Would you take this 2022 Mazda CX-5 or a Honda CR-V, or a Toyota RAV4, or a Subaru Forester?
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#Mazda #CX5 #Turbo
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This is the newest Mazda CX-5. It’s got a little bit of a facelift and it’s still the best looking SUV at this size regardless of price…I’ll die on this hill
This car is also special to me because when I first started Downshift it was one of my first videos that did well
And on top of that it’s a genuinely great car…
Don’t believe me? Well after doing my first review of the CX-5 we got one for my wife
And when I got rid of my 4Runner, guess what I got…
So I’ve voted with my wallet…TWICE…which should tell you something…and further than that, if and when the new CX-50 comes out with a PHEV, you can bet you’ll find that in my garage too
And I’ll tell you why
The CX-5s that my wife and I have are pre-turbo days and while it lacks some of the power that this new one has, the 2.5 under the hood is BULLETPROOF.
Both of our cars have over 100k on the clock and all they ever need are oil changes, brakes, and tires
But enough about my cars, let’s talk about this 2022
Powering this thing is the classic Mazda 2.5 4 cylinder, but it’s got a turbo on it now
We’re familiar with this engine from the CX-30 and Mazda 3 reviews we’ve done and if there’s anything to say about it, it’s that it’s a tidal wave of torque
And you’re reminded of it every time you step on the gas
That 2.5 turbo makes 256 hp which is up 6 when using premium fuel and the torque figure is a very healthy 320 lbft..
Interestingly enough though, the non-turbo cars feel more agile and darty at low speeds…they almost feel lighter..and I think this id because of the immediacy of the throttle response
These turbo CX-5s have a little bitof lag while the turbo spools so pulling away from a stop sign will feel like more of an event, BUT at higher speeds and above 2500 rpm there’s no questioning the power this turbo engine makes
The CX-5 for 2022 still uses the same 6 speed automatic transmission as it has for many years and that’s not a bad thing for reliability sake, but you’ll feel it a little more at the pump compared to something like an 8-speed
Turbo CX-5s are rated at 22 city and 27 highway
And in honesty, if you don’t drive like a baboon it’s not that hard to do better than the EPA ratings
However, you have to then keep it out of “sport mode”
This is the first CX-5 I’ve tested with Mi-mode which means instead of just having a sport mode that throws you down a gear, you also have off-road mode
This manages your torque distribution a little better than it would otherwise
But yeah in sport mode the transmission likes to keep you above 3000 rpm, presumably to keep the turbo spooled where you have the most power
This tester also has AWD. you can get FWD as base, but the AWD is terrific and definitely welcome here in WI for bad weather.
The AWD system is a Haldex system which means it’s front-drive based with the computer determining when to send power to the rear based on wheel speed and slip
This is important to note because next-gen Mazda products are moving to a RWD architecture with AWD as standard and the ability to option RWD.
This generally gives the car a more sporty, more expensive feel which is definitely in line for Mazda
And speaking of sporty, we talked about the generous power, the decent transmission, and how the power gets to the ground.
But let’s talk abot the ride. While this has fun and sporty dynamics, it’s also a family SUV bordering on luxury so the ride needs to be good
And it is. The suspension is very smooth and it soaks up small to medium road imperfections without making a scene, but it also does a good job at holding the body together through a corner
This doesn’t have adjustable shocks, but it doesn’t need them when the ride is refined that way it is. It strikes a perfect balance of sport and comfort
And that, i think, perfectly summarizes the CX-5. Where things like the CRV, Forester, and Rav4 are more spacious and more practical, what you’re getting here is something different
The CX5 is actually quick and fun to drive
The CX5 is neck-snappingly beautiful
And The interior design could fool some into thinking it was a Lexus or Acura or something more luxury
At the end of the day, these are the reasons that the CX-5 speaks to me and so many other. It delivers a more special feeling at a really reasonable price.
This tester isn’t even the top trim, but if you do go all the way to the top of the range Turbo Signature, you’re still under $40,000