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The 2022 Mazda CX-5: Why It’s a Crossover Favorite

6 minute read

By John Warbuck

Crossover utility vehicles are the merging of worlds between the driving quality of a sedan and the utility of an SUV. If you’re looking for a dependable family vehicle on a budget, the Mazda CX-5 is worth your attention. Mazda has gone to great lengths to add all the value you normally expect from a luxury crossover, while keeping the price down.

The result is a crossover SUV that’s within the reach of most small families. You can seat five people comfortably, enjoy ample cargo space, and remain connected when you’re on the go with the standard infotainment system. This guide reviews all the features that make the CX-5 a standout vehicle in 2022.

The Completely Redesigned CX-5

First impressions last, and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 gets off on the right foot with a complete redesign for the new model year. On first sight, you’re stunned by its modern, sleek lines. The improvements to the interior and suspension were made with your passengers in mind. They help to minimize the impact of every bump in the road. All-wheel drive is now a standard feature and the seating is much improved.

The CX-5 is the poster child for customization. It has eight available trims. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select system changes how the vehicle performs. Whether you’re zipping around curves, traveling through snow and ice, or want to take your adventures to untraveled paths, the CX-5 can handle it.

Source: Mazda

Interior

Mazda made great strides to improve the interior of the CX-5 this year. Even the base trim has a better design, more focused on driver and passenger ergonomics. What that means, in a nutshell, is that the seating makes you feel ultra comfortable. You’ll be situated in all the right angles and your rear passengers get all the shoulder and legroom they can hope for.

You also get a lot of cargo space. The folding rear seats allow you to turn that extra legroom into space to cart around your luggage, groceries, or supplies from the hardware store.

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Technology

The CX-5 comes with a standard voice-activated infotainment system that connects you to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth devices. You get two USB ports so that you can charge your mobile technology on the go. With keyless entry and push-button start, you can get on your way with ease. The rain-sensing windshield wipers and a rearview mirror with day and night modes help your eyes when you’re on the road.

You also get a three-year trial to Mazda Connected Services, which is quite generous. Using a smartphone app, you can lock and unlock your vehicle, find it in a busy parking lot, check your fuel status, and start it up remotely on a cold day.

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Safety

The standard safety technology package adds a ton of value. It also gives you some peace of mind when you’re on the road. It includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, an adaptive cruise control system you can use in rush hour traffic, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.

Your forward-collision warning and prevention features can detect pedestrians and bicyclists as well. The CX-5 can apply the brakes faster than is humanly possible. This protects you (and others) on the road.

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Available Trims

2.5 S

With a starting price of $25,900, the base trim impresses with its generous standard equipment package. It includes a standard cabin air filtration system that eliminates pollen and other allergens from the air. It also boasts speed-sensitive locks, remote start, hill launch assist, a rearview camera, and the standard infotainment system.

The 2.5 S has the utility of an SUV, but you might forget you’re driving one with its car-like acceleration and smooth handling. All of this is due to the improvements Mazda made to the suspension system.

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2.5 S Select

The 2.5 S Select steps it up a notch with leatherette seating and a second interior color option. You also get heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, rear air conditioning vents, and three additional exterior color options.

If your passengers have mobile devices of their own, they can connect to the infotainment system and charge them using two USB ports in the rear console. The 2.5 S Select trim starts at $27,900, making it a modest cost upgrade.

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2.5 S Preferred

The 2.5 S Preferred trim introduces the rear power liftgate, an extremely useful option if you often find yourself juggling items while trying to access the back. It has programmable height settings, so you can make sure it doesn’t interfere with your garage door when you’re carting things in and out of your home.

The 2.5 S Preferred comes with a power-adjustable driver seat with eight ways to find the perfect ergonomic driving position and a power moonroof. It starts at $29,600.

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2.5 S Carbon Edition

The Carbon Edition is a special limited edition appearance package. It comes with an exclusive exterior paint color, a refined interior appearance, a glossy black grille, and other aesthetic changes throughout. It comes with 19-inch wheels, as opposed to the 17-inch wheels that are standard on lower trims.

You also get an upgraded stereo system, two unique color options for the interior, and a black signature wing. The Carbon Edition has a base price of $30,720, which allows you to impress without breaking the bank.

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2.5 S Premium

The 2.5 S Premium starts at $32,310. It’s the first trim level to feature the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select system. This is an ideal trim if you use your vehicle for long-distance trips and adventures, but still want it to double as a daily commuter.

The off-road drive mode allows you to tackle mud, rocks, and rough terrain. You can also tow up to 2,000 pounds with the available tow package. With up to 30 mpg on the highway, traveling is affordable and you won’t spend as much time at the gas station on your journeys.

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2.5 S Premium Plus

The 2.5 S Premium Plus has an adaptive front lighting system that automatically turns the bright lights on in low light conditions and turns them down when sensing vehicles nearby. It also has an automatic windshield wiper deicer. This feature can be quite useful if you’re often annoyed during the winter by smeared ice and snow across your windshield.

The side mirrors automatically fold when you’re attempting to squeeze into tight spaces. Finally, you can now shift gears with a paddle on the steering column. The 2.5 S Premium Plus starts at $33,950.

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2.5 Turbo

Previously dubbed the Grand Touring Reserve, the Turbo arrives with a new name, new styling, and a base price of $36,400. It’s the first trim level to feature an upgraded engine with more torque. In case you didn’t know, torque helps you accelerate quickly and pull more weight. This this trim is extra useful if you’re looking for a sporty driving experience or just want to manage a trailer more efficiently.

The Turbo adds heated side mirrors, distinctive exterior color accents, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated seats in the rear. The leather seats are hand-stitched and the ventilation allows them to be cooled on hot days. You also get a heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm during the winter.

Source: Mazda

2.5 Turbo Signature

Finally, the 2.5 Turbo Signature has a base price of $38,650. It’s basically a premium luxury SUV experience for under $40,000. The seating is upgraded to Nappa leather, which is plush and comfortable to the touch. Your rear passengers get ventilated seats with this upgrade so that everyone stays cool. The upgraded stereo system doesn’t disappoint either.

Mazda also includes the Traffic and Travel Link subscription. You can see traffic on the route you plan to travel, get updated gas prices, check the weather, find parking, and even check the latest sports scores. The infotainment technology allows you to do all of this with your voice or the controls on the steering column.

Source: Mazda

John Warbuck

Writer

John Warbuck is a seasoned freelancer and ghostwriter who has covered a variety of topics throughout the years. When he is not at his keyboard, he can be found at the gym, mastering new recipes, learning more about the universe, or teaching his Australian Shepherd math problems.

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