Is Mazda CX-5 The Best SUV of 2024?

Thinking of buying an SUV? Mazda has bagged the highest ratings for two of its SUVs — CX-5 and CX-3. The CX-5 has received the highest rating from several reputed websites, including CarMax and Consumer Reports.

Small crossover SUVs like Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Acura RDX are highly popular among consumers because of their versatility, safety, and budget-friendly price. However, most of these SUVs don’t have much appeal. Is CX-5 an exception? Let’s find out.

Review of Mazda CX-5: Best SUV of 2024

Mazda CX-5 has been appearing regularly on the “Best SUV List” since 2013. Both consumers and car experts like it because of its nice interior quiet cabin, 60 ratings, and top-quality handling. The latest model is even better with an eye-catching exterior and several advanced features.

Attractive Looks

The CX-5 does not mimic the practical and somewhat boring looks of its competitors. Instead, the car comes with an attractive style inside and out. The broad grille, clean flanks, and big rims make the car look quite upscale. Plus, you can choose from five trim options.

mazda cx 5
CX-5 features an attractive look. (Credit: M 93 / Wikimedia Commons)

The interior is also bundled with luxury features and trimmings. You will love the soft Nappa leather upholstery and the original wooden trims on the dashboard and door panels.

Advanced Features

The CX-5 is equipped with Mazda’s standard safety feature suite i-Activsense. You will enjoy blindspot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and many other features with this safety suite.

All CX-5 versions have various luxury car amenities, including keyless entry, push-button start, and more. The only eyesore is the 8-inch infotainment system because of its disorganized user interface and cartoonish graphics. Fortunately, you are saved by the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Driving Experience

Two engine models are available and the best one is a 2.4L, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. It can crank 227 to 250 hp at 310 to 320 pound-feet of torque, respectively. With a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission, you will enjoy a great driving experience.

The model comes with better protection from vibration and noise. It also cushions well the jolts and impact of bad road surfaces. Another ingenious addition is the G-Vectoring Control that keeps the engine output in check at the time of turning the steering wheel. It helps with having more control when driving.

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Passenger and Cargo Space

For an SUV, CX-5 disappoints with tight legroom in the back seat. There’s no complaint about the headroom and the driver’s space is open for adjustment. USB charging ports in the middle armrest and heated outboard seats add to the luxury of the interior.

The cargo space is tight with just 30.9 cubic feet. You can expand it to 59.6 cubic feet by folding the backrest, which is quite effortless to do. Its close competitor Honda CR-V offers 39.2 cubic feet of storage, which is expandable to 75.8 cubic feet.

Conclusion

With premium looks and sporty performance on the road, Mazda CX-5 is undoubtedly one of the top three crossover SUVs in 2024. The model is quite fast and gives its driver a healthy confidence boost.