Now in its seventh year, the current-generation Mazda CX-5 soldiers on, gaining a new Carbon Turbo trim in the process. This compact five-passenger utility vehicle features two engine choices and standard all-wheel drive. It is slightly smaller than the CX-50, giving consumers a solid 1-2 punch from Mazda.
Exterior Design: New Carbon Turbo Model
The 2024 model sees the introduction of new color options like Platinum Quartz, broadening the vehicle’s appeal. An exclusive Zircon Sand Metallic paint color is available for those opting for the Carbon Turbo edition. These premium paint choices add to the vehicle’s already sleek profile. Beyond the color palette, the CX-5 continues to sport its signature front grille and auto-leveling LED headlights, which offer both automatic and high-beam control settings for increased visibility and safety.
Interior Space: More Than Just Roomy
While exterior aesthetics are important, the 2024 CX-5 doesn’t skimp on interior comfort either. The vehicle offers heated front seats as a standard feature. The driver’s seat benefits from six-way power adjustability, providing customized comfort. The passenger seat features six-way manual adjustability. For those in the back, rear air-conditioning vents and a convenient center armrest ensure comfort on long drives, highlighting Mazda’s attention to the overall passenger experience.
Cabin Amenities: Detail-Oriented Features
The cabin’s amenities also stand out for their detail-oriented approach. From a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers to dual-zone climate control, the CX-5 aims to deliver a well-rounded driving experience. The higher trim levels offer options for enhanced ambient lighting and real woodgrain accents, adding another layer of sophistication to the interior environment.
Driver-Assist Technology: Standard and Comprehensive
Safety remains front and center for the CX-5, which retains its safety accolades by offering a full suite of driver-assist technologies as standard features. This suite includes Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go functionality, smart brake support, advanced smart city brake support, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist, among others. These technologies work in concert to offer a safer driving experience, whether navigating dense urban traffic or cruising on the open highway.
In-Cabin Tech: Connectivity and Control
The in-cabin tech features are designed to keep passengers connected and entertained. The 10.25-inch full-color center display is an eye-catching feature, offering easy navigation through the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide seamless smartphone integration. Moreover, Mazda offers complimentary Connected Services for three years, allowing owners to monitor various vehicle states through the MyMazda app.
Performance: Engine Choices and Fuel Economy
The CX-5 comes standard with Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. This powertrain is capable of up to 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The 2024 model introduces i-Stop technology, improving fuel economy estimates to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The transmission remains a quick-shifting six-speed automatic, complete with manual and sport modes. The vehicle also features G-Vectoring Control Plus, continuously optimizing weight distribution and power delivery to the wheels.
Trim Levels: A Range of Options
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offers a broad range of trim levels, starting with the CX-5 2.5 S Select at a starting price of $29,300. As buyers move up the trim ladder, they’ll encounter increasingly rich feature sets, from power moonroofs to leather seats and advanced drive mode controls, culminating in the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature at $40,600.
A Balanced Offering for 2024
Offering a variety of trim levels, safety amenities, and technology features, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 aims to provide a well-rounded package suitable for diverse consumer needs. One significant decision facing potential buyers is whether to opt for the naturally aspirated engine or to go for the more powerful turbo option.
See Also — Mazda CX-5: Chronicling the Changes
Photos courtesy of Mazda North American Operations.
