2022 MAZDA CX-5: A mighty crossover SUV

If you’re in the market for a small SUV I highly recommend considering the Mazda CX-5. I recently enjoyed driving the Signature trim with a standard turbo engine for a week. This speedy crossover SUV with seating for up to five passengers has great pickup and an upscale cabin.

The Mazda CX-5 series has built a great reputation over the years, and the 2022 CX-5 continues to offer the same reliability with an improved exterior style and mechanical upgrades like standardizing Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) to the entire CX-5 lineup, and minor upgrades to the suspension that complement the AWD. The benefits are noticeable with a sharper performance, handling and steering, contributing to higher driver satisfaction.

The CX-5 is a fun compact SUV for everyday driving and was a good fit for my needs and lifestyle. I often like to run several household errands in one day which means I pick up many items like groceries and cleaning supplies in one trip. I was able to store a significant amount of items in the back and still had some room. If more space is needed the back seats fold down, and the cabin has several storage cubbies for smaller items. The slanted cubbies in the doors were perfect for my nephew Connor and I, to store our water bottles, and they didn’t fall out when we opened the doors!

Since he’s a tall kid at over 6”1’, leg room is important. Connor was quite pleased with the front passenger side leg space, and there was even enough room for us to enjoy Carhop service without my dog-phew Max, jumping up front to get to our food.

Max is a German Shepherd, which is a large dog breed, and the back seat was spacious enough for his comfort too. For a tall person, the backseat may be a bit tight when the front seats are moved back, although the rear seatback can recline for added comfort. The Mazda CX-5 is a mighty crossover SUV with interior comfort and enough space for a small family.

I was impressed overall with the storage space, comfort and driving experience as we drove out quite a distance for a family hike. The Mazda CX-5 was able to accommodate the three of us and the extra things we packed. We did a day road trip but I would recommend this vehicle for a longer road trip, and even for light off-roading or unpaved roads. 

The infotainment system offered enough features, but the control knob is hard to navigate at first. The placement of the control is different from most vehicles in that it is placed by the gearshift. You can control music and other features from the steering wheel, but I used the knob more often, which did take getting used to.

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.

After driving the 2022 CX-5, I was highly impressed with the combination of Drive mode selections, i-Activ AWD, and the turbocharged engine.

The Mazda CX-5 Signature trim comes with everything you need for a small SUV, flirting with the luxury-brand territory. The good news is that it has all it needs to compete with its company.

Disclosure: I had the chance to test drive the 2022 MAZDA CX-5 for a week. All views and opinions on this post are my own.