Latest News
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Review2022 Mazda CX-5: Turbo Power
With standard AWD, a more potent turbocharged mill and a snazzy design evolution, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is more compelling than ever.
2022 Mazda CX-5 – insidemazda.mazdausa.com | Shop 2022 Mazda CX-5 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Mazda CX-5?
Imbued with Zoom-Zoom DNA, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 features a gentle design refresh five years into its second generation. New lighting designs, revised front and rear bumpers along with larger tail pipes contribute to the upscale, elegant aesthetic of this compact SUV. On the mechanical front, AWD is now standard for the line and the turbocharged engine gets a 6-horsepower bump to 256 ponies over last year’s model that we review here. Additional upgrades include redesigned seats, a recalibrated transmission and revised damper tuning. Mazda has also modified the trim structure by adding an 8th model and creating such mouthfuls as 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Premium Plus.
The Breakdown
Amplified luxury looks on Turbo Signature
Plenty of oomph from the turbo motor
Standard 10.25″ infotainment display
Standard AWD only $530 above base price
Smaller cargo space than most competitors
A sharp-dressed crossover at a reasonable price
2022 CX-5 Specs
- 187 horsepower from base engine
- 186 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 30.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 59.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror is a high-end touch
- Standard Radar Cruise Control
- 3 years of roadside assistance
2022 Mazda CX5 Powertrain
A naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-4 engine, making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, is fitted on every CX-5 model except the top two Turbo variants. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic driving all four wheels. Shifting options include a manual mode and paddle shifters for Premium trim and above. Those top models also include a drive mode selector allowing you to choose from Normal, Sport and Off-Road calibrations.
If you want more scoot, the turbocharged mill is for you. Working from the same 2.5L platform, forced induction punches up output to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas. Fill your tank with 93-octane and those figures step up to 256 horses and 320 torques. The 2021 CX-5 earned a spot on our list of best driving SUVs, an honor this new CX-5 should maintain thanks to the standard AWD and torque vectoring control on hand to tame all that power.
2022 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Economy & MPG
The SKYACTIV-G 2.5L motor found across the 2022 CX-5 lineup features cylinder deactivation, something not commonly found on a four-cylinder. It helps the base powertrain setup achieve 24 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. Turbocharged models don’t fare as well, earning estimates of 22 mpg in city and 27 mpg highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Though considered a compact SUV, the 5-seater CX-5 offers rear seat occupants a comfortable 39.6 inches of legroom. Front row passengers will appreciate everything from heated and ventilated seats to Nappa leather and a moonroof, though that requires pricier models as there are no upgrade packages available. Other niceties include dual-zone automatic climate control and a frameless rearview mirror on the Turbo Signature model. If you’re planning to cart around piles of cargo, be aware that the 2022 CX-5 tops out at 59.3 cubic feet of storage volume, notably less than the 75.8 cubic feet found on Honda’s CR-V.
Entertainment & Technology
Across the 2022 Mazda CX-5 lineup, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display is standard with rotary dial to control the infotainment system. Apple and Android smartphone mirroring tech is built in along with a 3-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, a suite of software that includes Wi-Fi and remote vehicle access via the MyMazda app. Base models only have four speakers but the Premium trim and above is equipped with a 10-speaker audio system by Bose. Up to four USB ports are available as is a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless charging pad and navigation.
Safety Features
i-ACTIVSENSE is Mazda’s suite of advanced driver-aids that features RCC with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, automatic high beams and a lane-keeping system. It is standard across the 2022 CX-5 model range. However, if you want traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, reverse emergency braking, driver attention alert and parking sensors on both ends, you will need to pony up for the nearly $40,000 Turbo Signature model.
2022 Mazda CX-5 Trims & Pricing
2.5 S – $27,125
17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights belie the bargain basement entry price for 2.5 S models. Fitted with the 187-horse motor and AWD, this base CX-5 features a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Power window and door locks are standard along with cloth upholstery and a 3-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services.
2.5 S Select – $29,125
CX-5 Select trim unlocks the full exterior paint palette with colors like Deep Crystal Blue Mica. As with every 2022 CX-5, there are no packages available, however dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents and heated front seats are included.
2.5 S Preferred – $30,385
Preferred trim steps up the amenities with a power-operated liftgate, moonroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Black or beige leather upholstery is on hand along with four USB ports, six stereo speakers and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with dual lumbar and memory settings.
2.5 S Carbon Edition – $31,505
Sporting a trim-exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic paint job, the Carbon Edition stands out. Gloss black exterior trim, a unique grille and 19-inch black-finished wheels complete the look. The blacked-out theme continues inside and this is the only CX-5 that you’ll find red leather seats.
2.5 S Premium – $33,535
Lighting upgrades on the CX-5 Premium consist of LED DRLs and tail lamps as well as an adaptive headlight system that swivels the beam in concert with steering for better visibility in corners. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering column add a sporty vibe and a 10-speaker Bose audio system is audiophile friendly.
2.5 S Premium Plus – $35,175
As the top CX-5 model with the naturally aspirated motor, Premium Plus is nicely appointed with a black or Parchment leather-lined cabin. Fully climatized front seats, a heated steering wheel and head-up display are also included here.
2.5 Turbo – $37,625
The lowest cost access to Mazda’s turbocharged engine comes with a blacked-out exterior complemented by black leather and red stitching throughout the cabin. A wireless charging pad, heated rear outboard positions and black 19-inch wheels further distinguish the Turbo.
2.5 Turbo Signature – $39,875
Top-spec Turbo Signature trim is pricey, but packed with features like color-keyed bumpers and wheel arches to give this model a high-end look. Exclusive Caturra Brown Nappa leather upholstery is another luxurious touch, while a 360° exterior monitor, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) bolster the list of driver aids.
Warranties
Mazda’s warranty is of the average variety with 3 years or 36,000 miles of basic vehicle coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile term for the powertrain. If you’re considering a Kia because of their outstanding warranty plan, be sure to check out our comparison of a used Sportage and CX-5.
What We Think
2022 Mazda CX-5 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2022 Mazda CX-5 on Carsforsale.com
I love Mazdas but am biased based on how many I’ve owned and driven over the years. The driving verve, otherwise known as Zoom-Zoom, that Mazdas are known for is applied across their entire range of vehicles including this 2022 CX-5. That’s enough for me, but when you add in elegant looks that stand out in a crowded field and that optional turbocharged motor, it should be enough for anyone.
