The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover that blends elegant styling with athletic driving dynamics. Notable rivals include the Hyundai Tucson, the Subaru Forester, and Mazda’s own, newer CX-50.

What’s New for the 2024 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 was last redesigned for 2017 and has received numerous regular updates in the years since, including a comprehensive refresh for 2022. This year, the CX-5 gets a new Carbon Turbo package, much like the style-focused Carbon Edition available in recent years but exclusively available with the upmarket turbocharged engine models. For 2024, the CX-5’s 2.5 S models also get better EPA fuel economy ratings to the tune of two mpg combined.

Design

The CX-5 is a great example of Mazda’s signature Kodo design language-elegant, flowing lines are the name of the game. It looks a good bit more sophisticated than most of its contemporaries, with its main visual interest supplied by the wide grille, the upscale-looking lighting, and the beautiful alloy wheel options. The Carbon models, including the new Carbon Turbo, add exclusive styling elements to stand out a little more.

Powertrain

The Mazda CX-5 is a blast to drive regardless of engine, thanks to its thoughtfully tuned suspension and steering. Still, buyers have a choice to make. Base models get a 2.5-liter inline-four rated for 187 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This year, the EPA revises its fuel economy rating for this powertrain, from 26 to 28 mpg combined. That said, most shoppers will derive a lot more joy from the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is rated for up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The same transmission and AWD system come standard, and it’s good for 24 mpg combined.

Interior

The CX-5 seats five passengers, and the cabin design and feel are elevated above most rivals' even in base configuration. Cloth upholstery comes standard, but both rows are spacious, with thoughtful lines and comfortable surfaces. Options include synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a moonroof. Cargo space checks in at a below-average 30.8 cubic feet, or 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Technology

On one hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-5’s tech offerings are pretty simple—a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard across the lineup. That’s it, no significant choices to make. On the other hand, it’s anything but simple, since Mazda still eschews the touchscreen technology you’ll find with nearly any other brand. Regardless of what you’re trying to do, the physical controls for this system, particularly the console-mounted dial, are awkward and convoluted, seriously undermining Mazda’s own argument that touchscreens are more distracting and dangerous.

Safety

Standard safety features are plentiful. The 2024 CX-5 includes a reversing camera, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Options include a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, reverse collision warning, traffic-sign recognition, a head-up display (HUD), driver-alertness monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 Mazda CX-5 a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 model an overall five-star rating.

Pricing

As of this writing, Mazda lists pricing for the base 2024 CX-5 crossover at an MSRP of $29,300, though that excludes destination and handling charges. That’s for the 2.5 S Select model, which includes standard AWD. Mazda is planning for the CX-5 to arrive in dealerships in fall of 2023.