2022 Mazda CX-5 Turbo - Sharper, Smoother Re-Driven Review

BEST SELLER WITH SOUL:  After a long winter which imposed upon Spring,  Zoom Zoom driving spirit purists would like to boast of a front longitudinal engine, rear drive MX-5 roadster waiting for sufficient warmth to peak out of the garage. Yet this is a time when charging hard for curved road apexes and usefully carrying a clan's wares are no longer mutually exclusive. For those common carriers who insist on much of the Miata's Jinba Ittai year round a sharper yet smoother 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD compact crossover utility steed returns to the Roadblazing.com corral for unison with editor riders.

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 T Turbo AWD Driving Hits:

• 227 to 256 horsepower = +6 hp improvement (vs. 2019 CX-5 Turbo) to +44 net hp bump fueled with 91 AKI octane unleaded gasoline
• 320 pound-feet = +129 pound-feet torque = 71% > standard atmospheric aspirated 2.5L Skyactiv G engine
• 6-speed automatic torque converter planetary transaxle, while low on gear ring count to the competition, betters most on quick down-shifts for throttle braking capability
• NEW FOR '22: Mi-Drive Sport and Off-road drive modes

• More energetic acceleration above 85 miles per hour @ 3500 rpm to redline vs. non-turbo 2.5L
• 23 combined miles per gallon, 428 miles highway range
• ABS torque vectoring and G-Vectoring standard
• Taut fully independent suspension features revised bushings and damping rates, reducing harshness
• Assembly with tight tolerances and premium materials knocks on door of entry luxury crossover SUVs

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD Driving Misses:

• Engine torque peak arrives early
• At least two transaxle gears shy of the competition
• Stiff springing makes for constant jitter on 19" wheels
• Steering wheel rotation emits slight squeak at low speeds
• G-Vectoring does cut back on power in fast corners
• -15% Combined fuel economy vs. naturally aspirated powertrain
• Sewing machine engine idle sound

What It Has Got:

• Pricing: from $27,475 (incl. destination) for a 6-speed automatic 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5L S
  
  • As tested 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD (formerly Grand Touring Reserve) trim = $38,670
• Sensuous, sinewy, long-hooded, Kammback "Kodo" crossover SUV

• Large wheel arches accommodates up to 17" to 19" inch wheels
• NEW FOR '22: Rectangular segmented lighting, w/ white LED "Angel Eyes" headlamps, thick link grille inserts, wider grille lower cradle, wider rear roof spoiler buttresses

• Accommodates 4 adults generously & 34.1 (expandable to 65.4) cubic feet of belongings
  • Versatile 40/20/40% split folding 2nd Row seatbacks
• Exquisite build, materials and control details levels
• Comprehensive standard feature set
  • √ Keyless entry, push button ignition; √ 2-zone automatic climate control;
  • √ LED headlights & taillights, delay windshield wipers
  • √ 7.0" TFT variable triple dial gauge cluster;
  • √ 10.25" MazdaConnect 2nd generation LCD media display w/ remote dial Command controller

• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink phone projection
• Excellent safety features & ratings
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus - **Only compact crossover SUV to earn the distinction**
• Driver assist tech (standard)
  • Rear camera with predictive grid, Pedestrian & vehicle collision avoidance braking, blind spot & rear cross traffic warning, lane keep assist, fully adaptive cruise control; automatic high beam headlamps
  • Additional autonomous driver assistance (exclusive on Signature trim)
    • Traffic jam assist enhanced lane control steering assist, rear traffic collision avoidance braking; rear side traffic braking; 360° surround view cameras
• 3 year / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 4 year / 50,000 miles powertrain warranties

What It Has Not (or Not Preferred):

• Barely perceptible exterior cosmetic refresh
• Front seat cushions short & narrow - Mazda 3 & CX-30 have better seat shapes!
• Row 2 entry snags heads of taller adults
• Front center armrest distant from console shift lever
• 2nd Row seat heat controls & USB power ports = inside center armrest
• Android Auto challenged to connect
• Infotainment display loses touch control capability
• Pod add-on steering wheel spoke switches
• Traffic Jam Assist autonomous steering only operates to 40 mph
• Volume brand warranty duration, scheduled maintenance not included

Standout Feature(s) on 2022 MAZDA CX-5 2.5T TURBO AWD :

• Sporty black lattice grille, including Turbo distinct driver's side red segment pattern
• Gloss black lower air dam, wheel arch cladding, side skirts and rear spoiler buttresses, rear lower diffuser
• 19" inch black wheels
• Heads Up Display w/ traffic sign recognition

• Native infotainment navigation map w/ TravelLink subscription
• √ Auto dimming rear view mirror, √ Reverse power tilting side mirrors
• Power folding side mirrors
• Leather seating, red contrast stitching, heated & ventilated power front, w/ driver's 2 position memory, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats

• Aluminum trim & bezels, stitched folded simulated leather middle dash accents, 10.25" TFT variable gauge cluster, unique 2-zone automatic climate control panel
• Rain sensing windshield wipers; Adaptive steer LED headlamps; Power Moonroof; Reverse power tilting side mirrors
• Comfort access & push button ignition

Roadblazing.com Says: Zoom Zoom brand's best seller update sees sharper compact SUV look and matures MX-5 DNA, retaining volume prestige feel.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature - Bottom Line Review

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RoadBlazingGeorge Straton