Introduction

The CX-5 first debuted in 2013 and was the first Mazda vehicle to use the Kodo design language. In 2023 the CX-5 received some exterior updates including a smoothing of the front and rear, a new grill that blends into the redesigned LED headlights and more comfortable seats. For 2024 Mazda kept the same styling, but added a new paint color for the Carbon trims. Visit us at Tustin Mazda to see one for yourself.

Performance

Powertrain

Mazda offers two different engines for the CX-5 SUV. The first is a 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder producing 186 hp. The second is a more aggressive 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder turbo producing 256 hp. Both engines come with a 6 speed automatic transmission and All Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard with all trims. We recommend the Turbo to fully appreciate the driving dynamics of this compact SUV, especially when trying to accelerate at highway speeds.

Drive

The CX-5 offers you a luxury driving experience with a much more reasonable price tag. The suspension was recently re-tuned and when combined with the SKYACTIV-G engine and i-AVTIV AWD drive train you are in for a smooth and athletic drive. The cockpit in the CX-5 is built to ensure everything is easily accessible to the driver and Mazda has done an exceptional job of balancing steering, acceleration and comfort in the CX-5. It also offers two different drive modes to adjust for changing road conditions or your personal driving style. Sport mode, engaged from the button next to the shifter in the center console, stiffens the steering and adjusts shift points for a more aggressive driving experience. Off road mode, designed for loose surfaces and deeply rutted trails, in engaged by pressing the “TCS OFF” button. This will engage the brakes on wheels that are spinning freely to transfer power to the wheels with traction. While normal mode will get you through your daily drive, it's nice to know your CX-5 has options for when you want to punch it up a little.

Safety

Safety

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 received a 5 star safety rating from NHTSA and includes the i-Activsense suite of safety features. The i-Activsense system offers a host of innovative driver assistance and safety technologies to help avoid collisions, enhance driver awareness and minimize the severity of an impact. Not all safety features are standard with all trims, so talk to your sales representative at Tustin Mazda if you have questions.

These include:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control maintains a set speed and minimum following distance from the traffic ahead.
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert to notify the driver of traffic coming from the sides.
- Smart Brake Support
- Six total airbags including dual frontal airbags, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags (curtains), and driver and front passenger knee airbags
- Anti-lock brake system with brake assist
- Lane Departure Warning System

Exterior Design

The CX-5 was the first vehicle in the Mazda line-up that used the Kodo design language and they have continued to push the smooth curved lines of that design language with adjustments to the front and rear of the car. Several of the trims offer body cladding and trim details to set them apart, but overall this is a sleek SUV with a classy exterior.

Interior Design

Crafted Interior

The interior of the CX-5 received an upgrade for 2024. The leather seats are even more comfortable and match the soft touch plastic and leather accents on the dashboard and door. Overall every surface looks and feels like a luxury car especially when compared to other compact SUVs in the same price range. It's the kind of vehicle you need to sit in to fully appreciate so come visit us from anywhere in Orange County and try it yourself.

Technology

The Mazda CX-5 features an analog driver gauge cluster with a digital center screen and a larger 10.3” central infotainment screen. Mazda does not use touchscreens, instead the infotainment unit is controlled by a rotary dial located in the center console next to the driver's thigh. Avoiding a touchscreen allowed Mazda to fully integrate the infotainment unit into the dash, which is pushed away from the driver and passenger to give them more space and also incorporates the screen better into the driver's field of view. It has a straightforward layout and simple controls to ensure it is easy to use while on the road. Mazda also included a heads up display that projects the current speed onto the windshield. Android Auto and Apple Carplay come standard and the cockpit includes a USB port in the central storage compartment and in the center stack. It also offers a 360 degree exterior vehicle view alongside the backup camera.

Seating

The Mazda CX-5 seats and offers more room than the subcompact CX-30, however it will still be tight for 3 adults or a rear facing car seat. The rear seats are certainly comfortable though and made from the same leather as the front seats. The driver and front passenger seats offer both 3 level heating and cooling and the outside rear seats are also heated. It offers rear vents to keep your passengers comfortable and two USB ports in a small compartment in the fold down arm rest.

Cargo

The rear of the CX-5 offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row seats. If you need more room or need to transport something longer the 60/40 rear seats fold down to create 59 cubic feet of total space. If you need more storage a properly equipped CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 lbs.

Summary

They didn't have a lot of room to improve on the Mazda CX-5, but with the 2024 CX-50 they have shown that more aggressive styling, a variety of trims and some upgraded features can do just that. If you are looking for a compact SUV to take off the beaten path this is the one for you. However, if you are looking for more space check out the Mazda CX-9. They are both available today at Tustin Mazda.

Summary

The 2024 CX-5 has a sleek, refined exterior from all angles. It offers a ride and handling balance that is unmatched by any of the other compact SUVs in the same price range. It is comfortable and well-appointed throughout the interior and stylish to boot, but if you are looking for a bolder SUV try out the 2024 CX-50. We also offer the all-new Mazda CX-90 with additional passenger and cargo space. You can find all three of these fine SUVs at Tustin Mazda.