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

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: sharpened to the eye, softened at the seat updated speedy premium compact ute, as tested = $38.6k

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:

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: 6 newfound horsepower makes this among the quickest volume AWD CUVs in the US, netting 23 combined MPG
  • 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
    2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: new Mi Drive Sport & Offroad modes w/ colored speedometer
  • 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
    2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: Soul Red Crystal Metallic hue contrasted by Turbo exclusive gloss black body cladding
  • 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
    2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: new deep link grille, w/ Turbo exclusive 4 red link segments and gloss black finish, wider lower cradle
  • 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
      2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: gen. 2 iConnect remote dial controlled 10.25″ infotainment / native navigation
    • Android Auto, AppleCar Play 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
    2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: HUD, gauges and media screen display full adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and navigation cues
  • 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
    2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo AWD: driver entry
  • 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.

SEE ROADBLAZING.COM’s COMPLETE BOTTOM LINE REVIEW AND PHOTO GALLERY OF THE 2019 MAZDA CX-5 SIGNATURE 2.5T AWD BELOW

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WHAT: 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD 2- Row compact crossover sports activity vehicle.

 

Power: transverse variable nozzle turbocharged 2.5L DOHC 16V DI gas I-4 = 250 hp/ 310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm. That’s a heady 68% more torque than found in Grand Touring and lesser trims, which retain the still sweet, naturally aspirated 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine, also available in front-wheel drive.

Drivetrain: 6-spd. torque converter planetary automatic transaxle + PTU to multi-plate wet clutch differential torque vectoring variable all-wheel drive.

NOTE: shorting the engine with 87 RON octane unleaded gasoline drops net horsepower to 227, while rated torque is unchanged.

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE: 2nd Gen. Mazda CX-5 (KF) is built on thorough revision of Mk. 1 KE CX-5 platform; The 1″-inch clearance drop delivers a bolder stance.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD: Well before Brewer’s game tailgating activity commences at Miller Park, soon to be renamed American Family Park.

– A steep overhang exaggerates an already low dipping hood. The pentagonal grille widens with a thinning full dark lattice treatment. The lower grille chrome border unfolds into wider wings carrying sharply tweezed HID +LED DRL light assemblies. +1 Streamlined lower front fascia nixes former corner simulated air inlets;

– Lower door panel halves coke-bottle creasing, while the beltline adopts chrome character bar partly rising at D-pillar kink.

– The punched out liftgate speaks Kammback. Two-tone roof spoiler buttresses run up to liftgate side channels. Mid-liftgate adopts a split character line; Tweezed rear wrap-around light housings envelope an amber center flasher housing. A pentagonal crease at the lower liftgate extends to rear quarters. Larger rear quarters flowing to deeper painted bumper cover diminishes lower clad fascia. De-rigeur are split dual chrome exhaust tips.

WHY: Continued Kaizen for only volume Japanese brand sold in U.S. without a stand-alone luxury division.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING ROADBLAZING.COM 2019 MAZDA CX-5 SIGNATURE 2.5T AWD BOTTOM LINE REVIEW

 

An automotive enthusiast since an orange toy VW Beetle ended up in his playpen and following him everywhere, George Straton has been chief editor at ChicagoNow.com/Drive-He-Said automotive lifestyle blog since 2010. In 2017 George established Roadblazing.com, dedicated to accurate automotive reviews, news and road trip stories. George is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Phoenix Automotive Press Association. George also happens to be an attorney and Loyola University of Chicago Ramblers fan. Present ride: 2022 Mazda 3 Turbo AWD Hatchback.

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