It seems that this crossover is timeless: a year ago we talked about the Mazda CX-5 facelift - and now the next updates have arrived! What has changed in the 2024 Mazda CX-5 model? Have these changes affected the car's consumer qualities? And on the driving character? And most importantly, how much does the 2024 Mazda CX-5 cost now? So, let's formulate the main questions and look for answers.
We start traditionally: what has changed from the outside?
The successful overall design and classic proportions of the second-generation Mazda CX-5 crossover have remained unchanged since 2017. But from that time until now, various body elements have been changed that did not require new stamps: the radiator grille and front bumper, headlights and lights, exhaust system design, wheels, etc.
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 model again shows similar small updates. The radiator grille is now made of vertical lines instead of horizontal elements. Moreover, in the maximum TOP configuration, this new grille will be in silver-gray color. It seems like a minimal change, but in reality it significantly changes the perception of the front of the car: if earlier the grille was visually perceived as a huge deep dark air intake, now it is perceived as an almost closed shield. In addition, the Mazda CX-5 crossover in the maximum TOP configuration also receives silver inserts in the lower part of the bumpers - in front it is a barely noticeable strip, but in the rear, the new element clearly distinguishes the 2024 car.
In addition, a new Rhodium White color was announced (as a test car) and a new gray-silver color for the wheel rims. However, as for me, it looks like another "white mother of pearl" and unchanged wheels, which were offered for Mazda CX-5 before. But, let's face it, it will be...
The successfully found image remains almost unchanged, as well as the overall dimensions of the car: length - 4.575 meters; width - 1.845 meters; height - 1.68 meters; wheelbase - 2.7 meters. And all the above-mentioned changes in appearance can be described by the phrase: "with minimal effort, make the updated car stand out in the showroom".
Hmm, not much. What has changed inside?
Frankly speaking, not much either. However, there is one very important, key, fundamental (I'm not afraid of this word!) change - a new multimedia system. Yes, this is exactly the system that can be found in the company's most modern models: the all-new Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-90, as well as the Mazda CX-30 with updates for 2024. A large horizontal 10.25-inch display, a laconic and clear menu, highlighted items for quick access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (by the way, with wireless connection for most configurations). A good modern multimedia system, which has been so long awaited for the Mazda CX-5, is finally here. This is definitely the main, but definitely not the only change in the car's interior.
If you go through all the details, you can note the new silver-gray contrast stitching on the seats (previously there was a regular dark thread), as well as the appearance of new decorative strips on the front panel. However, the latter change raises some questions for me personally: previously, the maximum trim levels used a nice open-pore wood, but now it's just a simple graphic pattern.
The rest of the cabin has not changed. Massive ventilation deflectors with a nice metallic finish, a separate climate control unit with a lot of buttons (I know you love it), a combined instrument panel - a 7-inch digital display in the center and analog instruments on the right/left. The front seats still offer a cushioned seat cushion and a profiled backrest with pronounced side support. The rear sofa still offers a small backrest angle adjustment and seat heating buttons hidden in the armrest. As for the space, it's not excessive, but it's enough: both in front and behind the seats and in the 505-liter trunk. What the latter lacks is hooks for packages. However, the rest of the expected things are available here: an electric lid drive with an opening sensor, side niches and a 2-story floor, etc.
The situation with the interior is similar in terms of exterior changes: the overall shape has not changed, but some details have been updated. Of course, the most important point is the new multimedia system that adorns the front of the cabin; I would also like to note the decor - new stitching and inserts. But in the rear, everything has remained unchanged. And, let's just say, modern competitors already offer more for the family: a separate climate control zone, window blinds, more space and sofa adjustment options... But the nuance is that this seemingly family-friendly Mazda CX-5 crossover is bought not only with the general wishes of the family in mind, but also with the wishes of the driver.
What about the driver? Can he please you?
Of course it is! Since 2017, I have been confidently calling the Mazda CX-5 crossover one of the most "driving" and interesting cars for the driver. Moreover, if we talk in detail, there seems to be nothing special inside the Mazda CX-5: an atmospheric 4-cylinder engine of the SkyActiv-G series and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, a steering wheel of medium sharpness, and a suspension that tries to balance between stiffness and comfort.
However, speaking not in detail, but in general, the Mazda CX-5 crossover has found a formula for happiness for daily driving since 2017. The steering wheel does not overburden you with effort - but it is enough to feel the dialog with the car, keep it under control, and understand the turn of the wheels in a bend. The reactions to the turn of this steering wheel are almost devoid of pauses, the nose enters the turn unexpectedly easily - other Japanese crossovers still have a lot to learn. At the same time, the rolls are moderate, and the suspension does not try to break your last healthy vertebrae: a little stiffer than the average level, but it is still very far from outright shocks and jolts.
But it's the engine and gearbox that will leave the most pleasant impression. Modern cars with turbo engines or hybrids already accelerate much more actively, and hybrids also consume less fuel. However, all these thoughts are instantly blown away by the characteristic "dry" roar of a classic atmospheric engine during acceleration. Moreover, the engine is multifaceted: it can drive quietly and smoothly at 1.5-2-2.5 thousand revolutions, trying to save fuel and not wake up your child. But from 2.5-3 thousand revolutions, the desire for acceleration and a characteristic sound wake up in it, and in the range of 4.5-5-6 thousand, it finally breaks free - the engine roars, the car flies!
The classic 6-speed automatic is like the best partner: timely, quick, and imperceptible shifts. In normal driving mode, the gearbox is set to downshift early and keep the engine at low to mid-speed. However, SPORT mode means that the upshift is delayed, so that the engine gains more revs in each gear, producing more power and sound: invigorating! By the way, there is also an OFF-ROAD mode for off-road driving, but this is a feature of all-wheel drive versions only.
In general, the technology has remained unchanged since the debut of the second-generation Mazda CX-5: in Ukraine, the car is offered with SkyActiv-G gasoline 4-cylinder engines with a volume of 2.0 or 2.5 liters, always mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and all wheels have independent suspensions. The test car was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine (194 hp and 258 Nm), which promises acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds, a top speed of 195 km/h, city fuel consumption of 9 liters and highway fuel consumption of 6.3 liters per 100 km. Now my observations: acceleration is within the promised figure or even slightly better (depending on the driving mode and a good start); fuel consumption in the city is stable at 10-11 liters; on empty roads and a smooth driving style, you can even get 9.5 liters; but with dynamic driving, it can be 12+ liters; on the highway at a speed of about 100 km/h, you get 6-6.5 liters.
How much does the Mazda CX-5 cost with the updates? Has the car gone up in price?
I propose to recall once again the previous review of the Mazda CX-5 crossover to fix in memory the available versions and prices: 2.0 (150 hp) or 2.5 (194 hp) gasoline engines, always a 6-speed automatic transmission, front or all-wheel drive, five trim levels to choose from - and a price range of $31-46 thousand.
Now let's see what's on offer now. The Mazda CX-5 Touring starts with six airbags/curtain airbags, fabric upholstery, leather steering wheel and gearshift, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, heated front seats, power trunk lid, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, MZD Connect multimedia system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, etc. The price of Mazda CX-5 2.0 SkyActiv-G 1506AT2WD Touring starts from UAH 1.23 million or $30 thousand.
One level up is the Mazda CX-5 Touring S, which adds: eco-leather seating, power driver's seat adjustment, keyless entry, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert; the Touring S 4WD version also offers AFS adaptive lighting and signature LED daytime running lights. The price of Mazda CX-5 2.0 SkyActiv-G 1506AT2WD Touring S starts from UAH 1.27 million or $31 thousand.; price Mazda CX-5 2.0 SkyActiv-G 1506AT 4WD Touring S - from 1.366 million UAH or $33 thousand.
One step higher is the Mazda CX-5 Style version, which stands out with the following: body-colored wheel arches and sills, leather and eco-leather interior trim, power front seat adjustments, driver seat adjustment memory, heated rear seats, MI-DRIVE switch, safe city braking system with pedestrian recognition, wireless smartphone charging, 19-inch alloy wheels, combined instrument cluster with a central 7-inch display, color projection display on the windshield, and more. The price of Mazda CX-5 2.0 SkyActiv-G 1506AT 4WD Style starts from UAH 1.44 million or $35 thousand.; price Mazda CX-5 2.5 SkyActiv-G 1946AT 4WD Style - from 1.473 million UAH or $36 thousand.
We should also note the new Mazda CX-5 Sport Black package, which offers equipment at the Style level, but with an original design and interior: black mirror housings, black glossy wheel arches, black and chrome grille trim, TERRACOTTA leather interior trim with black elements, black alloy wheels, etc. The price ofMazda CX-5 2.5 SkyActiv-G 1946AT 4WD Sport Black starts from UAH 1.474 million or $36 thousand.
Finally, the maximum variant is the Mazda CX-5 TOP crossover, which has the following added to the list of equipment: dark gray grille, silver bumper inserts, adaptive lighting system with high beam switching function, NAPPA leather interior trim, front seat ventilation, power trunk lid with opening sensor under the rear bumper, paddle shifters under the steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera system, lane departure warning, highway safety braking system and driver load reduction system during heavy traffic, BOSE audio with 10 speakers, etc. The price ofMazda CX-5 2.5 SkyActiv-G 1946AT 4WD TOP starts from UAH 1.68 million or $41 thousand.
Any version of the Mazda CX-5 can offer a new multimedia system, climate control and heated seats, a rearview camera; from the middle level of equipment, a dashboard with a central 7-inch display and wireless charging are added. The test car was presented in the maximum TOP configuration,which additionally means the presence of seat ventilation, BOSEaudio , 360-degree surround view system - by the way, the image has become much better and clearer. But please note that only in the maximum configuration you can get adaptive cruise control and a full range of safety systems; for other versions, this equipment cannot be added, because all configurations are fixed.
General conclusions about prices: after the update, the Mazda CX-5 crossover either retained its previous price tag (if you count in $) or even became a little more affordable - depending on the specific configuration and equipment level. And one more observation: if you look at the price tags of most competitors - Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 - the Mazda CX-5 cannot offer a hybrid, higher power or a 7-seater interior; however, it can offer much more attractive and realistic prices.
So, to summarize: should you buy or not?
I used to write a similar phrase for such updates, and it fits perfectly here: the Mazda CX-5 has been updated to remind of itself once again and keep the focus of potential buyers' attention. The only significant change is the new multimedia system; the rest of the updates only minimally change the car and hardly affect its consumer qualities, advantages or disadvantages.
However, as far as I understand, and also from the comments here, the multimedia system was expected by many - congratulations, we finally got it. And this is another additional bonus added to the already considerable list of "timeless" advantages of the car: a choice of engines and configurations, many versions with all-wheel drive, good driving performance, and fairly adequate prices for today's realities. If your list of requests and wishes coincides with the list of advantages of the Mazda CX-5, then this car may still be a worthy candidate for purchase. Congratulations to the Mazda CX-5 crossover for finding yet another reason to remind us of itself and its advantages.
