A Week With: 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD

Utility vehicles are it right now and compact utility vehicles with five seats are especially strong as they offer a balanced and versatile combination of space, room for passenger and a modest measure of fuel economy. 

They also appeal to wide audience ranging from retirees looking for modest transportation to youngster looking for room to carry their friends and their gear. They also are popular with small families.

What is surprising is one of the brands crowding into the segment is Mazda with its history of building cars, which emphasize the vehicle’s fun quotient. But Mazda’s emphasis on driving characteristics shows through even in the compact utilities. 

Overview

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD more than holds its own against some very intense competition from Asian, American and European manufacturers. They’ve produced some of their better vehicles and technology since the vehicles are sold in substantial numbers in markets all over the world.

The Mazda CX-5 is roomy, stylish, versatile and has solid driving dynamics and on-road performance, which helps separate it from a long list of vehicles offered by other manufacturers. 

Exterior

Mazda’s designers have given the CX-5 a graceful profile with starting with a short hood, leading into a low-angled windshield and an arching roofline that flows down through the rear liftgate. For 2022, the front fascia on the CX-5, which competes with the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Honda CRV, features a new bumper and a wing that extends out from the grille. 

The light fixtures have been reworked to emphasize LED technology and are carefully tucked into corners at both the front and the rear. The exterior styling of the CX-5 is nicely complemented by the wheels, which serve as a deft bit of ornamentation.

Interior

The cabin of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is surprisingly roomy given the compact nature of the vehicle’s underlying structure. The interior also is nicely furnished with materials, textures and bright work as well a 10.25-inch screen in the center stack, which combine to give the space a sophisticated feeling. The controls are combination of buttons and knobs, and the steering wheel also carries controls for the entertainment system and cruise control. 

Storage space is limited, and I thought the cupholders were in an awkward place behind the shift lever. But the inner doors were nicely finished in soft material and the visibility from the driver’s seat was excellent. The second row of seats seems a bit cramped, but the tight quarters in the second row were offset by extra space in the cargo area behind the second seat.

Powertrain

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission and an active all-wheel-drive system. The powertrain is capable of 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the CX-5 has a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, including 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In keeping with Mazda’s intentions to make all of its vehicles for drivers, the CX-5 also is equipped with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters to override the automatic transmission.

Safety and Technology

The safety features include multiple airbags for protection in front- and side-impact crashes. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 also is equipped with driver assistance features such as blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Bluetooth, a Sirius XM radio connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Bose AM/FM HD radio are also part of the package. In addition, automatic high-beam controls for the LED lights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. In addition, it is equipped with wireless phone charging and four USB ports.

Driving Impressions

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 turns out to be a very pleasant vehicle to drive thanks to the combination of extra power and torque from the turbocharged engine, a well-tuned chassis and the independent suspension at the front and rear of the vehicle. 

Mazda, which seems to spend extra on chassis and suspension development, also equipped the CX-5 with G-vectoring control and dynamic stability control to help the driver keep the vehicle under control in all kinds of driving situations or on varied pavement. 

The attention to details of driving such as adding an engine harmonics enhancer for the sound from the motor. Overall, the power comes on quickly. The shifts are smooth and the while the car handles nicely when asked and the brakes have solid feel as the come on.

2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD specifications

Dimension	L: 180.1 inches/W: 72.6 inches/H: 66.1 inches/Wheelbase: 106.2 inches
Weight	3,728 pounds
Powertrain	2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD
Fuel Economy	22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined
Performance Specs	227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque
Price	Base price: $26,250; As tested: $36,400 including $1,225 destination charge.
On-Sale Date	Available now

Wrap Up

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is aimed at the heart of a growing market where motorists of all kinds are congregating in a search for reasonably priced, quality transportation. In addition, the CX-5 brings a lot to the party, including impressive driving dynamics in a stylish package that will fill needs of anyone looking for a new vehicle. 

It’s a bit on the pricey side, I think, but basically in line with what manufacturers are getting for their vehicles in today’s market.

2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD — Frequently Asked Questions