2022 Mazda CX-5

The base CX-5 Sport comes with cloth upholstery and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Different packages include Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. These packages include increasing levels of features for the trim. The CX-5 Turbo features 19-inch alloy wheels and a head-up display. Seating options include cooled front seats and heated rear seats. A heated steering wheel is also standard with this model. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature ramps up with Nappa leather upholstery and a trendy wood and chrome trim. Other features include ambient lighting in the cabin, navigation, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. An additional special Carbon Edition is also available with its own unique color scheme.

All-wheel drive is standard on the SUV and the Sport mode gives better response as you accelerate. The CX-5 Sport 2.5-liter inline-4 engine pushes 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque and reaches 0-60 miles per hour in under nine seconds. The upper models are powered by a turbo-4 engine that creates 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It's more spirited with an estimated 0-60 miles per hour in about seven seconds.

The compact crossover is at home on the pavement with lively handling and precise steering that gives great feedback. Twists and turns in the road are a pleasure to drive through. The firm damping allows the driver to push the vehicle without causing it to shudder. The 17-inch wheels are perfect for those who enjoy a comfortable ride. Driving the CX-5 ensures satisfaction.

The cabin instills confidence with its low dashboard and a hood that dips to give a clear view of the road. The minimalist dash prevents distraction, even with the standard mounted 10.3-inch infotainment screen. The center console holds the mechanical shift and infotainment dial. Supportive front bucket seats hug the driver and eases fatigue during long drives. Regarding cargo space, the 60/40-split rear seats expand from 31 cubic feet to about 60 cubic feet when necessary. The rear seating provides plenty of leg room for passengers.

The CX-5 performs well in crash tests. It received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which includes four stars in the front and side crash tests and five stars in the rollover test. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Safety features in the CX-5 include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert. An optional surround-view camera system and head-up display are available on the Turbo models.