2024 Mazda CX-5 Review

Mazda’s 2024 CX-5, starting at $29,300, is a compact crossover SUV and the automaker’s best-selling model. It’s part of the second CX-5 generation, which began in 2017. While the 2024 year doesn’t include a significant redesign, Mazda has implemented one primary change. The auto manufacturer discontinued its CX-5’s 2.5 S trim, replacing it with the new Carbon Turbo grade, which we’ll take a closer look at during our trim buying guide.

MotoPickers Rating: 8.8/10

MotoPickers felt compelled to review the 2024 CX-5 due to its similarity to the CX-50 SUV, which Mazda released in 2023. The CX-5 and CX-50 have nearly the same size dimensions and matching powertrains, which may confuse some shoppers working to identify the right model for their driving needs. We’ll also evaluate how the CX-5 stacks up against rivals from other brands, including the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester. 

This SUV’s starting cost is competitive for its segment, especially considering its extensive standard features. Since the 2025 version is right around the corner, you can likely score a better deal on a 2024 CX-5 than its advertised sticker price as dealerships look to clear inventory. 

The 2024 CX-5’s highlights include its fun driving feel and quality mileage. Still, we’ll list this vehicle’s lowlights so you’re more deeply familiar with the model before a test drive. Streamline your knowledge of this hot-selling SUV with our review below.

Exterior design insights 

While the CX-5’s exterior design has remained essentially unchanged, it maintains curb appeal reminiscent of more expensive competitors like Audi’s Q5, which holds a base price that’s over $15,000 more expensive. The 2024 CX-5’s exterior communicates a unified and balanced design, with lines flowing seamlessly into different outside sections. 

This compact crossover SUV’s nine available color options include:

• Soul red crystal metallic (MotoPickers’ favorite)
• Platinum quartz metallic
• Rhodium white metallic
• Deep crystal blue mica
• Jet black mica
• External blue mica
• Machine gray metallic
• Polymetal gray metallic
• Zircon sand metallic 

The availability of these colors will depend upon your CX-5 trim selection. Painted alloy wheels measuring 17” come standard on this Mazda, while available exterior features include:

• Body-colored wheel arches
• A rear power liftgate
• LED daytime running lights
• An adaptive front lighting system

This SUV’s adaptive front-lighting system increases road visibility and automatically switches between brights and lows by sensing oncoming traffic, eliminating the need for repetitive toggling. Ultimately, Mazda delivers an equal balance of form and function with the 2024 CX-5’s exterior.

Performance analysis

This vehicle’s best trait is its performance, which is fun yet practical and offers benefits like quality fuel economy. More specifically, its handling shines, with precise steering inputs fostering a controlled and comfortable ride during cornering. Braking is equally responsive. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across all trims enhances performance in challenging conditions. 

The 2024 CX-5’s standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine might be too weak for some regarding highway acceleration. While the base motor won’t thrill performance SUV enthusiasts at highway speeds, it maintains quiet operation in these settings. The four-cylinder engine clocks an 8.9-second 0-60 MPH time.

However, drivers seeking a more robust powertrain can opt for this engine’s turbo version, which elevates horsepower to 227 and torque to 310 lb-ft with standard-grade gasoline. Filling up the 2024 CX-5 with Premium gasoline further enhances performance by raising horsepower to 256 alongside 310 lb-ft of torque, translating to a 7.3-second 0-60 MPH time. Most competitors within this segment don’t offer a turbocharged base engine upgrade.  

The 2024 CX-5’s towing is average for its class, with an ability to pull up to 2,000 lbs. If you prioritize performance, we recommend selecting the CX-5’s peak Turbo Signature trim, which will help during situations like highway overtaking. All trims come with a 6-speed automatic transmission facilitating smooth shifting.

Motorists wanting to avoid weaker highway acceleration should avoid CX-5 rivals like 2024, entry-level Honda CR-Vs, Toyota RAV4s, and Subaru Foresters. There is a silver lining to the 2024 CX-50 base powertrain’s tame highway performance. Vehicles with weaker acceleration typically place more attention on developing areas like fuel-efficiency.

Fuel economy

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 excels in fuel efficiency, offering 22-26 MPG in the city and 27-31 MPG on the highway.

Interior design overview 

This SUV’s cabin includes soft-touch materials covering the door panel, dashboard, and center console areas for a comfortable and refined interior experience. Premium material stitching and chrome accents throughout the cabin add contrast for a more visually appealing design. 

Selecting a higher-priced 2024 CX-5 trim equips the interior with eye-catching features like Nappa leather upholstery and genuine wood trim accents instead of fake varieties often used today. These faux wood trim accents are generally made of plastic veneers, composite materials, or vinyl wraps. Tesla’s Model 3 received criticism for its use of interior fake wood accents, leading the electric automaker to release a fully-redesigned version of this car’s interior with less plastic. 

One overlooked perk in the 2024 CX-5’s cabin is its reclining rear seats, which give second-row passengers front-row-level treatment.

Technology findings 

Each 2024 Mazda CX-5 trim offers smartphone integration. Examples of this integration include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 10.25” display and an optional WiFi hotspot standard in higher trims. Mazda placed the 2024 CX-5’s volume dial control where a driver’s right-hand falls, emphasizing an ergonomic SUV design. The CX-5 also uses G-Vectoring Control Plus to optimize its powertrains via automatic engine power and braking adjustments to excel in areas like cornering.

When the 2024 CX-5 is stationary, its auto hold feature adds convenience to daily drives by keeping the brake pedal active without the motorist’s foot. Mazda does its best to mitigate touch display frustrations with its bright infotainment screen, which provides a more straightforward presentation. Voice control within this model is also seamlessly accessible thanks to its natural speech recognition capabilities. 

Navigation, like many SUVs within this segment, is an available option. If you prefer to receive data like navigational directions somewhere other than the 10.3” display, consider selecting a 2024 CX-50 trim with a head-up display, which projects this vital information onto your windshield and within your line of sight, increasing safety. Reports state that this natural voice recognition feature is best for routing your navigation, making calls, and toggling between stations on available platforms like SiriusXM.

Drivers can use the 2024 CX-5’s Mazda Connected Services app to perform remote vehicle functions via smartphone, like locking and unlocking doors, starting the engine, and pre-programming navigational routes.

Safety features 

Let’s separate the 2024 CX-5’s safety features into standard and available categories so you can gain a fuller perspective on this SUV’s capabilities with or without certain upgrades.

Standard safety equipment

The 2024 CX-5’s standard safety features are part of its Advanced i-ACTIVSENSE® Safety suite. Mazda equips this SUV with a blind-spot monitoring system, despite several competitors like Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V offering the feature as an available upgrade. The system communicates hazards with visual and audio alerts.

An equally impressive standard feature within this Mazda is forward smart brake support with city-brake support, which initiates automatic braking when sensing an increased likelihood of a CX-5 driver hitting another vehicle or pedestrian. 

Lane departure warning with lane keep assist within the 2024 CX-5, another feature typically an upgrade on competing models within this segment, senses when you’re drifting from lane lines. Triggering the system will result in audio and visual alerts in addition to gentle automatic steering inputs when necessary.

Separate standard safety features within this Mazda include: 

• 10 airbags 
• Hill launch assist
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Tire pressure monitoring system 

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) named the 2024 Mazda CX-5 a top safety pick. IIHS representatives test vehicle crashworthiness, crash prevention, and occupant protection capabilities. Similarly, officials of NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)  conduct front, side, and rollover tests. The NHTSA awarded the 2024 CX-5 its top safety rating of five stars. 

Available safety equipment

Mazda’s CX-5 boasts an extensive selection of available safety features that foster additional security behind the wheel. One of these is the adaptive front-lighting system, which optimizes road vision at night during cornering by automatically adjusting the headlights’ positioning based on performance metrics like speed.

The 2024 CX-5 enhances driver awareness with its available traffic sign recognition system. This handy feature uses cameras to detect and analyze road traffic signs before projecting the sign’s information, such as a speed limit, onto the vivid 10.3” display. Go above and beyond by opting for the 2024 CX-5’s 360-degree view feature, providing a comprehensive overhead view of your vehicle’s immediate surroundings.

Drowsy driving is a form of distracted driving, so this crossover offers an optional driver attention alert that prompts motorists to take breaks when sensing fatigue. The available Cruise and Traffic Support system combines lane-keeping assistance with adaptive cruise control to mitigate the possibility of drowsy or fatigued driving. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a preset distance from the cars you’re following.

When performing more challenging maneuvers behind the wheel, like reverse driving, the available rear-cross traffic alert acts as an extra set of eyes monitoring your path for oncoming traffic.

Pricing and value (trim overview)

Skip over dry spec charts and streamline your knowledge of each 2024 Mazda CX-5 variant below with their starting prices and highlights below.

2.5 Select (base) – $29,300

Standard AWD, LED headlights, and 17” wheels help reflect the 2.5 Select’s value. While you won’t find Nappa leather until reaching higher-priced CX-5 trims, synthetic leatherette upholstery within this grade is a quality alternative. A backup camera increases the utility associated with this SUV’s infotainment display.

2.5 S Preferred – $30,650

Spending slightly more on a 2.5 S Preferred trim adds attractive features like a power-sliding moonroof and a rear power liftgate. Shoppers who select this grade also receive leather upholstery and an 8-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. 

2.5 S Carbon Edition – $31,950

This all-new CX-5 trim boasts bold new styling, like sleek elements like blacked-out trim and bigger 19” wheels. The interior makes its own statement with red stitching and an upgraded Bose sound system.

2.5 S Premium – $33,900

The 2024 CX-5 2.5 S Premium enhances this SUV’s exterior with practical features like heated side mirrors. Mazda adds sporty character to this variant’s cabin with paddle shifters and new sport and off-road modes. Still, it’s worth noting that this trim’s powertrain, despite being turbocharged, produces 228 horsepower, which may not be enough to satisfy SUV performance enthusiasts.

2.5 S Premium Plus – $36,500

A 2.5 S Premium Plus trim provides more connectivity within the CX-5 via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a wireless smartphone pad facilitating a less-cluttered interior. This grade also delivers high levels of comfort through ventilated front seats.

2.5 Carbon Turbo – $37,000

Distinguishing features within the 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim include Terracotta leather and the CX-5’s most powerful engine producing 256 horsepower. If you’re a fan of using paddle shifters, we recommend selecting this trim. 

2.5 Turbo Premium – $37,800

This 2024 CX-5 grade complements the 256-horsepower engine with a trim-exclusive front grille featuring a darker finish for a sportier appearance.

2.5 Turbo Signature – $40,600

The peak 2024 Mazda CX-5, the 2.5 Turbo Signature, establishes its premium positioning with Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood interior trim, trim-exclusive badging, and more.

Final verdict

Mazda’s 2024 CX-5 embodies the sentiment that “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” The CX-5 has primarily remained the same in terms of looks since 2017, but its continued popularity signals that a lack of significant exterior changes might not necessarily be alarming. However, the interior could use some improvement, as some owners report the cabin as feeling slightly dated. 

Primary differences between the CX-5 and its similar CX-50 sibling are:

• The CX-5 contains a more traditional design compared to the CX-50’s sportier look
• A less contemporary interior within the CX-5
• The CX-5 has less performance capabilities than the CX-50, focusing instead on refined, on-road driving

Despite some interior criticisms and a carry-over design, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 offers tremendous value with its accessible starting price, quality gas mileage, exceptional handling, and harmonious exterior, resulting in a 8.8/10 MotoPickers rating.