ITS DRIVE
The base engine provides underwhelming acceleration while the CX-5 is moving, and overtaking on the highway requires some planning. It fares slightly better from a dead stop — the 0-60 mph run on our test track took 8.7 seconds, which is typical for rivals with a base engine. The available turbocharged engine gets the CX-5 to 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds.
Fuel Economy
How’s the fuel economy? Estimated fuel economy stands at 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving for an all-wheel-drive CX-5 with the base engine. We managed to get 28.8 mpg from our test AWD CX-5 on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, so you can probably expect to match the EPA’s number. Some top rival crossover SUVs will still get you slightly better fuel economy.
Handling is where the CX-5 excels. Since it’s sharp and communicative, you can take corners at speeds greater than rivals without squealing tires or feeling like you’re out of control. The car is unfazed by quick left-to-right transitions. This is the best-handling small crossover. No doubt about it.
INTERIOR
The cabin is driver-oriented with all controls within easy reach. The CX-5 is spacious up front, and there’s enough headroom for tall folks all around. Rear passengers might feel cramped by the sculpted outboard seats, which also make it difficult for an adult to sit in the middle. Rear legroom is a little tight.
An elevated driving position, tall windows and narrow pillars make this an easy car to see out of. The exception is the view over your shoulder; the rear windows are a bit smaller than those of competitors but provide a decent view to limit blind spots. The backup camera’s resolution is crisp.
Comfort
How comfortable is the CX-5? The front seats are shaped well and generally comfortable. The rear bench seat is flat on the bottom, which might make long-distance driving uncomfortable for rear passengers. But the rear seatback can recline for added comfort.
The CX-5’s ride quality is firm but not uncomfortable. Midcorner bumps barely faze the CX-5, and it never feels floaty. Road imperfections are dealt with immediately. Noise in the cabin is really only evident at highway speeds. Even then, you won’t have to raise your voice to talk to passengers.
Technology
How’s the tech? The infotainment system is easy to use overall, and the 10.25-inch display screen is bright and attractive. The available integrated navigation system is also easy to figure out. CX-5s with the head-up display can project turn instructions right onto the windshield. Mazda’s voice control system is based on natural speech recognition. It’s good at entering destinations, calling people and tuning to terrestrial radio stations.
The usability of the CX-5’s advanced driver aids is a mixed bag. The lane departure warning system emits a unique low-pitched buzzing sound that really gets your attention. But the blind-spot monitor is overly sensitive, even triggering while passing vehicles that are several car lengths behind.
Storage
How’s the storage? The CX-5 has a cargo area that’s a bit smaller than those in competitors, but we were able to fit two large suitcases without impeding rear visibility. The portal to load items is also a little smaller than the Honda CR-V’s because of a higher cargo floor height and shorter max opening height of the liftgate. Storage space for small items inside the cabin is abundant.
Got small kids? Four slots on the outboard seats allow access to the car seat anchors. It’s easy to push past the slots, but the anchors are inset a bit. The tethers on the seatback are easy to reach even with the cargo cover in place. Push down on the plastic tab that keeps stuff concealed to access the tether.