Flash Drive

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD

August 6, 2022 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature AWD

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature is handsomely styled outside and in.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined

Base Price: $38,650

As Tested: $40,270

Performance:

Smooth, well-integrated performance

Powerful turbocharged engine

Strong acceleration

The CX-5 lift gate open high to allow flexible cargo capabilities.

Paddle shifters

Good standard safety features

Very pleasant highway ride

Seamless all-wheel drive

Good fuel economy—our best was 28.4-mpg highway

Comfort:

Signature trim level ups luxury content/feel

Excellent front seats

Heated and ventilated (3 temps)

Super stretch-out front passenger leg room

Front row space and comfort are excellent.

Medium thick, slightly contoured steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Good range tilt/telescopic column

Low rear floor hump

Adults can almost fit in middle position

Very firm middle cushion

Soft rear armrest

Utility:

Ample cargo capacity

A large, wide infotainment screen is mounted on the top center of the dashboard.

Flat cargo deck

No lift-over

High opening hatch

Split rear seats fold almost flat

Medium front door bins, but shallow

Deep, medium capacity console bin

Soft armrest on top of console bin

Medium glovebox but no lock

Small sunroof

Cell phone charging pad in front of shifter

Small rear door bins

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 styling is crisp from all angles.

Nice vinyl seatback pouches

Good size visors but no side slide feature

Rear doors open extra wide

But noticeable wheel well intrusion

WOW Factors:

Handsome styling

Comfortable, luxurious cabin

Smooth ride

Brilliant white paint

Good head up display

Excellent front passenger room

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has standard AWD but it’s best suited for urban driving.

Whines:

Driver power lumbar could be firmer

Small sunroof

Rear seat middle position extra hard

Bottom Line:

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature AWD takes all the great CX-5 features and adds more power, more luxury, and more style. The Signature is the top-of-the-line trim model and it shows with features like Nappa leather seats, wood trim, navigation, and enhanced safety amenities like front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera, and reverse automatic emergency braking.