in terms of volume, the cabin remains welcoming, except for tall drivers and passengers. Finally, note that once the backrests are folded down, you get a flat loading space, a plus for camping enthusiasts.

Under the hood

Two engines are offered: a 2.5L four-cylinder with 187 hp and another block of the same displacement, but turbocharged. No hybrid option, which gives an advantage to the CX-50, which inherits a powertrain from Toyota. The turbocharged version of the CX-5 produces 227 hp with 87 octane gasoline. It is especially the torque of this engine (310 or 320 lb-ft) that we note: rather flexible and progressive, it behaves like an atmospheric engine reluctant to increase in revs, the switch coming on at 6300 rpm. We feel a slight roughness at high revs, but its noise level is contained. The transmission does an acceptable job, but shows its age by its slowness in recovery.

Behind the wheel

Mazda stands out from the competition with impeccable tuning of its chassis, which is confirmed by this CX-5. Benefiting from a revised calibration of the front (relaxer) and rear (firmer) springs as well as a revised front stabilizer bar, the SUV presents very pleasant road behavior thanks to its multi-link rear suspension. It is agile, inclined to negotiate turns without showing too pronounced body movements. The damping also limits excessive vibrations on rough roads. The standard all-wheel drive operates in the background consistently. In short, a convincing exercise which reminds us of the importance of the sum of details, despite an aging base material.

Embedded technologies

This CX-5 has the latest version of Mazda's multimedia system. Essentially, it is controlled using a rotary dial on the center console. The 10.25-inch screen has a black background which avoids unnecessary glare, but does not offer the possibility of tactile navigation, except for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It's a slight irritant, especially given the screen's positioning so close to the driver and passenger. The system itself remains easy to approach thanks to the intuitive structure of the interface, but it will take you a few minutes to understand the role of the various tabs. The Bose audio system in the Signature version is among the good systems in the segment, without overflowing with power.

The verdict

Well soundproofed, elegant and carefully assembled, the Mazda CX-5 still manages to bridge the gap between general and luxury brands with aplomb. Its price range, starting at $32,250, makes it a very competitive and well-equipped product compared to the bill. However, if you often want to lug bulky objects around, there are options with more spacious trunks, including the Toyota RAV4 and the Hyundai Tucson, which exceed 1000 L in volume, compared to 871 L. The absence of hybrid mechanics also makes it less competitive in energy efficiency. Moreover, the CX-5 still remains a serious contender that adds color to a segment that has become more standardized in recent years.