The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that competes in the reasonably priced crossover segment alongside the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. To stand out, the Mazda brings svelte and premium characteristics that make it worth considering over some more aspirational competitors. It offers distinctive and tasteful interior and exterior designs, a generous list of standard features across all trim levels, great driving characteristics without compromising comfort, and impressive perceived quality all the while being one of the oldest options in its segment.

The CX-5 can only be had with two of powertrains in the USA. Base models employ a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder mill, while the flagship trim features a punchy turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder

All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission is the only available drivetrain layout. It has many premium touches and considerable value, but is also compromised somewhat by compact cabin, firm ride, and poor performance from the base engine. Another issue that the CX-5 faces is from Mazda’s own stable: The recently introduced CX-50 is a compelling choice that offers a better selection of engines, while maintaining similar proportions.

Related: 2025 Mazda CX-5 Compact SUV: Everything You Need To Know

What’s New For 2024

Mazda introduced a new Carbon Turbo package as a flagship option to liven the crossover up. This includes some unique performance-inspired trimmings for the turbocharged option. Platinum Quartz and Zircon Sand Metallic are added to the color palate, but only for the Carbon Turbo trim. The 2.5 S also benefits from an improved combined EPA estimate.

2024 Highlights

• New Carbon Turbo Trim
• Platinum Quartz Metallic paint
• Zircon Sand Metallic paint
• Two MPG improvement on the EPA combined cycle for the 2.5 S
• Black exterior trimmings for the Carbon Turbo

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

Mazda offers the CX-5 with a choice of two 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine: Base S trims are naturally aspirated and produce 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet, while the top-end of the range features a turbocharger, which churns out 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet. Both engines are equipped with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. The brand claims that the naturally aspirated model will accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 8.4 seconds, while the turbocharged unit drops the time to 6.5 seconds.

The naturally aspirated 2.5 is responsive to throttle inputs, making it an ideal powertrain for urban use. Where it falls short is at highway speeds due to its low torque output, and those wanting to conduct merging and overtaking must do so with quick and precise timing. The turbocharged unit resolves these issues with its punchy and prompt delivery of power to the wheels. A six-speed automatic transmission complements both engines with refined and quick gear changes, but long gone and much missed are the days when Mazda offered s slick six-speed manual in the CX-5.

Performance Specifications

Both engines possess similar EPA-rated fuel consumption figures, which should not be a surprise given their displacements are identical. The naturally aspirated model proves to be the more frugal option to consider with its city/highway/combined estimations of 24/30/26 MPG. The turbocharged unit is not much worse off than this with its 22/27/24 MPG estimate. Neither shines on the towing front, either, as both engine options can only offer a 2,000-pound towing capacity, which is par for the course in this segment.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Mazda CX-5

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Six-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• Front seat heating
• Six-speaker audio system
• Leather multifunction steering wheel

The Mazda CX-5’s interior is one of the Japanese crossover’s strongest areas, as it merges functionality with comfort and luxury. Only the base model features synthetic leather upholstery for the seats, while the rest come kitted out with real hides. This extends to equipment such as the steering wheel and gear selector across all variations. Leather upholstery can be finished in Black, Parchment, Red, or Terracotta and a Black Nappa leather is reserved for the flagship Turbo Signature trim.

Mazda's crossover has a contemporary interior design that hosts a chic multifunction steering wheel, smooth dashboard design with integrated air vents, analog instrument dials; as well as a focused center console with a conventional gated gear selector, electronic parking brake, and control hub for the floating 10.25-inch floating infotainment system. Cushioning on the seats is satisfactory as they provide a high level of comfort, and incudes a heated front row.

The CX-5 performs well with its interior dimensions, but it is not as generous as some of its other Japanese counterparts. A useful 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space are available when all seats are in place, which is enough to accommodate a couple of cases for a weekend getaway and some space to spare. It should have no issues with serving as a daily commuter subjected to carrying groceries. Folding the second row of seats opens the cabin up to 59.3 cubic feet of room.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

Mazda prioritizes safety with the 2024 model year range by including most essential features as standards across all trims. This includes six airbags, rear ISOfix anchorage points, and an engine-immobilizer anti-theft system. These help the compact SUV earn the IIHS’s prestigous Top Safety Pick+, and earn a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The CX-5 should maintain impressive reliability and longevity from previous model years. J.D. Power gives it an above average reliability rating of 83 out of 100.

Driver Assistance Features

The 2024 range comes equipped with no shortage of advanced driver assist systems. All trims come fitted with dynamic stability and traction control, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure and lanekeep assist, and emergency intervention braking.

• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Automatic brake intervention with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keep assist and departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
• Dynamic stability and traction control
• Dual front, side, and curtain airbags

The Turbo Premium adds traffic jam assist which adjusts parameters of the driver’s controls to reduce fatigue. The flagship Turbo Signature offers the most comprehensive list of standard features, such as front and rear parking sensors; a 360-degree view monitor; and a driver attention alert system.

IIHS Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: There are no complaints for the 2024 model year, but the 2022 range possesses 16 complaints relating to issues with the steering, powertrain, fuel system, electrical system, some safety features, and more. The 2023 model has eight complaints relating to the same issues.
• Awards: IIHS Top Safety Pick + (2022)

Warranties

Mazda adds its standard three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty to every example of the 2024 model. It also comes standard with a five-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty, and three years/36,000 miles roadside assistance. Optional warranty extension packages are available to consumers who want more long-term protection.

2024 Mazda CX-5 Versus Its Competitors

The Mazda CX-5’s closest rivals are the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, both of which are compelling and competitive choices to be pinned against. The RAV4 and CR-V are huge sellers in the USA, as they easily clear over 200,000 unit sales in a year, each. The Mazda modestly sells between 90,000 to 150,000 units a year. Toyota and Honda’s products may be more popular in the segment, but the Mazda has some redeemingqualities that could give it an edge.

How The Mazda CX-5 Compares To The Toyota RAV4

• 2024 Mazda CX-5

  Model

  CX-5

  Engine:

  2.5-liter I-four/turbo I-four

  Power Output

  187-256 HP

  Torque

  185-320 LBS_FT

  Transmission

  Six-speed automatic

  Driveline

  All-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $29,300

  Towing Capacity

  2,000 pounds

  0-60 MPH

  8.4 - 6.5 seconds

• 2024 Toyota RAV4

  Model

  RAV4

  Engine:

  2.5-liter I-four

  Power Output

  203 HP

  Torque

  184 LBS-FT

  Transmission

  Eight-speed automatic

  Driveline

  Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $28,275

  Towing Capacity

  1,500-3,500 pounds

  0-60 MPH

  8.2 seconds

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the hardest crossovers to compete with in the USA because of its competitive pricing, incredible specification, and multi-terrain capabilities. Toyota adds appeal to it with available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The unassisted models produce 203 horsepower to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available at an additional cost. The PHEV takes the RAV4 to the next level with a hot hatch-rivaling 302 horsepower output, and the ability to cover up to 42 miles on the electric motor alone.

The RAV4 also benefits from a more attractive starting price of $28,275 MSRP for the LE trim, but it is not as well-equipped as the CX-5’s entry-level trim. Mazda's crossover starts to lose some ground when it is pitted against the RAV4 Hybrid, which benefits from more power and better fuel consumption at a price of $32,735. It also doesn’t have much of an advantage over the RAV4’s interior dimensions, as it offers similar headroom and legroom in the front and rear rows. Unfortunately it does not compete with the RAV4’s 37.6-cubic-feet of cargo volume. Toyota also shows that its SUV is made for adventure by offering Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Hybrid Woodland trims.

How The Mazda CX-5 Compares To The Honda CR-V

• 2024 Mazda CX-5

  Model

  CX-5

  Engine:

  2.5-liter I-four/turbo I-four

  Power Output

  187-256 HP

  Torque

  185-320 LBS_FT

  Transmission

  Six-speed automatic

  Driveline

  All-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $29,300

  Towing Capacity

  2,000 pounds

  0-60 MPH

  8.4 - 6.5 seconds

• 2024 Honda CR-V

  Model

  CR-V

  Engine:

  Turbocharged 1.5-liter I-four

  Power Output

  190 HP

  Torque

  179 LBS-FT

  Transmission

  CVT

  Driveline

  Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

  MSRP

  $30,825

  Towing Capacity

  1,500 pounds

  0-60 MPH

  8.4 seconds

The CR-V outguns Mazda’s base compact crossover in the performance department thanks to its 190 horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The hybrid Honda uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit with an electric motor to produce a combined 204 horsepower. It does not have anything in its stable to take on the turbocharged Mazda, but Honda bests Mazda on the fuel consumption front. The front-wheel drive turbocharged engine, and all-wheel drive hybrid, offering boast 28/34/30 MPG and 43/36/40 MPG EPA-rated city/highway/combined consumption, respectively.

The similarly priced Honda CR-V’s entry-level LX trim closely matches the base CX-5’s specification if safety equipment is excluded. Consumers wanting to evenly match Mazda’s specification should consider the $32,010 CR-V EX. It will cost an additional $1,500 to access the all-wheel drive option for all trims. Cabin space for both of these crossovers is evenly matched. The CR-V benefits from marginally more front head- and legroom, but the CX-5 offers more space at the rear. The CR-V settles the score by offering substantially more cargo room at 39.3 cubic feet.

How Much Does A 2024 MAzda CX-5 Cost?

Pricing for the 2024 model year starts at $29,300 for the base 2.5 S Select trim and tops off at $40,600 for the flagship Turbo Signature. All cars come standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment system connected to six speakers, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, front seat heating, dual-zone climate control, and a plethora of safety features. Optional extras are limited to functional accessories for the trunk and cabin and a rear bumper guard.

Fuel Economy

This year’s naturally aspirated model benefits from an 2.0 MPG improvement in the EPA’s estimated combined cycle. The result is a 24/30/26 MPG estimate on the city/highway/combined cycle and 398-mile range claim on a full tank of gas. The turbocharged variant brings in a 22/27/24 MPG result and a 367-mile range estimation.

Is It Worth Buying The Mazda CX-5?

This generation of the Mazda CX-5 is getting on in years when compared to the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but it still manages to set itself apart by offering consumers a premium crossover experience at a reduced cost. The drivetrain options prove to be equally capable and enjoyable for general urban use, but prospective buyers should consider the turbocharged variant for frequent highway and interstate driving. It offers brilliant value with its comprehensive list of safety, comfort and convenience features across all trims.