MazdaCX-5

　　

2024 Mazda CX-5 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　Mazda has a challenge on its hands. The CX-5 compact crossover SUV is the automaker's best-selling model and it's entering its eighth year in production since its last complete redesign. Meanwhile, in 2023, Mazda introduced the new (and better, in our opinion) CX-50 model. It is about the same size as the CX-5, offers the same drivetrains, and has a name that fits with Mazda's emerging new SUV lineup.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/23 (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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$135/mo  for CX-5 2.5 S Select

　　CX-5 2.5 S Select

　　2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/23 (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,300 MSRP2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,300 MSRP2.5 S Preferred 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/23 (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $30,650 MSRP2.5 S Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $30,650 MSRP2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,950 MSRP2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,950 MSRP2.5 S Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $33,900 MSRP2.5 S Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $33,900 MSRP2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $36,500 MSRP2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $36,500 MSRP2.5 Carbon Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $37,000 MSRP2.5 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $37,800 MSRP2.5 Turbo Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $40,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Yet the CX-5 remains in Mazda's lineup for 2024, forcing you to choose between these two little SUVs. The good news is that, despite its age, the 2024 CX-5 has a lot going for it. It's sporty and enjoyable to drive — particularly when equipped with its available turbocharged engine — and has one of the classier cabins in its class. It's priced a little less to start than the CX-50, which might be appealing if you're on a tight budget.

　　Other highly recommended options for a small SUV include the popular Honda CR-V, spacious Kia Sportage and outdoorsy Subaru Forester. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for an in-depth look on what you can expect from the 2024 CX-5.

　　

What's it like to live with?

When this second-generation Mazda CX-5 debuted, the zzdcar testing team added one to our long-term evaluation program, racking up 20,000 miles over a year of driving. While the CX-5 has seen numerous improvements since our deep dive on a 2018 CX-5, our experience remains broadly applicable to the 2024 CX-5. Get the full story by reading the zzdcar long-term road test of the Mazda CX-5.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CX-5 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.

　　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.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below