The Mazda 2022 CX-5 remains one of the best small SUVs around. It offers a high-quality interior, sharp handling and a competitive price. It comes up just a bit short in terms of rear passenger space, cargo capacity and fuel economy, but overall it's an outstanding vehicle in its class.
Minor suspension and power upgrades for sharper performance
Revised trim level lineup
Part of the second CX-5 generation introduced for 2017
What is the Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that's received high marks from Edmunds editors due to its sleek styling and impressive handling characteristics. It is currently ranked as our No. 2 small SUV, the Honda CR-V edging it out by a thin margin. The CX-5 also boasts a premium-feeling interior and a strong optional turbocharged engine that wouldn't seem out of place in a luxury vehicle.
The CX-5 received a couple notable upgrades for 2021. Its rotary dial-based infotainment system was upgraded with Mazda's newest interface and a wider 10.25-inch screen. A new Carbon Edition trim also debuted, which is a less expensive entry point to the turbocharged engine if you're willing to forgo some of the luxury features found in the higher-end trims.
For 2022, it's unlikely that Mazda will change anything significant on the CX-5 because there's a chance there could be an all-new generation on the way in 2023.
Edmunds says
If you're interested in the Mazda CX-5, one of our favorite small SUVs, there's no need to wait for the 2022 model since it should be pretty similar to what's in dealer showrooms now. Check out all the details on the 2021 model and reach out to your nearest dealership to take a test drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.31 per gallon for regular unleaded in Idaho.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda CX-5 from 2008-2022.
$402/yr
vs. $485/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.72x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
8.1%
vs. 13.5% for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
We are totally impressed with our new CX5 after 5 months and 4,000kms. We owned a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited with all the bells and whistles and liked the vehicle. We wanted to upgrade to the new 2022 Grande Cherokee 2 row, but after waiting for months for one to arrive at a dealer, we started to look elsewhere. We considered the Honda CRV, the Hyundai Tucson and the CX5. In reading … reviews, the CRV and CX5 were tied at the top of their category. The disappointment with the Honda is the stupid CVT transmission. The Jeep GC would be bigger but I’m so glad I bought the CX5.
The dealer gave us a 2021 to test drive and warned that any speeding tickets we got would be our responsibility. Part of my test drive was on a 4 lane divided highway and after a kilometre or two, I looked at the speedo and found I was doing 130 km in a 100 zone. Whoa baby! This thing goes! Part of not realizing the speed was in how quiet the vehicle is with considerably less road noise than the Cherokee. Then we drove some back country roads and again was impressed with the handling, quietness and how well it absorbed the bumps. The body feels really taut, quiet and the steering is precise.
We ordered the Candy Apple Red Signature 2.5 Turbo with all the bells and whistles. The down side was that we waited 3 months for it to come. This was perhaps more to do with the supply situation for almost everything after the CoVid situation. So it arrived and we were really impressed with the upscale model over the test drive unit. And it came in almost 20 thousand less than the Grande. The colour is fabulous and well worth the extra $400. It is interesting to note that the Turbo model works fine on regular fuel, but you do get more power with premium. I’m sorry! This thing has loads of power so I won’t be spending money on premium. The adaptive cruise is the default setting and it works great. It’s much smoother than the Jeep which had grabby brakes when approaching a slower vehicle. The Bose stereo is simply amazing! It is like you are in a concert hall no matter which seat you are in. We like the heads up display on the windshield. It was a bit distracting at first but having that information directly in front of you is a huge safety item.
I did drive in 6 inch deep snow a couple of days and the AWD handled this every bit as good as the 4W Drive on the Cherokee. Our first and only longer trip was 608 km and it got 7.4L/100 km or 38.2mpg driving 10 km over the speed limit. This is very impressive for a vehicle of this size. Around town it is still impressive.
Pros
- Quiet ride, great handling and fun to drive
- Premium interior
- Seats are firm and comfortable
- Great gas mileage
- Heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
- Heads up display is super. It even displays nav directions, speed limits and stop signs.
- One button switches the entire speedometer display from miles/kilometres
- Bose stereo - incredible sound
- Paddle shifting is very positive unlike the Cherokee which might as well not have it.
- Auto door locks with mirror fold up when walking away
- Adjustable height of the lift gate prevents hitting the garage door.
- Wrap around below the doors keeps dirt and moisture away from the door sill.
- Great headlights that peer around corners
- Back up camera with 360 display
- A golf bag actually fits across
Cons
- Oil changes every 8,000 kms versus 16,000
- Operating Manual is 724 pages with many duplicates and confusing sections. Add a 191 page Connect Manual, a 79 page Nav Manual and a 3 page Apple Car Play Manual.
- Driver settings for the seats are only that. The Jeep adjusted seats, mirrors, stereo source and even stereo volume.
- Apple Car Play is not wireless, a huge disappointment
- Location of the Homelink buttons on mirror can accidentally bring garage door down when adjusting the rear view mirror.
Great Value - Comfortable and Fun to Drive
5 out of 5 stars
Mark S., 02/04/2022
2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
We had purchased 2019 CX-5 three years ago and love it. We needed to get a replacement vehicle for another car and started the search process again. We looked at the CRV, Rouge, Forester, Rav-4 and Tucson along with the CX-5. There are other options all have more cargo space and roomier back seats, but the handling, front seat comfort and features made once again choosing the CX-5 an … easy decision for us. The 2019 version has been flawless, and we expect the same from the 2022 model. With AWD now standard, Mazda provides the best value compared to its competitors. I also wish that the gas tank capacity could have been increased so that fewer stops at a gas station are needed.
I love everything about this car except the suspension is too stiff… and I drove a Mini Cooper for years.
The 19 inch wheels and tires on the signature are constantly busy transmitting every tar strip, crack, and bump. On the highway, the car never settles down. There’s a constant buzz and bobble through the body of the car and the steering wheel. For the record, my tires were … road-force balanced, and are at the proper inflation. The car just rides stiffly. I wish I had picked it up on the test ride!
That said, I found a set of Mazda 17 inch wheels and tires and put them on, and the difference is profound. It may corner a tiny bit less sharply, but I consider that a fair trade for dramatically improved ride comfort every minute I’m in the car.
I’m impressed!!
4 out of 5 stars
Ericka H, 04/05/2022
2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I traded my 2016 jeep Cherokee in for the 2022 Cx5. I saw the car at the Cleveland auto show and boy o boy was I impressed! For me it feels like a luxury suv but not for the price, my jeep was clunky the Cx5 premium plus feels great it’s firm/steady. It’s a much different ride compared to my jeep. I feel like I’m driving $$ it’s a perfect fit for me I don’t have small kids so I’m ok … w/the space, it’s really just me. I pick up a few bags of mulch that’s about as much space I need. I’m ok with the infotainment isn’t touch screen. I appreciate the knobs being right under the arm rest very convenient as opposed to reaching forward. I really think I’m obsessed w/this SUV lol.