2022 Mazda CX-5 Review: Thorough Renewal Without Changing DNA

Available from $ $26,250, the new range of Mazda CX-5 stands out for offering great equipment and new finishes.

The CX-5 is Mazda's best-selling model since it accounts for 19% of the brand's total units in all markets where it is present. This mid-size SUV, is updated for 2022 after some more far-reaching changes in 2020. On this occasion, the aesthetic modifications are minimal and the changes are focused on the equipment, now more complete and with more options, especially with regard to ADAS technology, that is, the driving assistance systems.

What's New for The 2022 Mazda CX-5?

The surface is much smoother in the 2022 Mazda CX-5. The grille has received a new 3-dimensional mesh texture, which makes it more distinctive. In the interior, you will find the seats to be more supportive. For the 2022 model year, Mazda says it has made the transmission to be smoother and more responsive. Compared tot he 2021 model, which I reviewed last year, I fell like the suspension has improved as well. it's more adjustable thanks to new drive-mode settings.

Mazda has also changed the name of one of its previous trims. In the 2022 model the Grand Touring Reserve trim is now called Turbo, and the top-tier Signature trim, which Torque News is testing and reviewing this week, has body-color cladding instead of the previous dark color. Also note a slight increase in HP as the the Turbo Four's engine horsepower has increased by 6 to 256 horses when using premium fuel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 comes in eight trims. Those are the S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Premium Plus, Turbo, Turbo Signature. The price of the lower trim S starts at $26,250, while the top trim Turbo Signature is offered at $39,00 MSRP. The fuel economy is about 24 MPG combined, while the city/highway is respectively 22/27 MPG.

Mechanics and Engine

On the mechanical level, the CX-5 2022 retains the offer of its predecessor. If the imminent new CX-60 will benefit from gleaming six-cylinder mechanics and rechargeable hybridization, the CX-5 remains confined to four naturally aspirated cylinders 2.0 l (163 hp) and 2.5 l (194 hp) in Skyactiv gasoline- G and the 2.2 l turbo diesel (150 hp or 184 hp) Skyactiv-D. Note that Mazda is no longer selling the diesel-powered CX-5 in the U.S. None of these mechanics inherits micro-hybridization during restyling. The one thing missing from the CX-5 line is an electrified powertrain. I think if Mazda offered an electric powertrain, in other words CX-5 EV, it could lure more car-shoppers. In addition, the Skyactiv-X block of the little brother CX-30 does not take the opportunity to add to the range of the CX-5 either. It should be noted, however, that Mazda leaves the choice, depending on the engine selected, both between two- or four-wheel-drive versions and manual or automatic (6-speed) transmissions.

Exterior of the 2022 CX-5

Launched in 2017, the second-generation CX-5 has already benefited from a small technical upgrade in 2021 . But today is the hour of the "real" restyling. However, the cosmetic changes remain quite minimal. We will still notice the appearance of new LED headlights that are both more sophisticated (20 diodes against 12 previously) and more expressive. The evolution is less noticeable on the stern side. But the headlights here also benefit from a new internal structure ensuring a modernized light signature.

Interior

On board, the changes are minimal compared to the 2021 modernized CX-5 (which had in particular inherited for the occasion a larger infotainment screen). We therefore here find the same very classic and sober interior. If you are attracted to futuristic dashboards, you will remain unsatisfied. But it is clear that the care given to the finish at Mazda is very high. And that the materials used are of high quality. In addition, the ergonomics of the “old-fashioned” driving position of the CX-5, with its many physical buttons, is easy to understand.

A few small new features are still on board this CX-5 2022. We will point out in particular the arrival of an induction charging zone as well as a selection of Mi-Drive mode now integrating an "off-road" function for the AWD versions.

The infotainment system is a 10.25-inch screen and it's not a touchscreen. Thus, it's imperative to use the rotary control wheel located between the front seats.

One of the main characteristics of the Signature Turbo trim is that it comes loaded. The interior has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also heated and ventilated seats with three adjustment levels, a heated steering wheel with leather-wrapping and unique stitching.

In the rear seats, there is sufficient roominess for two adults (the central rear seat is handicapped by the rather imposing transmission tunnel). On the side of the trunk, there is progress in regard to volume.

A Few Words About The 2022 CX-5's Safety Features.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology and some other optional assists. For more information about the CX-5's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
• Standard adaptive cruise control.

Road Behavior and The Drive of the 2022 Mazda CX-5

I felt like the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is pretty flexible and considerate on the road. It has a firm grip of the asphalt and responds well, given the conditions. Bad roads are handeld at a good pace. While I wouldn't call it exciting, but the experience of handling the bad roads was very effective.

Conclusion

The small targeted retouching offered to the CX-5 during its restyling subtly increases its interest. But this retouching is done without fundamentally changing its DNA. The CX-5 should therefore, again, be confined to an outsider role addressing an informed public against the heavyweights of the category. It's a fun and simple vehicle to drive.

Please, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below if you have recently driven any of the trims of the new 2022 Mazda CX-5.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: Vroom.