The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive in several trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. The first three are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 185 lb-feet of torque, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims come with standard all-wheel drive and are powered by a turbocharged 2.5L borrowed from the larger CX-9. It produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-feet of torque. It, too, is paired with a 6-speed automatic. The fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 24 combined mpg.
The CX-5 manages to feel balanced, responsive and sprightly, even with its somewhat taller seating position. This is thanks to a responsive electric-boost rack-and-pinion power steering system and Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus, which improves steering response by altering engine output to change the dynamics of the CX-5 in corners. All of this makes the CX-5 one of the best-handling compact utility vehicles.
The CX-5 is also versatile. In all versions of the CX-5, the back seats are split 20/40/40 and fold nearly flat. Liftover height is low, and the resulting cargo floor is continuous, which makes it easy to pack larger pieces of weekend cargo.
Sport models include a long list of standard features such as LED headlights, a 7.0-inch color dashboard display with Mazda's fancy Commander knob, a second USB port, G-Vectoring Control and Smart City Brake Support, Mazda's low-speed automated-emergency-braking system. Bluetooth, cruise control, keyless entry, push-button ignition, 17-inch aluminum wheels and power windows and door locks are also standard on Sport models.
The Touring model adds much more popular equipment, such as 19-inch wheels, a rear-seat armrest, a rearview camera, steering-wheel audio controls, upgraded upholstery and a 6-speaker sound system with 5.8-inch touch-screen interface, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SMS text-messaging capability and Pandora compatibility. The system also gives rear-seat passengers a pair of USB ports, a fold-down center armrest, and A/C vents between the front seats.
Grand Touring models add a lot of equipment that is optional on the Touring, including automatic and adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate and a sunroof. Inside, the Grand Touring has an 8-way power driver's seat, auto-dimming mirrors, a Bose 10-speaker audio system, navigation, leather seat surfaces and automatic high-beam control.
The new Signature trim includes heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel, ambient LED lighting, wood accents, satin chrome accents, 360-degree camera view, and front and rear parking sensors.
Major factory options are grouped into just a few packages. For the Touring model these include a preferred equipment package that features a Bose 10-speaker audio system, navigation, power moonroof, and power rear liftgate. There is also the i-Activsense package, which now comes standard for all trims and includes automatic high-beam control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, radar-based adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with a higher speed range, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
A premium package can be added to the Grand Touring and has a windshield de-icer, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a 6-way power passenger seat, 2-position driver's memory and a full-color head-up display. There are just a few other port- or dealer-installed options, such as remote engine start, fog lamps, rear parking sensors and roof-rack accessories for kayaks, snowboards and other cargo.
Powerful New Turbocharged Engine Availability
Stylish Exterior
Strong Set Of Safety Features
Full-featured Audio And Infotainment
Excellent Fuel Economy Ratings
The popular Mazda CX-5 returns for 2020 with just a few updates. Turbocharged models now receive 10 extra lb-feet of torque, all models get a new key fob design and Mazda has made its i-Activsense suite of safety features standard. This means all models now feature forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. Even in this crowd, it's one of the sportiest-driving crossovers, with excellent fuel economy ratings, even from its new turbocharged engine. The CX-5 also stands out for offering a great ride quality and a flexible, spacious interior. The CX-5's infotainment system, with Bose sound, is one of the most feature-packed in its competitive set, too, with features such as well-integrated Pandora internet radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
