2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo
Class: Compact Crossover/SUV
Colour: Zircon Sand
Seating capability: 5
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishA
Gas EconomyB
ValueB+
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup.
Large & Tall Consolation
Large GuyB
Tall GuyA-
Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs227-horsepower, 2.5-liter
Engine TypeTurbo 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed computerized
Drive WheelsAWD
Miles pushed: 471
Noticed gasoline economic system: 24.0 mpg
Driving combine: 75% metropolis, 25% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 22/27/24 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas sort: Common fuel
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base value: $37,000 (not together with $1375 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($450), navigation system ($450), rear bumper guard ($135)
Worth as examined: $39,410
Fast Hits
The nice: Sporty character, upscale really feel
The nice: Snug cabin, loads of energy
The not so good: Coarse-sounding engine, near-premium value
Tom Appel:
Mazda is aware of factor when it sees it. Although the model’s crossover lineup has been extensively reworked over previously couple of years, one mannequin stays resolutely mounted in place. Whereas the small CX-3 gave manner for the extra upscale CX-30, and the midsize CX-9 was deleted from the lineup to make room for the CX-90, the compact CX-5 stayed put, regardless of the addition of the like-size CX-50 to the Mazda U.S. portfolio.
The CX-5 has lengthy been Mazda’s best-selling mannequin, and the extra of upscale “2-digit” (30, 50, 90) crossovers to the lineup has performed little to problem the CX-5’s recognition. Whereas the brand new crossovers are supposed to look a bit of extra rugged, and to softly nudge the Japanese model upmarket, customers haven’t given up on the CX-5’s tempting mix of sporty character, cabin consolation, and greenback worth. Final yr, prospects snapped up 154,000 CX-5s. Mazda’s 2nd-best promoting mannequin, the CX-30, accounted for lower than half as many gross sales. For the report, the CX-50 got here in at round 45,000 items.
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For 2024, Mazda sweetens the CX-5 pot considerably, by including a second, turbocharged Carbon Version trim degree to the lineup up. The Carbon Version consists of distinctive Polymetal Grey paint, pink leather-based seating, distinctive wheels, and a number of other different options for a worth value. A non-turbo Carbon Version was added to the lineup for the 2021 mannequin yr.
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The complete—and expansive—CX-5 lineup begins with the two.5 S Choose (round $31,000), and ascends via the two.5 S Most popular ($32,000), 2.5 S Carbon Version ($33,000), 2.5 S Premium ($34,000), 2.5 S Premium Plus ($36,000), 2.5 Carbon Turbo ($38,000), 2.5 Turbo Premium ($39,000), and a pair of.5 Turbo Signature ($42,000).
All non-turbo CX-5s are powered by a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4. Turbocharged fashions additionally include a 2.5-liter 4, however rated at 227 horsepower. All engines mate to a 6-speed computerized transmission, and all run on regular-grade fuel. Observe that operating turbocharged CX-5s on premium-grade fuel bumps the rated energy output to 250 horsepower. For 2024 all CX-5 trim ranges included customary AWD.
Observe that the marginally longer and decrease CX-50 roughly matches the CX-5 trim ranges, with every coming in round $1000 larger in value. We critically advocate that consumers contemplating both car check drive every. There’s lots to love about each.
Client Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 CX-5 Carbon Turbo in optionally available Zircon Sand Metallic. With vacation spot and some choices, our check automobile rang in at $39,410.
Inside, the CX-5 principally lives as much as Mazda’s upscale intentions. Cabin supplies are of a excessive grade, and meeting high quality seems prime notch. We additionally discovered the seats to be each substantial and cozy. Thanks, at the least partially, to its upright posture, visibility out of the CX-5 is mostly glorious, and the beneficiant glass space provides the crossover’s inside an open and ethereal really feel. Rear-seat area can also be beneficiant, and 4 adults will discover long-trips greater than tolerable.
Underway the CX-5 shines. Mazda’s “Skyactiv-G” turbocharged engine delivers loads of energy for around-town site visitors dealing with, and provides up a deep reserve of energy for passing and merging. We examined the CX-5 utilizing regular-grade gasoline. Operating premium gasoline will enhance the enjoyable by a significant 23 horsepower. Regardless of Mazda’s upscale aspirations, the Skyactiv engine is a bit of coarse at idle, and doesn’t produce the smoothest sounds when pushed. Mazda loyalists will defend the engine’s lack of refinement as character, and we’re OK with that.
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When it comes to journey and dealing with, the CX-5 shines as few small crossovers do. Dealing with is entertainingly sporty, with agency, properly weighted steering, strong-feeling brakes, and properly managed lean in corners. Regardless of its athletic nature, journey high quality is spectacular, with well-controlled physique movement over bigger highway imperfections and no harshness over damaged highway surfaces.
We must always handle the love-it or hate-it infotainment interface. The CX-5 employs a center-console located rotary knob for many digital actuation. The knob each rotates and acts as a plunger, the later to interact deeper menus and sub menus. Preliminary response to the setup—even by the automotive media—is mostly damaging, primarily as a result of most different manufacturers have moved on to less complicated touch-screen programs.
They stated, there may be a lot to love concerning the Mazda system as soon as a driver has develop into accustomed to the association. This writer finds the system a superb approach to maintain a driver’s eyes on the highway. It takes just a few days to develop into familiarized with the system, after which many drivers come to desire it to standard touch-screen operation. Make sure to spend time studying how the Mazda knob-driven infotainment-system works do you have to take a check drive in a CX-5, or any Mazda, for that matter.
We’re massive followers of the CX-5. We discover that Mazda’s best-selling crossover represents a deft mix of utility, luxurious, and sporty character. Some customers might balk on the infotainment-system interface, however we promise that it turns into extra acquainted, and simpler to make use of, over time. Extra importantly, the CX-5 can appear expensive in comparison with different small crossovers. However, if you evaluate the CX-5’s upscale cabin, obtainable energy, and common utility, the Mazda justifies its additional price. Whenever you check drive the CX-5, take time to take a look at the more-modern-looking CX-50, it’s additionally excellent.
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2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo Gallery
(Click on beneath for enlarged pictures)
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